Page 181 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 17: Connemara and its Loughs 179

r Lough Corrib
Co Mayo and Co Galway
The largest lake in the Republic of
Ireland, Lough Corrib is reputed to
have an island for every day of the
year. One of the largest is Inchagoil,
which has an important monastic
settlement (see p186). Many are
wooded, and the dawn chorus in
early spring on Lough Corrib is a
spectacular natural event.
From Maum to Clonbur there are
almost uninterrupted views of this
beautiful, island-studded lake. There
is a viewing point just before
Cornamona (Corr Na Mona). From Above Magnificent mountain scenery
here it is possible to make a detour t Cong between Loughs Mask and Nafooey
onto a tiny peninsula that affords Co Mayo
closer views of the Isle of Inchagoil. Cong was the location for John Ford’s EAT AND DRINK
Clonbur (An Fhaírche) is a picturesque 1951 film The Quiet Man, starring John
village on the broad neck of land Wayne. Movie buffs should head for the LOUGHS MASK AND NAFOOEY
between Loughs Mask and Corrib. Quiet Man Museum (open Easter–mid- Maire Lukes inexpensive
There are forest and lakeside walks Oct daily). Nearby, ruined Cong Abbey From the garden at the rear of this
in the vicinity and Clonbur Woods was founded in the 7th century and landmark pub there are sweeping
are renowned for the variety of rebuilt in the 12th and 13th by the last views of Lough Mask. It serves good
light lunches, and helpful staff are
butterflies found there. kings of Connaught: knowledgeable about the area.
The upper-floor balcony Turlough, Rory and Cathal Toormakeady, Lough Mask; 094 954
of Burke’s pub-restaurant O’Connor. The splendid, 4080
has great views of ornamented 12th-century LOUGH CORRIB
Mount Gable and the Cross of Cong once Burke’s inexpensive
landscape. Its owners resided here (it is now in This family-run pub and restaurant
also provide maps and the National Museum of offers wonderful views of Mount Gable
advice on local walking Ireland in Dublin, see p150). as well as a good variety of meat and
trails. One is to the top Behind the abbey, a path fish dishes for hungry walkers.
of Mount Gable, from leads to Ashford Castle, Clonbur; 094 954 6175;
www.burkes-clonbur.com
where the whole of once the home of Arthur
Connemara is spread Guinness, founder of the CONG
out below. It is a 3-hour Cong Abbey’s 12th-century Guinness stout brewery Hungry Monk Café inexpensive
return trek, but it is also arched doorway in 1756, and now one of A great place to indulge in freshly
possible to drive to Ireland’s most luxurious ground coffee and home-made
within 40 minutes’ walk of hotels. Take tea here to enjoy the desserts and cakes.
Abbey Street, Cong; 094 954 5842;
the summit (ask at Burke’s). lovely ornamental gardens that sweep www.hungrymonkcong.com;
ª Take the R346 east to Cong. down to the shores of Lough Corrib. closed Sun
DAY TRIP OPTIONS History trail Connemara’s lakelands
Clifden, Killary Harbour and Cong From lovely Killary Harbour 7, the From either Clonbur or Cong t four
are all good bases from which to spectacular, steep and winding route lovely loughs – Carra, Mask, Nafooey
explore the coastline, history and over Bengorm Pass leads to poignant w and Corrib r – can be linked in
loughs of Connemara. Delphi Valley 8 and Doolough 9, a delightful day’s driving tour that
also runs through Irish-speaking
Island life the site of a moving monument to Joyce Country around Maum e.
From picturesque Clifden 1 take the Ireland’s tragic Famine Trail.
lovely drive out on the Sky Road 2 Follow the drive instructions over the Head north to Barna, Ballinchalla and
to Cleggan for the ferry to Inishbofin pass and through the valley along the Ballinrobe, then turn left onto the N84
Island 4, where traditional Irish lough, continuing to the end of the to the shores of Lough Carra. Continue
on the N84 up to Partry, then turn left
music and crafts are still a way of life. descent from Tawnyard Pass 0. When onto the R300 to Srah, and from there
Follow the drive instructions out to the road reaches the N59, turn right to follow the drive instructions back to
Cleggan for the ferry to the island. return to Killary Harbour/Leenane. Clonbur or Cong.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

174-179_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 179 11/09/17 12:30 pm