Lough Inagh Valley

The Inagh valley is a straight, deep, ice-cut trench running north to south between two mountain ranges - the Twelve Bens on the western side, the Maumturks on the eastern - with Lough Inagh and Derryclare Lough filling most of the floor. The R344 runs its length, and the drive is the most direct view of Connemara's mountain country available without walking: bare quartzite slopes rising straight from the water, scree, bog and no settlement to speak of beyond a lodge and a few houses. The rivers here are noted salmon and sea trout fisheries and are privately managed. Several of the routes onto both ranges start from the valley road, including the Western Way long-distance path. There are no shops, no fuel and very limited parking - just a handful of lay-bys, which fill quickly when the light is good.

What you actually see

• The trench - a straight glacial valley between two ranges.
• The lakes - Lough Inagh and Derryclare filling the floor.
• The Bens and Maumturks - bare quartzite rising from the water on both sides.
• The emptiness - almost no building along the whole length.

When to go

April to October. Still mornings give reflections in the lakes, which is what most photographers come for. The valley holds cloud and rain frequently.

Honest expectations

A drive-through rather than a destination - there is nowhere to stop except a few lay-bys, and no facilities at all. The fishing is private. Midges are severe on still evenings by the water.

Nearby

Kylemore Abbey is north; Recess and Roundstone are south.