the great figure eight tour

The stone walls and small fields on the islands are fascinating).

Returning to Casla drive north on the R336, continuing to Screeb and on through wild and scenic countryside until you reach Maam Cross, the 'Piccadilly of Connemara". Go straight on, savouring the scenery, and take a left turn at Maam Bridge for Maum. This will bring you through the beautiful Maam Valley, part of which is known as Joyce Country, because of the importance of the Joyce family to the region.

Your next stop is the beautiful village of Leenane, backed by the Maamturk Mountains and facing Killary Harbour. Leaving Leenane on the Letterfrack Road, it is possible to take a short detour to the mouth of Killary Harbour, where you will get an excellent view of the fjord-like inlet. Killary Harbour is one of the safest anchorages in the world and is suitable for all kinds of waterpursuits. The harbour is sheltered from storm by mountain walls and keeps an almost constant depth of 13 fathoms for its entire length.

Return to the main road, where Kylemore Abbey, once a private residence, now a school, rises to your right before you reach the Quaker founded village of Letterfrack with its National Park. Kylemore has a craft shop and restaurant and some fine walks. Continue on, until you come to a sign for Cleggan and Claddaghduff. Take this road. When you come to Cleggan, you may be tempted to take a ferry to the beautiful island of Inishbofin. There are regular sailings. Otherwise continue to Claddaghduff. Here, if the tide is out, you can walk or drive across the superb beach to Omey Island, where there are some fine archaeological remains.

On yur way back to Clifden take the Sky Road which will give you breathtaking views of seascape and landscape. As you return to Clifden by the southerly tip of the peninsula, you will see the town at its best, with the spires of its two elegant churches rising skywards.

From Clifden, return on the N59 to Galway, passing the Dan O'Hara Homestead and visitor complex as well as the frequently photographed Derryclare Lough. This is a straightforward journey. Distance 240km/150 miles (approx).