CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK

It's hard to miss the mythical Connemara National Park, one of Ireland's most beautiful natural parks. Created in 1980, it covers over 2,000 hectares of peat bogs, mountains, lakes and moorland, and is home to some of Ireland's highest mountains, the Twelve Bens. The area now covered by the park largely corresponds to the former estates of Kylemore Abbey. Visitors from all over the world come here at all times of year to discover this spectacular area, also known for its wildlife. In addition to the many birds (robins, wrens, thrushes, starlings...), you may spot foxes, ermines and, for the lucky ones, the famous Connemara pony. Vestiges of human presence, such as 4,000-year-old megalithic tombs or the remains of the old road leading to Galway, will also punctuate your discovery. Four hiking trails, starting from the visitor center, allow you to discover the park.

Hiking trails. Ellis Wood Nature Trail: an easy 0.5 km loop along undergrowth near a small waterfall.

Sruffaunboy Walk: an easy 1.5 km walk for children.
Lower Diamond Hill Walk: a 3 km route offering fine views of the Renvyle peninsula.
Upper Diamond Hill Walk: a 7 km trail leading to the summit of Diamond Hill (a 445 m high mountain; a slightly steep ascent), from where there are superb views (allow 3 hours). Extraordinary on a clear day.