This article is part of the series of blog posts and video guides exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.
Blog Series
This blog explores the route from Achill to Killary Harbour and on to Kylemore Abbey in County Galway, Ireland. Click here for an overview of the entire route.
Summary: The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500km (>1,550 mile) tourist route along Ireland’s Western coastline, from Malin Head in Donegal in the North to Kinsale in the South. It connects significant historic, cultural and geographic features into a manageable road trip from staggering clifftop vistas to golden strands and stunning lighthouses.
VIDEO GUIDE for this itinerary
Mayo – Galway Itinerary (One Day)
In this itinerary, I leave the gorgeous Keem Bay and Achill Island behind and head for the next ‘significant discovery point' on my Wild Atlantic Way trip, Killary Harbour. I make brief stops at Newport, Co. Mayo; Erriff River; the wrong bit of Killary Harbour before finding the right spot! Then it's on to Kylemore Abbey for a visit to the gorgeous Castle and Church and grounds.
Catch-up Links
If you need to catch up to this point on my trip, I started my adventure further north, at Malin Head, before exploring the North of Donegal. I stayed beside the sensational Fanad Head Lighthouse and used that as the starting point for a tour of South Donegal. Up next was a tour of great Sligo locations, including Mullaghmore Head, followed by Downpatrick Head and Achill.
Newport, Co. Mayo
When I start exploring in my campervan, it's likely that I will stop for a photo opportunity more than once before I reach my destination! It wasn't too far from the bridge across to the mainland from Achill Island until I reached Newport, a pretty river town straddled by an arched bridge.
There was enough of a break in the weather for some small boats to be out braving the Black Oak River running through the town. There's ample parking for cars or motorhomes on the quieter side of the bridge, leaving space for photographers to get their shot.
The town was busy on this weekday stop and is a great wee spot to stop for a cup of coffee or stock up on provisions. The houses are colourful and even more so when you drive through the streets.
I had a distance to go to reach Killary Harbour, so back into the motorhome I went.
Erriff River
Despite my firm intention to keep on driving, another bridge caught my eye. This time it was crossing the Erriff River, a place I admit I don't know at all.
The vista was just gorgeous as the early summer heat started to break through the clouds. I have learned that this area is great for fishing and a number of well-trodden hikes take off from nearby.
I was just happy to take in the scene for today.
NOT Killary Harbour Viewpoint
Google Maps is usually my friend, but not on this itinerary! Killary Harbour is a fjord of 14kms and of course there is a coastline on both the North and South coasts of the harbour. (See the full separate article on Killary Harbour here). Google brought me 14km along the North side. I wasn't the only one who drove the wrong way! However, I did end up at a lovely little fishing pier on the harbour.
As I was trying to make a *ewe* turn (lol at my own dad joke!), I did meet this very charming ewe who was happily at rest on the side of the road.
Of course, this is still Killary Harbour, just not the side of it appointed by the Wild Atlantic Way organisers as the principal viewpoint.
Having realised my error, it was back into the campervan and onwards through Leenaun, Co. Galway towards the Harbour Viewpoint.
Killary Harbour (the real viewpoint)
Journey times in Ireland can be quite long when you are driving a big motorhome along a single carriageway. It was much later than hoped by the time I pulled in at the ‘real' viewpoint! However, the long route was easily forgotten when the view is as sensational as this one. This picture looks down the fjord and towards its opening into the Atlantic Ocean.
I have written a whole article about Killary Harbour, including accommodation, hiking options and excursions right here.
Kylemore Abbey
Just 11 miles away from Killary Harbour lies Kylemore Abbey, a stunning 19th Century Castle, Victorian Walled Garden and neo-Gothic mini-cathedral that are nestled on a 1,000 acre estate in Connemara, Co. Galway.
The view across the water is sensational on its own, but it is the attention to detail in the interior of the Castle and the fascinating history that draws the visitor in. The long history of the place intertwines wealth, nobility and a Benedictine order of nuns in a way that begs exploration. I've written a much longer article about Kylemore Abbey right here and it has some useful links and gorgeous photographs that bring you a little more detail about this popular tourist site.
Video Link
Find the accompanying video for this article below:
where can i stay?
I camped at Clifden, Co Galway in my campervan after visiting Kylemore Abbey. Not tempted to camp? There are multiple options to stay nearby. Check out this list of options in Leenaun.
Further recommendations are below.
