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Connemara National Park Visitor Centre: Gateway to the Wild West

Discover Connemara National Park: Explore scenic trails, learn about local history, and witness stunning views in the heart of County Galway.

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The Connemara National Park Visitor Centre, located near Letterfrack, Co. Galway, serves as the main access point to explore the park's diverse landscape. It offers insights into the region's natural history, walking trails, and stunning views of Diamond Hill and the Twelve Bens mountain range.

A brief summary to Connemara National Park Visitor Centre

  • Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the weather forecast before visiting, as the park may close during orange or red weather warnings.
  • Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking, as the trails can be steep and the weather can change quickly.
  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a parking space.
  • Take a guided walk to learn more about the park's history, flora, and fauna (available in July and August).
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic areas within the park.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Galway, take bus route 923 operated by Citylink to Letterfrack. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. From Westport, take bus route 423 operated by Bus Eireann to Letterfrack. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The visitor center is located a short walk from the Letterfrack bus stop. A single fare from Galway to Letterfrack costs approximately €13-€18.

  • Car

    From Galway, take the N59 towards Clifden. Continue on the N59 to Letterfrack. The visitor center is located on the left, 200 meters after the village. From Westport, take the N59 towards Letterfrack. The visitor center will be on the right before entering Letterfrack village. There is free parking available at the visitor center. Note that overnight parking/camping is not permitted.

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Discover more about Connemara National Park Visitor Centre

The Connemara National Park Visitor Centre is the ideal starting point for discovering the rugged beauty of Connemara National Park. Situated near the village of Letterfrack in County Galway, the center provides visitors with information about the park's history, geology, flora, and fauna. The visitor center is housed in buildings that once belonged to the Letterfrack Industrial School, with the Park Office located in what was the school's infirmary. The center's exhibits trace the dramatic changes in Connemara's landscape since the last ice age, detailing how humans shaped the land, the formation of peatlands, and current conservation efforts. A short film explores the park's biodiversity and the history of land use in the region. From the visitor center, you can embark on several walking trails, including the popular Diamond Hill trails, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park covers almost 3,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands, and woodlands, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife, including the iconic Connemara pony. The park also contains remnants of human habitation dating back thousands of years, including megalithic tombs and a 19th-century graveyard. Connemara National Park is open year-round, and entry to both the park and visitor center is free. The visitor center offers facilities such as restrooms, a café, and a gift shop.

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