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Connemara National Park: A Natural Masterpiece

Explore the wild beauty of Connemara National Park: hiking trails, stunning views, and diverse wildlife in County Galway, Ireland.

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Connemara National Park, located in County Galway, Ireland, is a stunning landscape of mountains, bogs, heaths, and grasslands. Established in 1980, the park offers visitors a chance to explore the rugged beauty of western Ireland, with trails for all levels and breathtaking views from Diamond Hill.

A brief summary to Connemara National Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Check the weather forecast before visiting, as conditions can change rapidly.
  • Wear appropriate footwear and outdoor clothing, especially if hiking.
  • Arrive early during peak season to avoid crowds and ensure parking.
  • Bring water and snacks, as facilities within the park are limited.
  • Visit the Visitor Centre for information on trails, exhibits, and guided walks.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The main entrance to Connemara National Park is located near the village of Letterfrack, just off the N59 road. From Galway, take the N59 west towards Clifden and Letterfrack. The drive is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Westport, take the N59 south towards Letterfrack. The park entrance is signposted on the right. Parking is free at the Visitor Centre. Be aware that parking can be limited during peak season, so arrive early.

  • Public Transport

    Bus Éireann and City Link operate bus services from Galway and Westport to Letterfrack. From Galway, take bus 923 towards Letterfrack. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. From Westport, take bus 423 operated by Bus Éireann. The journey takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Alight at Letterfrack and walk approximately 200 meters to the park entrance. A single fare from Galway to Letterfrack costs approximately €13-€18.

  • Walking

    If you are in Letterfrack, the park entrance is easily accessible on foot. From the center of the village, head east on the N59. After approximately 200 meters, you will see the park entrance on your left. Follow the road to the Visitor Centre and car park. The walk from Letterfrack village to the park entrance takes only a few minutes.

Unlock the Best of Connemara National Park

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Discover more about Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park, situated near Letterfrack in County Galway, is a sprawling 2,000-hectare (4,900-acre) preserve showcasing the untamed beauty of western Ireland. Opened to the public in 1980, the park encompasses a diverse landscape of mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands, and forests. Four of the mountains, Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack, and Muckanaght, are part of the Twelve Bens range. The park's history is rich and varied. The lands once belonged to the Kylemore Abbey Estate, the Letterfrack Industrial School, and Richard 'Humanity Dick' Martin, a founder of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Evidence of human habitation dates back 4,000 years, with megalithic court tombs scattered throughout the area. Visitors can also find remnants of 19th-century settlements and old grazing areas. The park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. Western blanket bog and heathland dominate the landscape, with a variety of plant species including lousewort, bog cotton, milkwort, and orchids. Birdwatchers will delight in the park's diverse birdlife, including meadow pipits, skylarks, and various birds of prey. While mammals can be elusive, the park is home to red deer, Connemara ponies, otters, and more. The Diamond Hill trails are a highlight, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Kylemore Abbey, Tully Mountain, and the Twelve Bens. The Visitor Centre near Letterfrack provides information about the park's history, ecology, and trails. It also offers exhibits, an audio-visual show, and a tea room.

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