Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park: Visitor’s Guide 🌄
Situated on the Gaeltacht border, Connemara’s National Park is a 2000-hectare state owned conservation centre incorporating of mountains, bogs and grasslands with wonderful wildlife. Four of the mountains belong to the Twelve Bens range, including the highest, Benbaun (730 metres). At the centre of the park is the valley of Glanmore where the Polladirk River flows.
Traces of ancient settlements can be seen in the park, including 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs and markings of former grazing areas. Facilities include an audio-visual show and a photographic display of Connemara scenery. There are picnic facilities, nature trails and a summer series of walks and illustrated talks.
Diamond Hill in Pictures
All about Diamond Hill â›°
The centrepiece of the park is the wonderful Diamond Hill mountain trail. This man-made trail to the top of Diamond Hill provides spectacular views when you reach the summit and is a great option for all walkers from active children as young as eight years old up.
Getting to Diamond Hill
By Bus with scheduled services from Bus Eireann (buseireann.ie) or Citylink (citylink.ie) to Letterfrack:
By Road to Connemara National Park Visitor Centre which is signposted off N59 Clifden to Leenane Road in the village of Letterfrack.
Walking Trails 🥾
There are 4 trails on Diamond Hill, in order of difficulty they are:
- Ellis Wood (1km, green waymarks)
- Sruffaunboy (1.5km, yellow waymarks)
- Lower Diamond Hill (2.5km, blue waymarks)
- Upper Diamond Hill (4km miles). The most scenic and challenging walk is the Upper Diamond Hill trail from Visitor Centre to the summit and back to the car park, it is a total distance of 6km and approximately 3 hours duration
Trail conditions
The lower trails have well-maintained paths, duckboards or steps. However the upper Diamond Hill route has a steep, rough ascent, but active children (8yrs+) can make it to the top. Bring waterproofs, snacks and refreshments. Avoid the upper route during inclement weather.
Opening times & admission
OPEN: All Year round
ADMISSION: Free
Visitor Centre
OPEN: 9:00am–4:30pm year round*
(*excl. Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day)
Contact
Contact Connemara National Park by phone at 095 41054 or visit the website for more information.
Connemara National Park FAQs
How do I get from Dublin to Connemara National Park?
It takes about 4 hours to drive from Dublin to Connemara National Park. You can travel from Dublin to Galway by train with Irish Rail or Bus with Go Bus, Bus Eireann or Citylink. Citylink provide a direct bus service from Galway City to the entrance to Connemara National Park at Letterfrack.
Is Connemara National Park free?
Are dogs allowed in Connemara National Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads and owners must act responsibly to ensure their pet does not disturb wildlife and other people using the park.
How long does it take to climb Diamond Hill?
It takes about 3 hours to complete the full circuit of Diamond Hill which stretches 7km and includes the Lower and Upper trails and the spectacular views which can be appreciated most at the summit.