Connemara National Park
Wild ponies roam where mountains meet the Atlantic.Rolling mountains, ancient woodlands and grasslands spread across 2,000 hectares of western Ireland. Home to Connemara ponies and the iconic Diamond Hill trail with Atlantic views.
Connemara National Park covers 2,000 hectares of western County Galway's coastline. Walk through purple moorgrass fields, climb to Diamond Hill's 442-meter summit, or watch peregrine falcons soar above the Twelve Bens mountains. The park's ancient megalithic tombs date back 4,000 years, while its walking paths range from gentle woodland strolls to steep mountain trails.
Getting to Connemara National Park
Find the park's main entrance and visitor center beside Letterfrack village on the N59 road, 85 kilometers from Galway City. The drive from Galway takes 1.5 hours, or you can take a direct Citylink bus to Letterfrack. The visitor center opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, closing only on Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day.
Walking Trails and Diamond Hill
Four marked trails begin at the visitor center. The Ellis Wood Nature Trail winds through woodland for 1 kilometer, ideal for casual walks. The Upper Diamond Hill Trail creates a challenging 7-kilometer loop to the 442-meter summit. Allow 3 hours for the Diamond Hill round trip, where you'll see the Atlantic islands of Inishbofin and Inishshark from the top.
Wildlife and Plant Life
Blanket bog fills the lowlands, while heather and grass cover the mountain slopes. In summer, purple moorgrass creates color patterns across the landscape. Look for meadow pipits, stonechats, and wrens among the common birds, and watch for kestrels and sparrowhawks overhead. At night, foxes, badgers, and pine martens move through the park's quiet areas.
Historical Sites and Landmarks
Several 4,000-year-old megalithic court tombs lie within the park boundaries. You'll find Tobar Mweelin, a working well from the 1870s, still in use today. The land includes former sections of Kylemore Abbey Estate and Letterfrack Industrial School. Richard Martin, nicknamed "Humanity Dick," once owned part of the park and later founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Visitor Facilities
Learn about local wildlife and landscapes through exhibitions at the visitor center. Stop at the café for sandwiches, soups, and hot drinks. Children can play on wooden equipment at the playground, while families use picnic tables with Diamond Hill views. Join guided nature walks and educational programs run by center staff during July and August.
Essential Information
Enter and park without charge. Keep dogs on leads throughout the park. Wild camping follows strict guidelines, with no designated campsites available. Stick to marked walking routes unless you have navigation skills and proper equipment - the park has no formal trails beyond these paths.
