Connemara National Park, National park in County Galway, Ireland.
Connemara National Park is a protected natural area of around 2,000 hectares spread across the Twelve Bens mountain range in County Galway. The terrain includes mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands, and patches of woodland that create a varied landscape.
The land was once owned by Kylemore Abbey and an industrial school near Letterfrack before becoming a national park under Irish government protection in 1980. This change marked the shift from private use to public conservation.
The land reflects how people traditionally lived and worked in this part of Ireland, shaping the hills and valleys you walk through today. Local communities still value these landscapes as a connection to their heritage and a place for outdoor recreation.
Four marked walking trails of varying difficulty start near Letterfrack village, accessed via the N59 road. Bring waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear, as weather here changes quickly and ground conditions can be wet.
Benbaun is the highest peak in the area, and from its summit you can see Ballynakill Harbour and the Atlantic Ocean spreading below. On clear days, the views extend for many kilometers across the water and toward distant islands.
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