Ballyvaughan to Westport: which SCENIC route?

Melissa5 · Guru

Ballyvaughan to Westport: which SCENIC route?

wojazz3 · Guru

Hi Melissa:

I would take the N59 out of Galway towards Clifden. You could then either take the R336 or R334 north to go to Leenane. I love the road over Doo Lough Pass to Louisburgh and then over to Westport. The ride gives you quite a few views of Crough Patrick.

The obvious excursion to Kylemore is there. Other options if you have time. A boat trip on Lough Corrib from Oughterard is lovely. The island trip is quite interesting. You could go up the N84 from Galway and go through Cong. I find the ride west of Lough Corrib more interesting than east, but that's just me. The road from Clong through Clonbur (R345) is quite beautiful though.

Bill

oopsy · Senior Member

I second the suggestion to head toward Clifden. The Ballyvaughan to Westport drive is short enough that you could see a lot of the beautiful Connemara region that day. There are several nice short hikes, scenic drives, and beautiful beaches in the area.

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

You can't go wrong with Bill's advice. However, if you want to see Kylemore Abbey & Gardens you will need to take the R334. You can also get a boat ride on Killary Harbor near Leenane.

On a side note, if you have the time when in Westport and the weather is perfect do Achill Island. You won't regret it.

Michele

Melissa5 · Guru

Wow thanks everybody...it's just as I thought, every route is scenic from Ballyvaughan to Westport! Awesome! Choices, choices...Something to do on the plane. I'll let hubby help me choose.

MICHELE: We were wondering if the boat ride on Killary Harbor is worthwhile? We took a boat ride down a fijord in New Zealand and it was awesome seeing it from the water. We are definitely going to stop and see Killary Harbor, but I haven't planned the boat ride so far...it is an option.

Thanks for recommending ACHILL island, Michele. I was also wondering whether we should see Clare Island or Achill island if we only have time for one. We have the journey from Ballyvaughan to Westport, then we have 3 nights in Westport. So we can probably see Killary Harbor, and either Achill or Clare Island. If the weather is good, from the description in your book, I was leaning towards Achill Island.

We also want to spend some time just wandering around Westport.

wojazz3 · Guru

I don't think the Killary boat ride will compare to New Zealand as fjords go. It's not a terribly impressive fjord, but I've never actually been on the trip. I still think the boat ride on Corrib to Inchagoil Island is wonderful. On the island sits one of the oldest known pieces of Christian writing. It's quite impressive. The evidence that St Patrick was there is very strong.

Bill

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

Bill (as always) is right about Killary Harbor. It definitely won't have the WOW factor of a New Zealand or Norwegian fijord. See what the weather is like, what time it is and how the family feels when you are there. Some decisions are better made while there.

Achill Island is definitely easier to get to since you just drive across a bridge. My book will give you the highlights and some hidden gems. If you have time go all the way out to Keem Bay where the road deadends at a beautiful beach.

Michele

Melissa5 · Guru

Lovely, lovely Ireland, everywhere. Thank you everyone. We're packed. Actually looking forward to that 10-hour flight from LAX to Dublin. I have my mini-journal for the plane, and I want to buy a bigger one in Ireland for oneof my souveneirs. Good night...