Connemara National Park protects 2,000 hectares of bog, heath and woodland beneath the Twelve Bens, with the summit of Diamond Hill as its signature walk. Entry and parking are free, year round.
The park's signature climb: a 3.7 km strenuous loop to the summit of Diamond Hill, rewarded with panoramic views of the Twelve Bens mountain range and Kylemore Abbey. Well-maintained stone and gravel paths with boardwalks lead up and back to the Visitor Centre.
A 3 km moderate loop with a 90 m ascent, reaching its highest point at Big Rock for views of Diamond Hill and out to the Atlantic. Follow the blue arrows back towards the Visitor Centre.
An easy 1.5 km walk from the Visitor Centre past the Pony Paddock, with scenic views of Diamond Hill, Ballynakill Harbour, Barnaderg Bay and Tully Mountain. Watch for a steep descent towards the end.
A 0.5 km easy woodland loop on stone steps and boardwalk, finishing next to the Audio Visual Theatre and passing a beautiful waterfall along the way. A good short option if you are short on time or footwear.
Enjoy a free exhibition detailing changes in the landscape since the last ice age, historical land use of the park and peatland conservation. There is also a free 20-minute film about the National Park.
The self-guided Tree Trail starts at the kiosk in the car park and explores the tree diversity on site via signs and a map. In Letterfrack, nine specially commissioned poetry plaques link the park, the village and the Connemara West Centre.
Fresh bean coffee, homemade cakes and daily scones, freshly made soup with brown bread, and sandwiches with salads. Seating is in a courtyard at the foot of Diamond Hill or by the playground.
A playground with wooden see-saws, slides, chin-up bars, a tunnel and playhouses, with picnic tables looking towards Diamond Hill and a small woodland alongside. Indoor and outdoor picnic areas sit around the Visitor Centre; barbeques are not permitted.
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