Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre
Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre
Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre
4.5
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***FREE OF CHARGE*** Connemara National Park is one of Ireland's six National Parks. The Visitor Centre for the National Park is located beside Letterfrack Village. Entrance to the National Park grounds and trails (Diamond Hill), exhibition and Audio Visual is ***FREE OF CHARGE***. The Visitor Centre is the starting point for Diamond Hill trail.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- urbanguyRichmond, Virginia5,008 contributionsGreat Scenery in the Park and An Outstanding Visitor CenterWith our bus tour, we had 3 hours at the park. We hiked the blue trail (there are 3 trails of different lengths) up Diamond Hill. Great hike/walk, but no mammals or birds. The Visitor Center is exceptionally good. Their collection of artifacts is outstanding.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 October 2023
- Jim CBirmingham, Alabama915 contributionsHike of BeautyDid a hike up to the first stop. About a 30-45 minute loop which was beautiful. As pretty coming down as the view from the top. Meander down through canopy trees and flowing streams. A walk well worth it.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 October 2023
- hoben57Houston, Texas100 contributionsNice ParkNice park with ample parking. Visitor center is very interesting and staffed with friendly people. The bog exhibit was very good and educational. There's a big play area for kids and a small cafe to relax. The park is well kept, clean and worth a visit. And its free!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 November 2023
- Davo60Sydney, Australia351 contributionsDo the guided nature walkThere are three walks to choose ranging from a half hour to two and a half hours. The shorter walk can also be done as a guided nature walk which was excellent. The visitors centre is definitely worth a visit.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 June 2024
- mcgotesDallas, Texas502 contributionsWONDERFUL in every way!Don't miss this treasure! Our bus tour took us from Galway to this iconic national park. The scenery is spectacular, and the towns along the way won't disappoint. Make sure you spend time at Kylemore Abbey!Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
3,904 reviews
Excellent
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126
Poor
27
Terrible
6
nick w
London, UK1,301 contributions
June 2022
There are a selection of well-marked walks to choose from all of which start at the visitor centre. Some are super quick and easy and some (the red one) are a bit more strenuous. All are looped walks that start and end at the centre or connect to each other.
We did the blue and red walks which are a combined 6.7km in length with about 400m in elevation. The paths are well marked and maintained although towards the summit area of the red route it is steep in places. However, most moderately fit people should be ok to complete. There are great views to be had on the way up and from the summit.
The cafe at the visitor centre closes at 5pm and does food and drinks. There is also a useful supermarket selling a good range of foodstuffs about a 15 min walk from the visitor centre if you find the latter is closed (turn right when exiting the sideroad for the visitor centre, the supermarket is up the hill on the left).
We did the blue and red walks which are a combined 6.7km in length with about 400m in elevation. The paths are well marked and maintained although towards the summit area of the red route it is steep in places. However, most moderately fit people should be ok to complete. There are great views to be had on the way up and from the summit.
The cafe at the visitor centre closes at 5pm and does food and drinks. There is also a useful supermarket selling a good range of foodstuffs about a 15 min walk from the visitor centre if you find the latter is closed (turn right when exiting the sideroad for the visitor centre, the supermarket is up the hill on the left).
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug J
13 contributions
Oct 2020
Wow, just wow, the views from Diamond Hill are exquisite! was even treated to a rainbow while hiking up the mountain. My wife and I liked how the park set up the trail to be one-way. We went mid-week in mid-October and hardly anyone was there. Great place to explore.
Written 28 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yanie P
Indonesia368 contributions
May 2019
Such a lovely place to simply walk or even hike. With beauty at its best, photographer or at least photography lover would find this amazing. The park itself has a several choice of hikes for visitors, starting from the easier one to longer paths, with more challenging routes. During the walk or hike, your eyes will meet tons of spectacular views and wildlife to admire.
Written 29 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
igal27
Rehovot, Israel4,870 contributions
Sept 2019
This is a great choice for a day trip if you're in the area. There are a number of loop walks you can do here, including simple ones for those who aren't in shape, and up to the one that goes up to the top of Diamond Hill. That's the one we did, with 3 children -- not too big a deal, as long as you're not completely out of shape. Get there early in the morning though if you don't want to be walking together with a horde of tourists. By the time we were walking back down, it was already pretty full and sometimes even difficult to make your way down because of all the people... Also, bring bug spray. There are these tiny flies that bite, VERY unpleasant! But the view from the top of Diamond Hill makes it all worthwhile. At the bottom, there are cows and a little playground for the kids, and a cafeteria if you want something to eat/drink after your walk.
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anllb13
Dublin, Ireland17 contributions
Feb 2020
We went for a quick visit, due to the availability of different tracks we thought it was a good idea to take a look.
First, we went to the visitors centre, I must say the people there were lovely. Since it was St. Bridget's day, they were teaching how to do the St. Bridget's crosses. They were very nice and helpful, we really enjoyed learning such a cultural thing.
Then we went for the hike, we finally went for the long one. The tracks were very well maintained and the views were spectacular. Even though the morning was rainy, there were a bunch of visitors and people doing the hike. The longest one is not that hard, and there are spots in which you can rest if needed, remember to take a light jacket because once you start climbing up the mountain, it gets quite cold (even a hat may be helpful).
It is definitely worth going and taking the time to enjoy a day in nature, there are also places nearby to visit.
First, we went to the visitors centre, I must say the people there were lovely. Since it was St. Bridget's day, they were teaching how to do the St. Bridget's crosses. They were very nice and helpful, we really enjoyed learning such a cultural thing.
Then we went for the hike, we finally went for the long one. The tracks were very well maintained and the views were spectacular. Even though the morning was rainy, there were a bunch of visitors and people doing the hike. The longest one is not that hard, and there are spots in which you can rest if needed, remember to take a light jacket because once you start climbing up the mountain, it gets quite cold (even a hat may be helpful).
It is definitely worth going and taking the time to enjoy a day in nature, there are also places nearby to visit.
Written 3 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WBin
Singapore, Singapore457 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
One of the best national parks I have been to. It is free, very well maintained, clean of litter and the hikers here are very considerate group. There is a park guide at the entrance with a map to show you the hiking routes. Red for the toughest upper loop, blue (1 hour) for less steep climb but both will be rewarded with great views. The climb on the rocky surface at the last part of the red loop is the toughest. The surrounding landscape and view is amazing and boardwalk makes it easier. The view of the water and lakes from the top is spectacular. Carry a bottle of water, wear hiking shoes and don’t wear too thick clothes as it get very hot after climbing up. Bring a windbreaker as it could get windy. The walk is around 2-3 hours depending on how fit you are. There are clean washrooms, an indoor cafe and outdoor benches to sit (bring your own picnic) at the visitors centre at the entrance. The National park is definitely worth visiting but do go early before it gets too hot and crowded. The car park (free) gets filled up and there is additional parking on the side of the road. I enjoyed my visit here. It is 10 min drive from Kylemore Abbey.
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana L
Navan, Ireland2,683 contributions
July 2020
There are 4 walking tracks starting from this point, 2 of them accessible for everyone. Parking can be tricky, as this site tends to be crowded. If the weather is clear, it is well worth to climb to the top and enjoy the stunning views.
Written 23 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoriWynn
Pittsburgh, PA19 contributions
July 2022
The hike to the top of the mountain (the longer trail) was fantastic! Aside from the incredible views, the most notable feature was the impeccable trail. The stonework to make the trail is literally the nicest stonework we have seen, and we've hiked for most of our lives all over the planet, through many national and state parks. We met Stand and P.J. along the trail as they were doing maintenance. They were both extremely friendly and added a bit of brightness to an already bright day!
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul J
London, UK15 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Great place to visit whilst in Galway. Diamond Hill climb takes around 2 hours which on a clear day gives great views of the surrounding area including Kylemore Abbey. At the bottom is a cafe that serves all home made cakes and food which is first class. 3 different walks depending on your stamina and fitness levels so all catered for.
Written 6 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rod F
76 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
I came on a rainy morning and by the time I got to the top of Diamond Hill, I was soaked and couldn't see a thing. Back at the bottom the visitor center was closed but the cafe open (outdoor seating but undercover). As I finished my coffee, the rain stopped and I set off for a second time . This time, the midges were out but they disappeared higher up. The views were beautiful and the hill really isn't as tough as it looks. The path has been made superbly. A great day out.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is Kylemore Abby under construction right now? Are you able to see inside?
Written 15 February 2020
Sorry to see your question just now. Kylemore Abbey is open right now - July 2020.
Written 27 July 2020
My husband and I will be traveling with 2 kids (ages 5 and 2) in June. We are thinking of staying in Galway and driving over to Connemara and also seeing Kylemore Abbey all in one day and returning to Galway same day. Is this feasible or would it be more advisable to do the park one day, stay the night in Clifden and do the Abbey the next day?
Written 17 April 2019
Personally, I would probably stay a night (or two!) in Clifden as it is a charming town with a character all of its own. June will be busy there, however, as it is the start of the holiday season. Clifden is fifty miles or eighty kilometres from Galway and, while the road between the two places has been improved hugely in recent years, one must drive with care. Aside from Kylemore Abbey, there is much to see in Connemara and the scenery alone warrants spending a night or two away from Galway. So, pause in Clifden awhile, is my advice!!
Written 17 April 2019
I’m in a wheelchair, how accessible is the National Park?
Written 10 August 2018
If your wheelchair is motorized, you will probably be OK. Mostly flat and rocky. Note - it will be a bumpy ride.
Written 10 August 2018
Yes, dogs are allowed and very welcome but you need to know that there are sheep's around you need to make sure that dog don't chase them ( farmers don't like that :) )
Written 12 August 2018
Ho letto che c è un percorso ad anello da fare in auto che ti porta sia nella costa che all'interno dove sono le brughiere?
Sapete come si svolge e quanto ci vuole di tempo? Cosa non perdere? Mi piaceva vedere la parte selvaggia dove sono anche i pony. Grazie a chi mi risponde!
Written 30 June 2018
What is the best way to get from Galway to Connemara? I am staying in Dublin and want to take a train from Dublin to Galway, then the City Link bus to the park but the times are not lining up. Is there any other way to get to the park once I am in Galway? Thanks!
Written 10 February 2018
How I can get by bus from Clifden city center to the national park?
Written 8 November 2017
Sorry, my answer is way too late, but enquire online with the
relevant Irish bus services - who will have all the routes and an
up-to-date time table
Written 16 April 2018
When you say it took you three hours for the entire hike, do you mean the short loop or the long loop? I'm wondering if I'd have time to drive there from Galway, hike the "big loop", and finish in time to catch a bus back. Thanks for any answers!
Written 20 October 2017
Will the visitors center be open on October 13 2017. Info says open til October but no closing date..
Written 12 October 2017
as far as I know yes but you can go online and check it out.
Written 16 October 2017
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