Maam Cross

Beyond Recess is the important intersection known as Maam Cross, where the N59 (Clifden-Oughterard-Galway) cuts across the R335/R336 Louisburgh-Leenane-Screeb-

Galway).

From here the route leads south through a maze of little loughs, coming in 9km/6mi to Screeb, on a narrow and much-indented arm of the sea which could be taken for another lough were it not for the tide-marks along its shores. The tiny fields in this area are built up from successive layers of seaweed and sand and protected by irregularly shaped drystone walls.

At Screeb the coast road (R340, R342 and R341) branches off to the right, describing wide sweeps round a succession of bays and inlets and reaching Clifden in some 50mi/80km, through a landscape which alternates between heath, bog and hills.