West Of Ireland
Galway City
Galway City Tours
Covering approx. 2,000 hectares (roughly 4,942 acres), Connemara National Park offers stunning landscapes of mountains (including the Twelve Bens), bogs, heaths, forests and wildlife (such as mountain ship), with free entry and visitor facilities nearby in the old village of Letterfrack.
Key attractions include the Diamond Hill walk for panoramic views, historical sites like megalithic tombs, Connemara ponies, and various trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging hikes for experienced trekkers.
The park, officially established in 1980, provides a diverse Irish experience, accessible via its Visitor Centre with amenities like a cafe, playground, and exhibitions.
5 Facts Before Visiting Galway City Ireland
- The Twelve Bens: Several peaks within the park (Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght) belong to the famous Twelve Bens (Beanna Beola) mountain range, offering challenging climbs and incredible views.
- A Gaeltacht Region: Connemara is one of Ireland’s most significant Irish-speaking areas (Gaeltacht), preserving the Irish language amidst its landscape.
- Home of the Connemara Pony: The park is a natural habitat for the unique, hardy Connemara Pony, a distinctive Irish breed known for its strength and gentle nature, which you’ll often see grazing.
- Ancient History & Kylemore Abbey: The land has deep history, featuring 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs and ancient graveyards, with much of the park once part of the Kylemore Abbey estate.
- Diverse Habitats & Free Entry: It boasts mountains, blanket bogs, heaths, grasslands, and woodlands, with free admission to its trails and visitor centre.
“The City of the Tribes” (Cathair na dTreabh in Irish) – Refers to the 14 merchant families who ruled the city during the medieval period.
Galway University (NUIG)
Galway Races Festival
Eyre Square
Have questions about your visit to Galway city?
Our luxury Irish travel designers are ready to help and answer your questions before you visit.
