Ballyvaughan Fanore coastal drive.

If the sun is shining, there is no better way to spend an afternoon than to drive the coast between Ballyvaughan and Fanore (or further).

Location:

Follow the Wild Atlantic Way along the R477

This drive is up there with my favourite things to do on my day off. It offers the most beautiful coastline with some interesting stops along the way. The most obvious of these is the lighthouse at Black Head. It’s really obvious so you can’t miss it.

A nice idea to stretch the legs is a quick trip up to see Caher Dun Irghuis. For this, pull your car into the layby opposite the lighthouse or any safe spot on the left. Strike off up the mountain from there and after 20-30 minutes, you’ll see the sign for the caher. There are really nice views from this level.

Follow the road again until you reach the Wild Atlantic Way discovery point, Murroughtoohy. From this point you can see the Aran Islands, Connemara, Galway Bay and Black Head. There is an information board on the site as well.

Next stop is Fanore Beach. This is a popular site in the summer and a great place for a walk, swim or surf. Stop into Siopa Fan Oir afterwards for a well deserved 99!

For me, the best part of the journey is still to come. Continue through Fanore and head out until you reach an area that I call Ballyreen. I have no idea what it’s actually called. You’ll know if because there is a grass layby on either side of the road. Then you can walk in to the mini cliffs. This is one of my favourite parts of this road and well worth the visit if you have time.