A Guide to Connemara National Park
Read our travel guide on Connemara National Park in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, best hikes, how to get there, where to stay, or when to go.
Connemara National Park, located in County Galway, boasts some of the most stunning views, incredible scenery, and one of the best hikes in Ireland.
For us, the main reason to visit one of Ireland's most beautiful national parks was its diverse landscape, easy access, stunning views, and well-maintained trails.
This kingdom of rugged mountains, vast bogs, fragile heaths, enchanting forests, and typical grasslands was founded in 1980, covering an area of 2.000 hectares.
It's home to purple moor grass, butterwort, sundews, many rare plant species, abundant wildlife, and also a few sites of archaeological and historical significance dating back thousands of years.
When planning our Ireland road trip itinerary, the Diamond Hill area was one of the few places we put on the list right away.
But with great expectations also comes the possibility of great disappointment.
So how was our overall experience? Was this well-rated stop along the Wild Atlantic Way really worth visiting? Let's find out.
So without any further ado, here's everything you should know about Connemara National Park before you go.
Things to Know Before You Go
Unlike some other national parks we explored during our Ireland road trip, a visit to Connemara National Park is very straightforward.
So, we are going to keep it brief and simple.
There is technically only one main entrance, four walking trails (three hiking tracks and one nature trail), and a visitor center within the national park.
It may seem like not much, but it makes the planning part nice and simple.
In our opinion, most of the hikes are relatively easy, except for Upper Diamond Hill Walk, which is moderately difficult.
So, the most challenging aspect of hiking in Connemara is the changeable weather.
The main entrance to Connemara National Park lies near the village of Letterfrack on N59, about 80 kilometers west of Galway, and it's easy to reach by car or bus.
What to See and Do
It comes without a surprise when we say that Connemara National is all about hiking.
As mentioned above, there are four hikes with varying levels of difficulty in the park, and they all start right at the visitor center.
If you opt for hiking Upper Diamond Hill, you will basically explore three of the four trails within the park.
Visitor Center
All the trails you can find in this part of Connemara National Park start from the visitor center, which is just a one-minute walk from the parking area.
The museum inside the white-painted building is modest and not as spectacular as the one at Cliffs of Moher or Bru na Boinne, but it's worth visiting if you want to learn more about Connemara's fauna, flora, and geology.
There is also a nice little cafe, a picnic area, and a fairly large playground for kids.
Therefore, it's not just an introduction to the national park but also a great resting point after or before your outdoor adventures.
Ellis Wood Nature Trail
Even though more experienced hikers often dismiss the idea of hiking the Ellis Wood Nature Trail as the trail seems too easy, it's actually a nice little walk through a woodland area.
This mostly flat circular route is only 500 meters long, starts at the visitor center, and can be completed in 15 minutes.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a complete novice, this well-maintained path serves as a great introduction to Connemara National Park.
There is one more reason to walk along Ellis Wood Nature Trail, except for the easy rating.
You will have a chance to see different species of trees, herbs, wildflowers, and bushes that you won't see at the higher elevations of the more popular trails.
The base of the mountains is very different and much more diverse than the barren slopes of the surrounding hills.
Plus, there is a nice little waterfall along the way, which is especially beautiful during or after rain. Ellis Wood Nature Trail is marked as a green route on the map.
Sruffaunboy Walk
Without any doubt, Sruffaunboy Walk is the most popular trail in Connemara National Park among families with kids.
However, this 1.5-kilometer trail is easy to follow and well-maintained, so it's suitable for all ages and abilities.
The gravel path will take you on a gentle journey along the lower slopes of Diamond Hill and features not only lovely views but also the Pony Paddock, where you can see heritage breeds, including the Connemara pony.
Apart from that, the main highlight is the views of Ballynakill Harbor, with Tully Mountain dominating the coastal landscape.
By the way, Sruffaunboy Walk shares part of the trail with Lower or Upper Diamond Hill Walk, so you don't have to worry about missing a thing.
For instance, we did the north part of the loop on the way down.
Lower Diamond Hill Walk
As with all trails within the park, Lower Diamond Hill Walk starts at the visitor center.
This 3-kilometer trail is a bit more challenging than the other two, but it's still perfectly doable for all hikers with a medium level of fitness.
The views are the main reason to opt for Lower Diamond Hill Walk instead of Sruffaunboy Walk.
As you will start gradually gaining elevation, the valley starts to open up, and the views get more and more beautiful.
You will walk mostly along a gravel path, but this hike also includes some stone steps and a few boardwalks.
Once you reach the main viewpoint, you will face the dilemma of returning to the visitor center or extending your hike via Upper Diamond Hill Walk.
If you still have energy, it's really worth considering to continue walking up the hill to enjoy even more epic views.
Upper Diamond Hill Walk
The Upper Diamond Hill Walk is marked red and is the hardest of the four looped trails in the national park.
It is 6.7 kilometers long (the loop itself is 3.7 km), takes 2 or 3 hours, and ascends 350 meters. By far, it's the best hike in Connemara National Park, at least in our opinion.
It can be done only in a clockwise direction for your and everyone else's safety.
While Lower Diamond Hill offers nice views as well, it's the upper loop that will reveal what Connemara is about in its full glory.
From the top of Diamond Hill, you will get 360-degree panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Twelve Bens, Tully Mountain, and, if you know where to look, even the famous Kylemore Abbey.
On a clear day, we are not afraid to say that your effort will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views in the entire Ireland.
Opening Hours
Connemara National Park is open all year round and has no opening times. National Park Visitor Centre is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Even though you can visit Connemara National Park any time of the year, the park can be closed during orange and red weather warnings.
Therefore, always check the weather conditions before visiting the park.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Connemara National Park.
It is a fantastic place to add to your itinerary for everyone, but especially if you're traveling around Ireland on a budget.
How Much Time Do I Need
Depending on the route you take and your fitness level, it's reasonable to assume that you should allow yourself about three to five hours for Connemara National Park.
Hiking within the national park could take anywhere between one to four hours, plus you may spend some additional time exploring the visitor center or having lunch at the picnic zone.
When to Go
Generally speaking, summer is the best time of the year to visit Connemara National Park.
Days are warm and long, and the weather is great in general. Many travelers also consider this season to be the best time to visit Ireland.
Some consider early autumn and late spring even a better choice.
We visited this national park in May, and thanks to the weather that played in our favor and thinner crowds, we had a blast here.
Off-season usually brings cold temperatures and plenty of rainfall.
Even though Connemara National Park is a bustling tourist destination during the summer, it can also be explored in winter.
Winter walks in Connemara National Park can be incredibly rewarding, but you need to make sure you're prepared for the elements.
Time of the Day
As for the time of the day, we believe it's better to start your hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially during the peak season.
Honestly, it doesn't matter that much, as Connemara is beautiful any time of the day.
What to Pack
Knowing what to wear to hike in Connemara National Park is essential in order to stay safe and enjoy your day out.
However, don't over-rely on the weather forecast, as the weather changes rapidly in the mountains, and plan for all conditions.
Your Ireland packing list should include wind and rainproof gear, and remember that layers are the key to success.
Even on sunny days, we always make sure that we have a quality rain jacket in our daypack, and quite often also pack rain pants to stay on the safe side.
Even though the trail is very well-maintained and features several boardwalks, sturdy hiking shoes will be really helpful here.
Hiking poles may help you keep your balance and reduce stress on your knees when hiking up or down the Upper Diamond Hill Loop, but we didn't find them that useful for this area.
In summer, bring plenty of water and a strong sunscreen with you.
How to Get There
Not surprisingly, the best way to get to Connemara National Park is by car.
Even though most visitors drive to the national park, it's also possible to get there by bus or with a private tour.
Discover additional tips for driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland here.
Car
As mentioned earlier, the main park entrance can be found near the village Letterfrack along the N59.
It takes about 90 minutes of driving to get from Galway to Connemara National Park. Clifden is about a 20-minute drive from here.
However, there are plenty of amazing places to see along the way, such as Sky Road, Aughnanure Castle, or Dog's Bay, so be prepared to spend more on the road more time than originally planned.
Westport sits north of Connemara and can be reached in about an hour without stops at Killary Harbour, Aasleagh Falls, or a detour to Doolough Valley.
From Dublin, take M4 and then M6 to Galway. Here you will connect to N59, which will take you all the way to the national park.
The journey to Connemara from the capital of Ireland takes at least four hours.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
There is a large free parking at Connemara National Park at the main entrance.
On the day of our visit, the parking area size seemed more than adequate.
However, we can imagine that finding an empty space on some busy summer weekends might prove not that easy.
But that would probably be just a few exceptions, and most of the year, it shouldn't be an issue.
If the main area is full, additional designated parking is on the side of the road leading from N59 to the park entrance.
Public Transport
Even though there is no bus traveling directly to Connemara National Park, you will find a direct bus to the nearby Letterfrack village.
As the visitor center is only 500 meters from here, it's a pleasant five-minute walk along L11030.
Tours
Even though it's easy to visit Connemara National Park on your own, joining an organized trip is a great alternative for travelers who don't want to worry about transportation or go hiking without a guide.
Most of the day trips to Connemara that depart from Galway are affordable and include several stops along the way.
This Connemara National Park Tour from Galway includes a hike to Diamond Hill.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation near Connemara National Park, there are plenty of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses along the N59 and the surrounding area.
The small village of Letterfrack is, in particular, an excellent choice as it's only a stone's throw from the park's entrance.
Clifden, Westport, or Galway should be the safest bet for mid-range and luxury options. Here are our tips on the best hotels near Connemara National Park.
Letterfrack | Rosleague Manor Hotel - Situated only a 5-minute drive from the park entrance, this 19th-century hotel offers stylish accommodation in the heart of Connemara. It has a beautiful setting, spacious rooms, great food, and free parking.
Clifden | Clifden Station House Hotel - Located in the center of Clifden, about 15 kilometers from the park, this hotel offers clean and modern rooms, helpful staff, superb breakfast, and free parking.
Leenane | Delphi Resort Hotel and Spa - This 4-star hotel is only a 35-minute drive from the park and features an amazing location, cozy rooms, and free parking. Plus, it has excellent facilities, such as a spa, steam room, and sauna, that are perfect after a long hike in the national park.
Staying Safe
Thanks to the well-maintained trails and great signage, Connemara National Park is generally a safe place to visit.
However, never underestimate a little bit of pre-planning, as it will help you eliminate most risks associated with hiking in the wilderness.
For starters, make sure to wear the right clothes, as the wrong gear can quickly spoil your day or even worse.
Another crucial piece of advice is to choose your route according to your fitness level, abilities, and current weather.
It's also recommended to check the weather forecast before you go but be prepared that the weather in the mountains is very changeable.
Whether you're a solo traveler or not, always tell someone, a friend, or a family, about your plans. And lastly, keep your plans flexible.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Connemara National Park Worth Visiting?
Without any exaggeration, Connemara National Park was one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
Connemara has great well-signed well-maintained trails for all ages and abilities, and it's free to visit.
The Upper Diamond Hill Loop was probably our favorite hike in Ireland, though weather also played a huge role in shaping our opinion.
As you can see, we have only words of praise for Connemara National Park, so we believe it's definitely worth seeing.
However, there is not much else to do apart from these four trails, so make sure to include also some other places in your Connemara itinerary.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
