Arguably one of the most beautiful spots in all of Ireland, here are the five best things to do in Connemara National Park.
Connemara’s rugged beauty attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year, and it has one of the best and most scenic cycle routes in Galway. It’s no surprise that tourism thrives in this area of County Galway with its striking scenery, tightly packed mountain ranges, and various outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.
If you’re looking for some Irish summer vacation inspiration, we have narrowed it down to the five best things to do in Connemara National Park. Connemara National Park provides endless opportunities for nature-lovers who flock there year-round to explore the depths of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Situated in Letterfrack, Galway, the park offers charming accommodation, tea rooms where visitors can grab a bite to eat, and a visitor centre. Here, you can brush up on all things Connemara and get helpful hiking advice.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting Connemara National Park
- To help navigate yourself when walking through Connemara National Park, grab a map at the visitor centre. From here, you will have all of the best trails at your fingertips.
- If you want to take in more than the beauty and feel like learning of the history and culture of Connemara National Park, then we would recommend talking a guided tour of the area.
- Wear appropriate gear and clothing. Nestled in the west of Ireland, the weather amongst the mountains could be unpredictable (at best!). Good walking or hiking shoes are also recommended.
- Make sure that you respect the area and the wildlife within Connemara National Park. This also includes leaving no trace of you being there, so clean up after yourself.
- We would also recommend taking your own food or picnic. This allows you to recharge and refill as you take a pause and take in the breath-taking scenery.
5. Get lost in your self-guided tour – immerse yourself in nature
Whether with friends or travelling alone, a self-guided tour means you can zone out and admire the park’s dramatic scenery and raw beauty all on your own time, which is a magical experience in itself.
Tourists taking the self-guided tour can conveniently customise their tours to their own fitness levels and enjoy the park even more at their own pace.
The nature trails self-guided tour includes a delicious two-course lunch at the Connemara Tea Rooms on the park grounds in Letterfrack. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Connemara National Park.
Book your Connemara National Park walking tour here.
4. Climb Diamond Hill – for some of Ireland’s most epic views
Do you love a rewarding view? Explore what Connemara National Park really has to offer by setting foot on its well-known diamond-shaped mountain.
Diamond Hill offers a selection of four different trails welcoming dogs on leads and hikers of all ages. Be sure to break out your hiking boots or best appropriate climbing shoes as suitable footwear is strongly suggested.
The Diamond Hill trails may take hikers between two and a half to three hours, depending on the trail chosen. While Diamond Hill can be a strenuous climb stretching over 7 km (4.35 miles), the spectacular views from the top come highly recommended.
The following sign markers might help you find your destination easier on your trip in Connemara National Park:
- Purple: The visitor centre
- Red: Diamond Hill
- Orange: Connemara National Park hostel/restaurant
These are some of the best walks in County Galway.
Address: Letterfrack, Co. Galway
3. Get up close with the wildlife and Connemara ponies – Ireland’s only unique breed of horse
Connemara National Park’s vibrant colours cascade the countryside and can simply be credited to its wildlife.
Environmental and plant lovers particularly love Connemara National Park for its moss, lichen, bog cotton, and moor grass (the purple tufts of grass you will spot). Birdwatching is another popular nature attraction of the area.
You will get to spot a multitude of bird breeds in the 2,000 hectares spread of land. These include Eurasian wrens, European stonechats, meadow pipits, peregrine falcon, merlin, and Eurasian sparrowhawk.
As we dwindle our way through the five best things to do in Connemara National Park, it’s important to mention the most alluring creature that visitors might meet there: the famous Connemara pony.
Native to Connemara, this magnificent breed is only unique breed of horse to Ireland.
Connemara ponies are best known for their warm temperament, especially when participating in equestrian disciplines. Their beautiful grey and white speckled coats are hard to miss with a colourful backdrop like Connemara National Park.
RELATED: The Connemara Pony: everything you need to know (2023)
2. Take an art workshop – inspired by nature
After some time spent in Connemara National Park, you might feel inspired enough to create art of your own.
Gordon D’Arcy and other artists will be hosting workshops in the park this summer. D’Arcy’s classes are great for both children (ages 5+) and adults.
All materials will be supplied on-site in the Park’s Education Room. Book your workshop and check out other classes and exhibitions available here.
1. Visit Kylemore Abbey Estate and Victorian Walled Gardens – a historic Benedictine abbey
Last but not least of the five best things to do in Connemara National Park is the historical Kylemore Abbey Estate. Nestled right into the bottom of one of the Twelve Ben mountains, Doughruagh, this gem is not to be missed.
This Victorian estate is one of Ireland’s top attractions. Famous for its beautiful 1800s Kylemore Castle, which houses the Benedictine community who have run the grounds since 1920.
The nuns at Kylemore Abbey even make beautiful award-winning chocolates you can nibble on while in the cafe, Garden Tea House, or on a tour of the Walled Garden.
The estate boasts six acres of elegantly manicured gardens that highlight the natural romantic beauty of Connemara.
Address: Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland
READ MORE: Kylemore Abbey: when to visit, what to see, and things to know
Connemara National Park is truly the perfect Irish outdoors vacation. Have you tried any of the Connemara National Park activities above? Let us know your favourite!
Your questions answered about the best things to do in Connemara National Park
If you have read our article and still have some questions, then we have you covered! Here, we have put together the most frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Connemara National Park.
Is Connemara National Park worth visiting?
Yes! Nestled in the west of Ireland, Connemara has easily some of the most stunning views and hikes in all of Ireland.
What is the most scenic part of Connemara?
This is arguably Diamond Hill and the views you get from atop. Another contender is the Sky Road, a 20km (12 miles) loop drive near Connemara and Clifden.
How do you spend a day in Connemara?
A good way to spend a day in Connemara would be head early to Connemara National Park and walk around. Visit Kylemore Abbey, take a drive through the Sky Road and have some dinner in the town of Clifden.
What is Connemara famous for?
Connemara is famous for its blanket bog landscapes. This a common feature of the west of Ireland.
AND: Top 10 Beautiful Places in Connemara You NEED To See Before You Die
Laura Murphy – @RoadlesstravelledIreland
