Galway to Gurteen Bay and Clifden
We really enjoyed the drive between Galway via the gorgeous Gurteen Bay to the stunning Sky Drive. It may not rival the Slea Head Drive in Dazzling Dingle. But the day was capped by seeing not just one but three of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland and a spectacular airplane-like view from the summit of Sky Drive.
Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
Our content and advice are derived from our personal experience and knowledge, gained from living in Europe for seven years and studying its art and architecture. Our recommendations are not influenced by affiliate links – we do not have any. Ireland is one of our favourite destinations.
All of our recommendations are top-rated by Google Maps Ratings, which is based on everyone, not just tourists. Each place recommended in our custom Ireland West Map is appended with a Google Maps Rating (G0 to G5).
Gurteen Bay Itinerary
Unexpected Pleasures
The first part of the drive on Route N59 was neither memorable nor photogenic. Suddenly, there was a parking area on the left with many cars. Lough Bofin was not that close, but houses and green hillside pastures reflected in the lake. It was magical.
There are no signposts in advance, and the site is not named, but it was 38.7 km from our superb Bohola B&B in Salthill.
Pines Island
Continuing on, we came to a viewpoint on the right side of the road called Pines Island. This view was much closer. An island of pines was reflected in the still waters of Derryclare Lough (pronounced loch and meaning lake) surrounded by imposing mountains. How often is there no wind in Ireland?
We found this viewpoint on Google Maps and had no idea it would be so nice. Again, there may not be much advance warning (there rarely is), but it was 65.2 km from Bohola. This is a very poor pull-off off so do not bring large vehicles to the rock-strewn parking area, as it will be difficult to turn around to get out. Try parking near the road at the beginning.
Roundstone
Soon after Pine Island, turn left on Route R341 to Roundstone (80.5 km). This is an attractive village that glides over a hill. We found a good viewpoint on another hill just before the village. There are restaurants and cafés here.
Gurteen Bay
Just 3 km later, we arrived at one of the prime sights of this itinerary. Here was a crescent beach with white sand made from tiny marine creatures. Ooh, so soft! Note the artist’s painting on the rocks.
I hiked up the nearby hill and walked through the pastures. I guess it was allowed, as the sign only said no dogs allowed. In less than 15 minutes, I arrived at Dog’s Bay and its white sand beach. It was amazing to see back-to-back reverse crescent beaches.
Seventh Heaven comes with a picnic bench overlooking the crescent-shaped, turquoise-tinged Gurteen Bay. So we enjoyed the scenery while eating silky Brie de Meaux, scrumptious Tipperary Blue and creamy Tolu Goat Cheese on delicious Rivercote crackers.
Sky Road Route
White Strand
Wow! White Strand is a gorgeous beach, and there was no one there in May.
Double Wow!! Will these magnificent beaches never stop? This one was marked White Beach on Google Maps, but its official name is Mannin Bay.
Sky Road
This road should really be one-way at least to the summit viewpoint. Unfortunately, there are no pull-offs until the sole one at the top. The best way to increase tourism is to offer a better and safer experience, like more and better pull-offs. Photos are also good and free marketing for Ireland Tourism.
Finally, it is show time! The 270° view is breathtaking: islands and oceans, greens and blues.
The road downhill had more views, but there was nowhere to stop. All you can do is just stop on the road.
It was only 16:00, so we decided to do the highly touted Claddaghduff to Cleggan loop. This was definitely disappointing, and we would not recommend it. I didn’t even find interesting subjects for photos.
It was 17:00 hrs. and time to head back to Galway for supper. The whole day was 239.6 km round trip and took 9 hours.
Another late day at the “office”. That’s the reason there have been few posts lately. No, we have not been house hunting… yet.
Final Comments on this Itinerary
This is an action-packed itinerary. Most newbie tourists head to cities like Galway that they have heard about, or what I call name recognition. The places we recommend are all highly rated by local people, as shown by the high Google Map Ratings. Remember, the most important “destination” is meeting the people.
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Itinerary Map & Resources
The From Galway to Gurteen Bay route is part of our Ireland West and our Best Places for 2 Weeks in Southwest Ireland itineraries.
If you have more than a week, then combine this tour with places in the Ireland East, Ireland South and the Best Places for 2 Weeks in Southwest (SW) Ireland itineraries below. Or just visit some of the nearby places listed below.
Google Maps Ratings
Google Maps provides a rating from 0 to 5 for all sights, hotels and restaurants (but not cities). All of our recommendations are appended with the rating (prefixed with a G) from Google Maps. As it is based on feedback from tourists and locals, it is much more reliable than travel booking websites. We consider a score of 4 to 4.39 to be Very Good; 4.4 to 5 to be Excellent.
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