A hikers dream, Connemara National Park offers a perfect exhibit of Ireland’s beautiful countryside. It is located near the small village of Letterfrack and offers a glimpse into the history of Ireland and her people. Admission to the park is free and there are a variety of activities offered from nature trails to Diamond Hill walks. Take advantage of the Tea Room and the exhibits on the Connemara landscape. Don’t for get to check out the herd of Connemara ponies that roam the park.
Evidence has been found of human presence dates back to the megalithic court tombs 4,000 years ago. Ruined houses, a lime kiln, an ice house, and a drainage system hold proof of a greater population living here at one time. Wander the mysterious early 19th century graveyard and wander stretches of Galway Road that are still visible in the northern part of the park. From the cultivation ridges and hollows still visible, we can see that this was an agricultural region with the higher lands used for grazing and lower lying areas used for growing vegetables. The well dug to supply Kylemore Castle, Tobar Mweelin, is still in use today. There are several bogs that served as fuel sources.
The park office is located in the old Letterfrack Industrial School infirmary with several other buildings being used for the visitor’s center. These buildings were built in 1890. Check out some of the quaint hostels that Letterfrack has to offer and hike around a piece of Irish history.
Connemara National Park location
Connemara National Park
Letterfrack
Co. Galway
Photos by Nellie Windmill (1) and KimManleyOrt (2) on flickr
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