Connemara National Park (Páirc Náisiúnta Chonamara) is a roughly 2,000-hectare nature reserve near the village of Letterfrack in County Galway, western Ireland, opened to the public in 1980. It takes in four peaks of the Twelve Bens range — including Benbaun (729 m), the highest in Galway — along with vast blanket bog, heath and the ever-popular Diamond Hill walk. The wild, Atlantic-swept scenery of mossy mountains and open bog is the essence of Ireland's rugged west, and with free entry and free parking it makes an easy half-day pairing with Galway city or nearby Kylemore Abbey. As of July 2026 the Visitor Centre's opening days have changed, though the trails themselves remain open year-round.
Panoramic summit views of the Twelve Bens, Kylemore Abbey and the Atlantic from the top of Diamond Hill (Red Trail)
Four colour-coded loop trails from the Visitor Centre — Ellis Wood (easy, waterfall), Sruffaunboy (easy), and Lower/Upper Diamond Hill
Ancient heritage in the bog: 4,000-year-old megalithic court tombs and a 19th-century graveyard
The park's emblem, the Connemara pony (a heritage breed), reintroduced red deer, and birds such as meadow pipits, kestrels and peregrine falcons
Sweeping blanket bog and heath carpeted in purple moor-grass, with views over Ballynakill Harbour and Tully Mountain
Good to know
SafetyAtlantic weather turns fast even in summer. Bring a waterproof jacket, hiking boots, hat and gloves; the exposed summit is windy. The whole park closes for the duration of any STATUS ORANGE or STATUS RED weather warning.
SafetyBoardwalks over the bog and rocky sections are very slippery when wet. Stay on the marked trails — venturing onto unmarked terrain requires map-and-compass skills and risks soft, boggy ground.
SeasonBiting midges are worst from May to September, especially on calm, humid evenings. Carry insect repellent.
SeasonTicks in the grass carry a risk of Lyme disease — wear long trousers and check your skin afterwards. July is peak season with long daylight but larger crowds.
RulesNo cycling on the trails and dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. Keep to marked paths to protect the fragile blanket bog and take all litter home (Leave No Trace).
RulesEntry and parking are free, but from 1 July 2026 the Visitor Centre closes on Mondays and Tuesdays (except bank-holiday Mondays); the trails and the Hungry Hiker café stay open.
CautionThis is a free park with no admission fee. Be wary of third-party sites selling 'entry tickets' or unofficial paid parking, and book any guided tours through official, reputable operators.
Practical info
The Visitor Centre and car park sit just off the N59 by Letterfrack village, with a café, toilets and playground. There is no train; reach it by Citylink coach or Bus Éireann route 419 (about 2 hours from Galway) or roughly 1 hr 15 min by car. Entry and parking are free, but Visitor Centre opening days and hours can vary by season and the 2026 change, so check the official site for the latest before you go.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
