Lough Inagh sits in the long valley between the Twelve Bens and the Maumturk Mountains, its still water reflecting the quartzite peaks on both sides. The Inagh Valley road running its length is one of the best drives in Connemara: no villages, no commercial development, just the lake, the mountains, and the bog. At the southern end, the Lough Inagh Lodge — a Victorian fishing lodge — is one of the best small hotels in the region.
The valley also gives good access to the Twelve Bens from the east, with walking routes up into the mountains starting from the road. Derryclare Lough, just south of Lough Inagh, is quieter still and has good brown trout fishing from the bank. In the evening, the light on the water and peaks is worth stopping for even if you have no particular destination in mind.