The N59

Kylemore Abbey, by christal21 from Pixabay

The N59 takes you from Galway to Clifden. Keep going after Clifden until the R379 branches off to the left, then continue until you hit the ocean and you’ll find yourself in Cleggan. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it (and get wet). If you turn inland from Cleggan you may hit Claddaghduff, which makes Cleggan look like a metropolis.

The N59 from Galway to Clifden is one of the most beautiful drives you will ever experience. If you’ve ever seen pictures of the Irish countryside, some of the places might look familiar. It is a favorite area for photographers. Highlights include:

• The Bohen Stone, also known as St. Patricks Chair, a stone with a circular design that may have been carved as early as 3800 BC
• The field from the film "The Field"
• Glennacally Bridge, an arched stone bridge dated 1826
• Kylemore Abbey- a beautiful castle-like building founded by Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium in WWI- with its Victorian walled garden
• A town called Recess and another called Clog
• The Quiet Man bridge, featured in the John Wayne/Maureen O'Hara film