Walking Holidays and Outdoor Adventures in Connemara National Park

Mountains, Bogs, and Atlantic Horizons

‍Wild landscapes in the heart of County Galway.

Connemara National Park, covering 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, heaths, and woodlands, is one of Ireland’s most iconic destinations for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. Nestled in County Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way, the park lies at the foot of the Twelve Bens mountain range, offering some of the best upland hikes in Ireland.

Walking here ranges from gentle nature trails to challenging mountain ascents, with views that stretch from the Atlantic coast to the rugged hills of Connemara. Along the way, you’ll encounter blanket bogs rich in wildlife, historic farmsteads, and sweeping panoramas of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.

Counties: Galway

Featured Trails

• Diamond Hill Trails – The park’s signature walk, with lower and upper loop options leading to spectacular 360° views of Connemara and the Atlantic.
• Nature Trails – Shorter, family-friendly loops through bogs, heaths, and woodlands around the visitor centre.
• Twelve Bens Ridge (nearby) – Challenging mountain routes across one of Ireland’s most dramatic ranges.
• Letterfrack Loops – Walks around the village gateway to the park, with heritage and coastal views.
• Killary Harbour Trails – Coastal and upland walks overlooking Ireland’s fjord, just beyond the park’s edge.

Adventure Highlights

• Diamond Hill — panoramic climb and Connemara’s best-known walk
• Twelve Bens — rugged peaks and ridge hikes for experienced walkers
• Blanket bogs and heathlands rich in flora and birdlife
• Views over Killary Fjord, Inishbofin, and the Atlantic
• Connemara ponies and traditional farm landscapes
• Accessible trails near Letterfrack alongside challenging mountain hikes

Explore the Area

• Letterfrack – the main gateway village and park visitor centre
• Clifden – lively town with shops, pubs, and coastal walks
• Killary Harbour – Ireland’s fjord with trails, kayaking, and aquaculture heritage
• Leenane – scenic village at the head of Killary Fjord
• Roundstone – coastal fishing village near Dog’s Bay and Gurteen beaches