(8) Lough Nafooey (Loch na Fuaiche) Scenic Drive

Lough Nafooey (or Loch na Fuaiche)

This scenic drive takes you to Lough Nafooey, which is one of Ireland’s hidden gems. It is a glacial lake formed thousands of years ago when the ice that covered Ireland began to melt. In Irish, its name could mean lake of the winnowing winds or the grave-shaped lake. You can watch the sheep graze on its steep sides. It is 4 km long and 0.8 km wide and when the mist comes down the sheep and trees take on unearthly shapes.

Where and when:

Take the N59 towards Clifden. At Maam Cross take the R336 towards Maam, then Leenane and on to the L1301 to Lough Nafooey on this scenic drive.

Website Loch na Fooey

Other:

Artists and craftspeople have settled in the area because of its timeless beauty including one of the country’s top basket weavers.