Exploring the Sky Road

In a quiet corner of County Galway, a road winds through a wild and windswept landscape of craggy rock and rugged green bluffs. Every few moments a spectacular panorama of blue ocean flashes into view, with green fields tumbling down to meet the crashing waves. This is the Sky Road in Connemara, a looped route that hugs the coastline and takes around an hour to drive. Over a distance of 16km, the road winds through some of the most mesmerisingly beautiful landscapes in Ireland – there are undulating, rust-coloured bogs, white sandy beaches fringed by milky blue waters, and fields crisscrossed with dry stone walls. It feels like the edge of the world.

Getting started

The starting (and, indeed, finishing) point for the Sky Road is the buzzy town of Clifden in the heart of County Galway’s Connemara region. Whether you choose to cycle or drive, the route is the same: follow the upper road onto the Kingston Peninsula to enjoy the most spectacular views, before following the N59 back to Clifden. There are a few places to stop off along the way if you want to get out and stretch your legs, including a spectacular panoramic viewing spot around 5km or so from Clifden. Eyrephort Beach is another don’t-miss spot around 9km from town. The beach looks out onto the islands of Inishturbot and Inishturk South and is known for its gorgeous white sands and azure waters – there’s no better place to sit back and soak up the scenery.

Explore more

If you want to make your journey longer and continue exploring, then you’re in the right place. There are countless must-see sights close to the Sky Road. Before heading back to Clifden, you could head north to the scenic village of Cleggan – a jumping-off point for ferries to Inishbofin Island. Or you could head inland to the exceptional Connemara National Park with a multitude of walking trails. Or how about an afternoon at Kylemore Abbey – one of Ireland’s most beautiful structures, set on the edge of a glassy lake? Back in Clifden, treat yourself to an evening at Lamplight Wine Bar, where you can enjoy a laid-back feast of tapas and fine wines.

Galway’s food scene includes incredible cafés, bistros and fine-dining restaurants that are kicking the culinary ball right out of the park.