My wife and I (ages 61 and 52) will end of our 12 day trip in southern Ireland with short overnight in Galway, from which we will leave Galway around 1 to 2 pm and head to 2 nights stay in Clifden before returning to Dublin... so essentially we have a half day drive in...a full day...and then the return drive. Would enjoy a choice in driving paths that allows a reasonably paced opportunity to enjoy some of the great stops / views... some time to enjoy Clifden itself (staying at The Station House), and possibly one easy to moderate hike.

I have sought a route for drives that allows seeing some of the most scenic parts... with short stops at some... using route that best serve the time, limit backtracking the same routes, and leave some time to actually walk / enjoy Clifden. (I know that visiting the islands or going further north would be ideal...but I am trying to be thoughtful of limited time.)

I would really value any perspective and thoughts about my current plans below. Any suggestions on better route? Things we could skip? Taking route through Cong on way back? The estimated time?

Day 1: Depart Galway between 1 to 2pm. Drive lower coastal road from Galway to Spiddal, Roundstone, Dog’s Bay, to Clifden. (Maps at 2 hrs drive time...I estimate 4 hrs with good stops)... arrive in Clifden between 5 and 6pm. If the weather is particularly clear, we could try to do a Sky Road drive. Otherwise. Enjoy hotel / town.

Day 2: Sky Road drive... upper road... continue to end and onto visit Eyrephort Beach. (Hope is morning less crowded and sun from behind creates clearer view.)

Drive through Letterfrack...visit Kylemore Abbey (for about 2 hrs)... to Leenaun / Killary Fjord (or Renvyle Peninsula / Renvyle Beach) ... then down though Inagh Valley ...stop along the way at the Inagh Valley Lodge, back to Clifden. Drive time maps at around 1.5 hrs ...estimate 4.5 with 2 hr Abbey visit and other stops.) Afternoon to enjoy Clifden... with walk along the Beach Road to Quay House or further.

Day 3: Depart Clifden around 9am drive upper route through Cong... to Dublin by 4pm. (Drive time maps at 4 hrs... would expect a couple hrs in stops and slower Friday afternoon traffic... likely around 7 hrs)

We've been to Ireland several times and often visit Clifden as we have family there. Don't believe the drive times on apps, etc. We always add at least an additional 30% to the drive times. The Killary Fjord area and Leenane is lovely. Kylemore Abbey is a must. Allow plenty of time - great cafe for lunch as well one of the best shops in Ireland.

On departure day I might head more towards Westport, Mayo - pass by the Quay area and Crough Patrick with its' stunning views over Clew Bay - they say there is an island for every day of the year in the bay. I think this is more scenic than Cong. Perhaps have lunch at a pub in Murrisk or along the quay in Westport. Then head east towards Dublin.

Thanks you !!