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Killary Fjord Viewpoint: A Window to Ireland's Glacial Past

Witness the breathtaking beauty of Killary Fjord from this accessible viewpoint along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Galway, Ireland.

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The Killary Fjord Viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of Killary Fjord, a dramatic 16-kilometer-long glacial fjord that forms the natural border between counties Galway and Mayo. This accessible vantage point provides an opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of Ireland's only true fjord and the surrounding mountains.

A brief summary to Killary Fjord Viewpoint

  • Derrynacleigh, Co. Galway, IE

Local tips

  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of Killary Fjord and the surrounding mountains.
  • Wear layers, as the weather in this coastal region can change quickly.
  • Consider taking a boat tour of Killary Fjord for a different perspective of the landscape.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Killary Fjord Viewpoint is located on the N59 road, approximately 5km west of Leenaun village in County Galway. From Leenaun, drive west on the N59 for about 5 minutes. The viewpoint will be on your left, with a designated parking area. From Clifden, travel east on the N59 for approximately 30 minutes. The viewpoint will be on your right, about 200 meters past the Killary Adventure Company. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is free and generally readily available.

  • Public Transport

    Bus Eireann route 423 runs between Clifden and Westport and stops in Leenaun. From Leenaun, it is approximately a 5km walk or a short taxi ride to the Killary Fjord Viewpoint. A taxi from Leenaun to the viewpoint would cost approximately €10-€15. A single bus fare from Clifden or Westport to Leenaun costs approximately €8-€12.

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Discover more about Killary Fjord Viewpoint

The Killary Fjord Viewpoint is a must-stop location along the Wild Atlantic Way, providing arguably the best views of Killary Fjord. From this vantage point, visitors can fully appreciate the fjord's impressive scale and the dramatic mountain landscape that surrounds it. To the north, the mountains of Mayo, including Mweelrea (the highest mountain in Connacht), Ben Gorm, and Ben Creggan, create a stunning backdrop. To the south, the Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens add to the spectacular panorama. Killary Fjord itself is a 16-kilometer-long glacial fjord, carved out during the last ice age approximately 20,000 years ago. As glaciers retreated, they left behind a deep, U-shaped valley that was later filled with seawater. Today, Killary Fjord is one of Ireland's few glacial fjords, acting as a natural border between County Galway and County Mayo. The fjord reaches depths of over 45 meters, providing a safe and sheltered anchorage. The viewpoint also offers a glimpse into the region's history. The southern side of the fjord features a grass-covered road that leads to the ruins of an old famine village, a somber reminder of the Great Famine in the 19th century. During this time, the population relied heavily on potato crops, which were devastated by blight, leading to widespread starvation and emigration. From the Killary Fjord Viewpoint, visitors can often observe mussel rafts, a testament to the area's active shellfish farming industry. Boat tours are also available, offering a unique perspective of the fjord and its surroundings.

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