Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre
Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre
Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre
4.5
About
***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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- Davo60Sydney, Australia354 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 9, 2024
- mcgotesDallas, Texas564 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 24, 2024
- Satroy85London, United Kingdom68 contributionsOut and About in ConnemaraI love to hike. The weather was a little more compliant than it had been and bar getting rained on at the top of the mountain, the weather played ball. It's a great walk. I am pretty fit, but you don't need to be extremely fit to hike up there. You'll have a good workout but it's worth it for the views at the top, and all the way up and all the back actually.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 23, 2024
- AlbertSalichsManresa, Spain24,073 contributionsWonderful views from the road!Connemara National Park is located in the North of Galway, in Western Ireland. We could not go to visit the natural park, but we crossed it from Aughnanur Castle to Kylemore Abbey and we stopped sometimes to see the wonderful views from the road. Really great! Awesome mountains, lakes and landscapes! I hope next time, we will come here, do some hikes and visit the natural park.Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 30, 2024
- LorettaGalway, Ireland57 contributionsBreathtaking sceneryWe visited the stunning Connemara national park on a glorious sunny day and decided to do the Upper Diamond Hill walk to the summit. Along our hike we met Brian who meticulously looks after the trail to ensure it’s safe for all visitors. He was such a friendly, caring person who asked how we were going on the hike. It is a steep climb up and you certainly need to wear good footwear and be ok with heights. The views at the top are just breathtaking. Allow yourself plenty of time to walk up and back so you can take in the views. We wished we booked accommodation nearby so we could explore this area further. It’s worth more than just a day trip -that’s for sure. Thank you Brian. It was great meeting you. You made our day. Keep up the excellent work.Visited November 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten November 11, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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nick w
London, UK1,344 contributions
Jun 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 June 23, 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.
WBin
Singapore, Singapore459 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 June 1, 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.
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 May 6, 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.
Nicolas B
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Be careful, to enjoy walks from the Visitor Center in August, start no later than 9:00 am before the arrival of the huge floods of visitors.
We were also very disappointed by the organization of the bog tour: it takes place once a week (only), if at least 5 people participate. It is free but (therefore?) without prior registration possible, or display of its existence by the way! When the time came, the Guide considered that her presence in the area was explicit enough to understand that she was the one to come forward. So she left 5 minutes after the time and did not leave her office since there were only four of us. Certainly, announcing to visitors that she was offering this ride was a risk that it would interest at least one more person (too many)!
The reception staff is very helpful.
We were also very disappointed by the organization of the bog tour: it takes place once a week (only), if at least 5 people participate. It is free but (therefore?) without prior registration possible, or display of its existence by the way! When the time came, the Guide considered that her presence in the area was explicit enough to understand that she was the one to come forward. So she left 5 minutes after the time and did not leave her office since there were only four of us. Certainly, announcing to visitors that she was offering this ride was a risk that it would interest at least one more person (too many)!
The reception staff is very helpful.
Automatically translated
Written August 14, 2024
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
Jul 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 July 12, 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 November 28, 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.
schmidtmg
Switzerland1,146 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
National Park is next to Letterfracl, about 15 km drive from Clifden. From the Visitors Center, which it is well worth spending time in as it explains the natural history of Connemara and the history of human settlements in the region, you can take three hikes, each in the form of a loop: one is 30 minutes, one a little over an hour, the last and most difficult one up and around the steep hill about 3 hours. The last one is not recommended on rainy and very windy days (of which there are a lot). the one hour loop is very pleasant with splendid views of the ocean from many vantage points.... entrance to the national park is free.
Written September 1, 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.
gojencarr
Watsonville, CA554 contributions
Jul 2022
The visitor center is a nice self-guided introduction to the Connemara area. There are picnic areas, nice/clean bathrooms, and friendly/helpful staff. We had planned to walk up Diamond Hill, but there was a cloud bank sitting at the top of the hill, and folks we passed coming down said there was zero visibility at the top. So, we only hiked as far as we had views and then turned back and completed the mid-level loop back to the parking area. It was a pretty/nice walk and the views we had were great even though we could not get all the way to the top.
Written August 1, 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.
Rod F
96 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 August 2, 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.
Anne J
Colchester, UK92 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
My husband and I walked The Diamond Hill loop- a very well established set of steps, both up and down, but so many walkers!!
The lady in The Information Centre was vey helpful in suggesting another walking trail in the area which we loved.
We had a scone with jam and cream- not a great experience. Jam in disposable plastic pot and cream was aerated cream from a can. Surely a National Park can do better than this?
The lady in The Information Centre was vey helpful in suggesting another walking trail in the area which we loved.
We had a scone with jam and cream- not a great experience. Jam in disposable plastic pot and cream was aerated cream from a can. Surely a National Park can do better than this?
Written September 5, 2024
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 February 15, 2020
Sorry to see your question just now. Kylemore Abbey is open right now - July 2020.
Written July 27, 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 April 17, 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 April 17, 2019
I’m in a wheelchair, how accessible is the National Park?
Written August 10, 2018
If your wheelchair is motorized, you will probably be OK. Mostly flat and rocky. Note - it will be a bumpy ride.
Written August 10, 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 August 12, 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 June 30, 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 February 10, 2018
How I can get by bus from Clifden city center to the national park?
Written November 8, 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 April 16, 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 October 20, 2017
Will the visitors center be open on October 13 2017. Info says open til October but no closing date..
Written October 12, 2017
as far as I know yes but you can go online and check it out.
Written October 16, 2017
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