{"id":58644,"date":"2017-05-29T21:49:10","date_gmt":"2017-05-29T19:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.summitcairn.com\/?p=58644\/"},"modified":"2018-03-07T18:30:20","modified_gmt":"2018-03-07T17:30:20","slug":"wild-atlantic-way-from-loop-head-to-sligo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.summitcairn.com\/en\/wild-atlantic-way-from-loop-head-to-sligo\/","title":{"rendered":"Wild Atlantic Way – from Loop Head to Sligo"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ back_color=”color-rgdb” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” style=”dark” font_family=”font-232988″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/4″][vc_pie value=”70″ label_value=”Interest” arc_width=”10″ bar_color=”color-xsdn”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” style=”dark” font_family=”font-232988″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/4″][uncode_counter value=”7″ text=”road tripping” suffix=”days”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” style=”dark” font_family=”font-232988″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/4″][uncode_counter value=”1700″ text=”driven” suffix=”km”][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” style=”dark” font_family=”font-232988″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/4″][uncode_counter value=”0″ text=”leprechaun”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]The Wild Atlantic Way is 2500km of road along the wild west coast of Ireland. This road extends from Kinsale in the south to Malin Head in the north. It allows one to discover many Irish counties and many hidden gems to which the Wild Atlantic Way leads us by following its well-founded logo.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ mobile_visibility=”yes” shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-279054″ medias=”57317″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”3″ media_items=”media|nolink|original,icon” screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”12″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_text_anim=”no” single_overlay_anim=”no” single_image_anim=”no” single_padding=”2″ single_border=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]I had only a short week of vacation, so it was impossible to do the entire Wild Atlantic Way. So I decided to limit my wanderings between Limerick and more precisely Loop Head and Sligo by taking my time in Connemara that I wanted to discover especially.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_custom_heading]Day 1 – from Paris to Loop Head[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]Departure 09 March at 13h from Charles de Gaulle with Aer Lingus. As I will be in the car I am not travelling especially light, so I leave well loaded.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”50″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-164383″ medias=”57328″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”3″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”12″ single_height=”12″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]The flight is fast (about 1h30), just enough to take a nap. Arrival in Dublin happens smoothly and I go to the car rental company after getting my luggage. And here the first surprise: I had found a rental at a really good price by cons what to read in the small lines is that a security deposit of 1500 \u20ac was requested! Obviously I did not have them on my account, so I had to pay 160 \u20ac extra (equivalent to the rental price) to lower the deposit to 300 \u20ac …<\/p>\n

Check the security deposits required when renting your vehicle. Also, be careful with the insurance supplements that we will try to sell you and that ultimately does not (necessarily) change much. For my part I use a GOLD card (free with most banks today) which allows to have additional insurance in case of damage on the car.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Well, after that I get the car, a brand new VW Golf. I’ll be pretty good in there. I take possession of the premises and this is where the difficulties begin: DRIVING LEFT IN IRELAND !! It will therefore be necessary to go directly reality (note the number of times that this “detail” is recalled at the airport, down to the toilet …). I have already driven to the left but in a French car, there I will have to manage the direction of traffic and the shift of gears on the left !!<\/p>\n

So I start in the traffic around the airport and then on the M50, a kind of Dublin outskirt. At first I feel like relearning to drive: I do not see the signs, I’m struggling with the gears, I have rotten trajectories, … Fortunately the GPS is there to guide me … I’m quickly on the N7 then the M7 which allows me to “relax” a little driving level …<\/p>\n

I will pass on the crossing of Ireland to Limerick. All I can say is that it is surprisingly fast (2: 30-3: 00).<\/p>\n

I leave the “big roads” a little after Limerick towards Ennis to join the N68 in direction of Kilkee, small town by the sea. The road already dwarfs and it requires more concentration.<\/p>\n

In the end I arrive in Kilkee around 18:30. The city is calm, there are not many people in the streets. The waterfront is nice but not stunning.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-159332″ medias=”57330″ gutter_size=”3″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”12″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]I stop to take a little air and make my plans for the evening: initially I wanted to sleep in a campsite in the city but it is not at all by the sea and, is above all composed of mobile homes and caravans … not great. As it is still early I will go to Loop Head and I will improvise on the spot.<\/p>\n

It is at this moment that I really get the Wild Atlantic Way and that really begins the journey. The roads, out of town, are tiny! Fortunately there are not many people and I can get used to this. From the exit of Kilkee, one falls on a beautiful line of vertiginous cliffs. I stop already for taking some pictures. Small parenthesis: I was marked these first days by the smell very special (not bothersome or unpleasant) in these areas of cliff. I’m not sure but I think it’s due to the nesting seabird colonies.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-121168″ medias=”57332,57333,57334″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes” items=”eyI1NzMzNF9pIjp7InNpbmdsZV93aWR0aCI6IjEyIn19″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]The road leads nicely to Loop Head which is on a head. The landscapes are made up of fields, very green, it is an agricultural region. The weather is nice.<\/p>\n

Loop Head and its lighthouse are unveiled quickly at the end of the road. The car park is almost empty, I will be able to enjoy serenely the place. The lighthouse is nice, there is the caretaker’s house next door and some technical buildings I guess. The whole is surrounded by a low wall.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-103905″ medias=”57337,57336″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]The head is beautiful, it is surrounded by high cliffs with a lot of birds that nest there. Unfortunately my camera lens does not allow to make satisfactory photographs of the volatiles … I stroll taking advantage of the quietude of the late afternoon.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-118288″ medias=”57340,57341,57339″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes” items=”eyI1NzMzOV9pIjp7InNpbmdsZV93aWR0aCI6IjEyIn19″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]In the end, I choose to stay here for the night, there is nobody and it is not a small tent that will annoy anyone. So I settle the camp just beside the cliff and I prepare to eat, but, small detail, I forgot to buy gas for my stove … Fortunately there is a van that “camps” on the car park, its owner accept to boil some water for me, thanks!<\/p>\n

In Ireland and the United Kingdom, wild camping is generally tolerated. On the other hand almost all the land is private, so you must ask the owner before settling your camp, this one will generally accept and will even sometimes advise you about a nice place to stay. The main thing is to not abuse and especially to leave the camp absolutely intact after your departure.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I finish the evening admiring the sunset on the cliffs. While writing my notebook, I am enlightened by the lighthouse of Loop Head, starting point of my journey …[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-430310″ medias=”57343″ gutter_size=”3″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”12″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_custom_heading]Day 2 – from Loop Head to Galway[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]This is the first real day on my road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way. I’m back on the road quickly after an early morning wake around 6h … There is nobody driving this early; which is ok for me because it leaves me the field to “train” to drive left on the small roads.<\/p>\n

The first stop will be at the “Bridge of Ross”, a natural arch on a small stretch of sea and forming behind a small “pirate creek”.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-108257″ medias=”57418″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”3″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”12″ single_height=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]The road then takes me back to Kilkee, I pass quickly. I then follow the coast on pleasant but not marvelous sections. I quickly stop at Spanish Point but the beach is a bit disappointing.<\/p>\n

As time passes quickly it is soon 9am and I begin to be hungry. I make a detour off the circuit to Ennystimon, small city on the N67. The city would be nicer if there was no “big” road that crosses it through and on which there is quite a lot of traffic including trucks. All this removes a bit of charm from the pretty colorful facades of pubs and other shops.<\/p>\n

I stop at Ginger Lou’s to have a typical “Irish breakfast” consisting of eggs, white and black pudding, bacon, …<\/p>\n

I \u00a0drive in direction on the famous cliffs of Moher after this good break!<\/p>\n

These are not far down the road. It feels that it is a big tourist attraction when one sees the size of the car park, the crowd and the price to park: 6 \u20ac \/ adult. However, it is worth it because the cliffs are really beautiful.<\/p>\n

The site streches to the north towards the O’Brien Tower and towards the south for a walk along the cliffs. There are a lot of people but it’s not too disturbing but it is surely worth during summer.<\/p>\n

I begin my walk to the tower to admire the cliffs to the south. There is a bit of mist but it is really beautiful: the cliffs fall in the sea from the top of their 200m. Many birds also nest there.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-242590″ medias=”57423,57422″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]I then start the walk that runs along the cliffs towards the south towards T\u00far an Mhothair, a second tower with a nearby geocache. The walk takes 5.5km to go and is done round trip. There are a lot of people at the start but quickly we leave the (very) arranged path and the “crowd” is diluted. We quickly find ourselves in a calm setting along the vertiginous cliffs.<\/p>\n

The pace of walking is not very high because there are pictures to take every 10m …[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-170924″ medias=”57425,57426,57427,57428″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]This walk, which takes about 2h30-3h round trip (with the pictures) is definitely worth it and offers great views. I did not make the tourist center of the cliffs of Moher but I imagine that there must be some interesting infos …[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-145042″ medias=”57430″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”3″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”12″ single_height=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]Here we go again ! The Wild Atlantic Way runs along the coast on very small roads heading north. It is very beautiful especially as on the right (towards the east) unveils the moors of the Burren to which I will then take a tour.<\/p>\n

Before that I stop at Fanore beach for some pictures.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-460908″ medias=”57432,57433″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]The road is still pretty and really not wide after Fanore beach. We go through a whole series of small villages, it’s nice.<\/p>\n

I fork south following the N67 then the R480 to Ballyvaughan towards the dolmen of Poulnabrone. The R480 evolves in the Burren it’s beautiful. This region is made up of moors with many limestone rocky outcrops with white hues bringing aesthetics to the landscape.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-211164″ medias=”57439″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”3″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”12″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]I quickly reach the site of Poulnabrone. There is no one when I arrive, nice. There are some explanatory signs on the way to the dolmen. The latter dates from a period of -4200 to -2900 years, ie from the Neolithic.<\/p>\n

The dolmen itself is composed of a large relatively thin slab resting on two vertical stones called “portal stone”. The whole gives the dolmen a portal look indeed.<\/p>\n

The site is a grave, 33 resting people have been discovered (adults and children) as well as many artefacts.<\/p>\n

It is impressive and beautiful. It’s worth the little detour.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-625651″ medias=”57443,57444,57442″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes” items=”eyI1NzQ0Ml9pIjp7InNpbmdsZV93aWR0aCI6IjEyIn19″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]Half turn. I catch up with the Wild Atlantic Way towards Galway. I stop on the way to admire the castle of Dunguaire which is a bit of a model of the kind.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-210375″ medias=”57447,57446″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]It is about 17:30 and the arrival on Galway will be in the caps of the exit of work. I leave the car in a car park in the city center and I get my room at the Kinlay Hostel. It is a friendly hostel and especially perfectly located in the city (about 20 \u20ac per night in dormitory).<\/p>\n

Galway is a small town that has charm and looks dynamic. Lots of people in the streets and terraces to enjoy the sun.<\/p>\n

I will finish my evening with my first pint of Guinness in a real Irish pub. I will start with the Quays and then I will go to the Taafes bar to listen to traditional music. The atmosphere is very friendly and there is a lot of people even for a weekday.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-466997″ medias=”57449,57450″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/1″][vc_custom_heading]Day 3 – from Galway to Cilfden[\/vc_custom_heading][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]After this soft night rocked by the snoring and the guttural noises of my neighbor of room, I am back on the road a little tired towards Connemara! It is the region I most want to discover during this trip because it looks beautiful and “authentic” even if I do not like this adjective, to say it otherwise I hope the traditional and local Irish culture is still strong.<\/p>\n

I am back on the Wild Atlantic Way at the exit of Galway. The beginning of the road is not interesting but slowly the urban density decreases and we begin to perceive the moors of stones of Connemara. The landscape actually changes after the small airfield to Indreabh\u00e1n. The R336 is following the coast and one passes through pretty villages. In the distance one begins to perceive the hills (big hills of 700m for the biggest ones).<\/p>\n

I make a few stops in small seaside villages that offer pretty little ports or beaches of white sand; the whole is very charming.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-534531″ medias=”57593,57595,57594″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]The road is really getting more and more beautiful especially when you enter the R342. You can see the “Bens” to the north these big hills (or small mountain) that give its character to the Connemara. There are not many people which allows to enjoy the scenery and driving (especially since now I finally master the left-hand drive and especially shifting gears).<\/p>\n

As I want to “explore” the Connemara roads, I leave the Wild Atlantic Way a moment to cut through the “Roundstone Bog”. The road that crosses this marsh is absolutely superb and offers a striking panorama. I can not find its name but it is easy to find the bifurcation that leads to it in one direction as in the other.<\/p>\n

Following this itinerary you will travel in a moist moorland dotted with lakes with the “Bens” to the north. It is also the first contact with the sheep in semi-freedom. The sheep are almost all accompanied by their lamb because lambing took place not long ago. I take the time to stop, to photograph, to enjoy, it is very beautiful …[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-184660″ medias=”57597,57599,57598″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes” items=”eyI1NzU5OF9pIjp7InNpbmdsZV93aWR0aCI6IjEyIn19″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]Arrived at Ballinaboy, I take the Wild Atlantic Way but south, to cross this portion on the one hand and also to go to the Ben Leitri that I wish “climb”. This portion of the road is also very beautiful and offers beautiful views of the coast, especially the beautiful beach of Port Na Feadoige which gives more to think of Polynesia than Connemara seen the blue color of the water and the white sand …[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-236631″ medias=”57602,57603″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]I recover and turn left on the N59 a little after Ballinafad.<\/p>\n

The beginning of the Ben Leitri ascent is located at the youth hostel of the same name a few kilometers to the west (towards Clifden) (GPS coordinates: 53.4728933, -9.8624709). There is room for parking, it is relatively convenient. I start looking for the beginning of the course after changing for the walk and I come across the owner of the youth hostel, an American woman from Los Angeles who has lived in Ireland for 17 years (I no longer have her first name …) with whom I discuss a little about the best way to the summit. She also lends me a card, very nice.<\/p>\n

The summit is not very high: 557m but there is not really a path so you have to trace it yourself. The start of the hike goes up well and mostly evolves in sheep meadow with large clumps of grass that destabilize a little walk. We quickly arrive at a kind of shoulder after some small cliffs more difficult to pass. In general people are going westward to get around the summit but I choose to follow this shoulder to the northeast and “shoot” right on top. It looks practicable and I am following the paths traced by the sheep. In any case the landscape that is offered to me to the south is already very beautiful![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-181336″ medias=”57607,57606,57608″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]The summit is finally reached fairly quickly even if it climbs strongly. In any case no big difficulties for someone who is used to moutains (by cons in rainy weather it must be more complicated because the ground must be slippery).<\/p>\n

The view to the summit is sublime as it offers a 360 \u00b0 panorama on the Connemara. To the north, the Twelves Bens, west of Roundstone Marshes, south and east the coast and Irish moor. There is nobody I enjoy the moment …[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-894205″ medias=”57617,57610,57612,57614,57613,57616″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes” items=”eyI1NzYxM19pIjp7InNpbmdsZV93aWR0aCI6IjEyIiwic2luZ2xlX2hlaWdodCI6IjgifSwiNTc2MTZfaSI6eyJzaW5nbGVfd2lkdGgiOiIxMiIsInNpbmdsZV9oZWlnaHQiOiIzIn19″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]As Ben Leitri’s climb was faster than expected, I decided to push up to Glengower (or Bin Gabhar) (664m) because it will offer another view and that there is only 70m to climb.<\/p>\n

The summit offers once again a magnificent view. I take advantage of the moment and silence at the top …[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”90″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-150893″ medias=”57621,57622,57624,57625,57626″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”1″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_width=”6″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″ lbox_caption=”yes” items=”eyI1NzYyNF9pIjp7InNpbmdsZV93aWR0aCI6IjEyIiwic2luZ2xlX2hlaWdodCI6IjMifX0=”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]For the descent I will follow a different path passing between Ben Leitri and a secondary summit in a horseshoe valley. No particular difficulty with the descent except small portions of cliffs less practical to pass.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”60″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_column_text]\n

Here the GPS file of the path I followed :<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t

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