The Connemara horizon is dominated by more than fifty magnificent mountains in four tightly packed ranges, the Twelve Bens, Maum Turks, Partry and Sheffrey. Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park, with its wood and cut stone path, offers a very safe way to go hill-walking.
500 metres high, Diamond Hill rises above the small village of Letterfrack. This is one of the finest hikes in the country. It commands huge ocean, island and mountain views in all directions. From its sharp edge summit it looks down on Kylemore Abbey and deep into the Twelve Bens mountain range. On the slopes of the mountain are the remains of an abandoned 19th century farm and a megalithic tomb built by the first farmers of the area 5,000 years ago.
When you first see the park, watched over by its cone-shaped mountain, Diamond Hill, you will be impressed by its stunning beauty. Enjoy the picnic area, children’s playground and tea room, visit the exhibition on Connemara’s landscape, audiovisual show and Connemara ponies or take part in one of the July and August activities: Guided Nature Walks; History and Management of Connemara Ponies; Fun with Nature for Kids.
The Visitor Centre is open daily from March to October and the Park grounds are open all year round. Admission is free. Don’t forget to bring appropriate footwear and rainwear.