Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park in Letterfrack, County Galway covers 2,000 hectacres of scenic countryside rich in wildlife on the slopes of the Twelve Bens. The main attraction in the park is the Benbaun, also known as Diamond HIll, which is the highest mountain among the Twelve Bens. At the centre of the park is the Glanmore Valley and the Polladrk River. Visitors also come to catch a glimpse of the famous Connemara ponies and there are traces of life in past times including 4000-year-old megalithic tombs and former farming fields.

Three signposted walks start from the Visitors' Centre which are led sometimes led by botanists during the summer. The Visitors' Centre features displays on how the landscape developed and on local flora and fauna.

If You Go: Entrance to the park is free and is open year round. The Visitors' Centre is open from April to mid-October only. Climbing the Twelve Bens should be attempted only by experienced walkers with equipped with sturdy shoes, a walking stick, and clothing for all weather conditions.