Explore Connemara National Park | Your Daily Adventure

Along the Wild Atlantic Way

Connemara National Park, located in County Galway in the west of Ireland, spans over 2,000 hectares of rugged landscape, including mountains, bogs, grasslands, and woodlands. The park is dominated by the Twelve Bens mountain range, offering breathtaking views and challenging hiking trails. Popular routes include the Diamond Hill loop, which provides stunning panoramas of the surrounding coastline and islands.

The park is rich in biodiversity, home to native flora like heather and bog cotton, as well as wildlife such as red deer and Connemara ponies. It’s also an important area for birdwatching, with species like kestrels and skylarks frequently seen. Connemara National Park combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, with ancient megalithic tombs and remnants of 19th-century settlements. Open year-round, the park offers an immersive experience of Ireland’s untamed landscape, making it a favorite for hikers and nature enthusiasts

Highlights

Diamond Hill: A popular hiking trail, offering panoramic views of the park, nearby islands, and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a moderate climb with stunning scenery at the summit.
Twelve Bens Mountain Range: The dramatic peaks of this mountain range dominate the park’s landscape, attracting experienced hikers and providing exceptional viewpoints.
Connemara Ponies: The park is home to these iconic native ponies, known for their strength and beauty, and they can often be spotted grazing in the park.
Rich Wildlife: The park supports a variety of wildlife, including red deer, birds of prey like kestrels, and ground-nesting birds such as skylarks.
Cultural Heritage: The park contains historical sites like 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs and the ruins of 19th-century settlements, providing insight into the region’s ancient past.

Open

Visit Year Round

Prices

FREE Admission

Useful Information

Plan for Weather: The weather in Connemara can change rapidly, so dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing. Even in summer, it’s wise to be prepared for rain and cooler temperatures.
Hiking Preparedness: Trails like Diamond Hill vary in difficulty, so wear sturdy footwear and bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes. Trail maps are available at the visitor center to help navigate the terrain.
Visitor Center: Start your visit at the park’s visitor center in Letterfrack. It provides essential information on trails, wildlife, and local history. It also has exhibitions, a café, and restrooms, making it a good place to prepare before exploring.

Getting There

The Visitor Centre and main access for Connemara National Park is located near the village of Letterfrack along the N59

Map Location: 53.538378, -9.887542

Contact Connemara National Park

Letterfrack, Co. Galway, Ireland

Eircode: H91 K2Y1
T: +353 (0)95 41054
W: www.nationalparks.ieconnemara

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