The Gorumna Loop

Hike: The Gorumna Loop, Co Galway. Part of a maze of islets along the southern coast of Connemara, just reaching Gorumna Island is an adventure in itself. You’ll need to hop across bridges between two intermediate islands before arriving on Gorumna itself. Once here, it doesn’t take long to appreciate the unusual topography, with granite pavement and massive glacial erratic boulders visible across much of the island. This anti-clockwise circuit forms part of the long-distance Slí Chonamara, and is marked by blue arrows. Inland sections follow quiet roads and green lanes, while the coastal stretches follow shore-side paths. There are fine views to the Aran Islands, and you pass three small quays as well as the ruins of a medieval stone church at Trá Bhán, on the edge of Greatman’s Bay.

Start and Finish at: Tír an Fhia crossroads (grid ref: L 892,231)

Get there: Gorumna is reached via the R374, and can be accessed from either Spiddal or Maam Cross.

Level: Easy to moderate – signed coastal paths and quiet country lanes with 70m ascent.

Length / Time: 8km / 2-2½ hours

Pack: Your island-hopping spirit, plus a route map downloaded from Irishtrails.ie

Refuel at: The Courtyard Cafe (091 506 037) in Costelloe, on the R347 back towards Spiddal, serves up a great plate of fish and chips, or the full Irish, perfect for the post-hike pick-me-up.