Imagine a gigantic valley dotted with lakes, moors and peat bogs, enclosed on either side by gigantic dark mountains (the Twelve Bens and the Maumturk Mountains). The scenery is breathtaking in its splendor, reminiscent of certain Scottish landscapes… Whether it’s sunny or rainy, you won’t be disappointed by these majestic mountains overlooking acres of russet moorland and lakes…
The tour starts on the R344, a narrow road in sometimes good, sometimes poor condition, which takes you for several kilometers through the Inagh Valley. You can reach it between Galway and Clifden, and then arrive in the middle of vast expanses of moorland and peat bogs, under the imposing presence of the Maumturk and Twelves Bens, two mountain ranges on either side of the valley.
As you walk along, you’ll notice small lakes and streams meandering along the roads, as well as Lough Inagh Valley, a gigantic lake nestling in the Twelve Bens. (Note that it is possible to drive along it to the start of the N59 road towards Clifden.
Strangely enough, the area seems uninhabited, and you won’t see a single dwelling or trace of human life in Inagh Valley, apart from the occasional sheep grazing freely, and a few Irish people collecting peat. (Let’s just note the presence of a hotel and a gas station…).
Don’t miss the islet of Derryclare Lough on the left-hand side of the N59: this popular visitor islet lies in the middle of a lake, and features some of the tortured pines that make Derryclare Lough so picturesque! Note that you can park on the side of the road to take a few photos of the place…
If you’re motivated and feel like it, you should know that this valley is not only accessible by car or bus. It’s also a veritable paradise for good walkers who appreciate large, colorful landscapes!
The possibilities are endless, and it’s up to you to explore the valley as you please. We do, however, recommend climbing the Mamean pass, which offers a sumptuous view over the rest of the valley. At the top, you’ll find a small religious monument and a number of graves adorned with Celtic crosses.
If you’d like to continue, you can also take the Western Way, a 250 km circuit that crosses the Inagh valley and takes in the rest of Connemara.
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