Connemara National Park
#4 in Best Things To Do in Galway
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2 of 3Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 5.0Value
- 3.0Facilities
- 5.0Atmosphere
Located a little more than 50 miles northwest of Galway, the more than 7,000-acre Connemara National Park offers stunning views of bogs, heaths and moors, as well as great hikes. Start in the visitor center for an overview of the area's history and ecology, then head out for a trek. One of the most popular routes is the 5-mile Lower Diamond Hill Walk, but there are shorter and longer treks, including a nature trail, perfect for kids. Look for the herd of pure-bred Connemara ponies that live at the park.
Recent visitors called the park a "must-do" and raved about the views. Reviewers also appreciated the varying hike lengths, saying it makes the park accessible to all sorts of visitors. Travelers were also quick to note that you'll want to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, snacks and layers as the weather can change quickly.
Connemara National Park is located in the village of Letterfrack. It's best reached by car, but Citylink also offers service between Galway and Letterfrack. The park grounds (including the parking lot) are open year-round and are free to access. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., from March to October. Along with a visitor center, there is a tea room on-site. For more information, check out the park's official website.
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This western coastal route, which begins in the north of Donegal and runs 1,500 miles through nine counties ending in the south of Cork, is a breathtakingly scenic experience. No matter how much of the route you choose to experience, you'll find a wealth of attractions along the way, including the famous Cliffs of Moher, castles, golf courses and the largest stalactite in the Northern Hemisphere at Doolin Cave, among many, many others. For an on-the-go guide to the route's highlights, consider downloading the free Wild Atlantic Way App (available for Apple and Android), which also works offline.
Recent visitors who drove along the route called it "wild and wonderful," with "spectacular scenery." Reviewers also noted that the route is well-marked.
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