Galway spin

zubair

Hi folks, we're doing a short weekend to Galway soon and have a day on the road in the local area and we're trying to organise a route in advance. I looked at the below as a possible loop, we will be on the road all day so plenty of time but does anyone know if this route is any good. Looking for a bit of scenery with plenty of decent twisties too.

An alternative is to go south which seems to have lots of options but I'm not sure which would be better for bikes and not interested in spending all our time on single track roads.

whomitconcerns

zubair wrote: »

Hi folks, we're doing a short weekend to Galway soon and have a day on the road in the local area and we're trying to organise a route in advance. I looked at the below as a possible loop, we will be on the road all day so plenty of time but does anyone know if this route is any good. Looking for a bit of scenery with plenty of decent twisties too.

An alternative is to go south which seems to have lots of options but I'm not sure which would be better for bikes and not interested in spending all our time on single track roads.

Was there a few weeks ago in a car. Plenty of twisty roads and lots of scenery.

Would recommend going between the lakes on the way though ie maam cross etc. Amazing scenery

LariToper

I'm not sure if Castlebar is a must for you, if so you can disregard this. In my opinion, Maam valley and the gap between the Lough Corrib and Lough Mask shouldn't be missed, spacious twisty roads with amazing scenary. The route from Castlebar back to Galway is pretty standard rural N roads with not much out of the ordinary. With the route below you'll only be doubling back on yourself for a kilometer from Aasleagh Falls to Leenaun. Also I'd take a left on the way to Louisburgh to take the scenic coastal route. Let me know if you have any other questions.

*Edit* Just realised I left out Sky Road on my screenshot below, don't skip that! Also if you're passing at lower half of the tide you should make time to make the crossing out to Omey Island over the sandbar (beside Claddaghduff on the map below)

IrishGrimReaper

^^
You want to try include Cornamona/Clunbor bit from the above it's very good.

I'd reccomend keeping Roundstone in it, there's a place near it called Dogs Bay and it looks awesome.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dog's+Bay/@53.4159786,-10.007443,12z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xf83845d4cdaf160d!8m2!3d53.3788532!4d-9.9617946

LariToper

IrishGrimReaper wrote: »

^^
You want to try include Cornamona/Clunbor bit from the above it's very good.

I'd reccomend keeping Roundstone in it, there's a place near it called Dogs Bay and it looks awesome.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dog's+Bay/@53.4159786,-10.007443,12z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xf83845d4cdaf160d!8m2!3d53.3788532!4d-9.9617946

I agree, I accidentally left out Roundstone as well, I threw together the route quickly focusing on the different route after Westport, I'd keep everything fairly the same as your original route, except going through Roonagh near Louisburgh and then the way back through Maam-Clonbur-Cong

zubair

This is brilliant lads, really appreciate it!

Interceptor

I actually can't add anything that hasn't already been said! Thats a hell of a route and if you get a dry day it'll be hard to beat. Watch for dopey tourists in rental cars on all roads in Connemara!

Wonda-Boy

Been around the Maam Cross a few times, its like the land that time forget. Really surreal and untouched beauty....

Interceptor

Just back from a lap of Connemara and I have to recommend the Sheaffrey pass from Delphi to Aghagower. Head to Tourmakeady and down toward Finny and on to Leenane if you want a proper scenic loop.

two wheels good

Including Maam Cross -Lough Inagh - Leenane (second map ) is well worth it. Love that route. And Delphi - Louisb. too
Pity to see Roundstone cut. That's very scenic but I suppose Kilkieran is too.

Could you exclude Spiddall-Galway-Headford. Tedious. Go around by Cong instead. Even if it meant retracing a section of the route.
Rendezvouz out of town. Oughterard? Gets the ride off to to a good start.
I'm going to check-out the other suggestions I'm not familiar with. Thanks. Safe riding.

zubair

Heading to Galway today and there's a yellow rain warning, standard.

Thanks again for all your help folks. Will let you know how we get on.

LariToper

If you're around til Sunday there's Galway Auto Meet on Sunday morning on the east side of the city, usually a great selection of cars on show

https://www.facebook.com/galwayautomeet/