In our series about walkways and trails to explore and enjoy across Ireland, Fashion and Features journalist Megan Fox singles out Diamond Hill as a landmark trek within Connemara National Park, in County Galway.
If you find yourself out West during the summer, on a day with clear skies, reaching the summit of Diamond Hill rewards you with some of the most breathtaking views of Connemara’s dramatic scenery. From this vantage point you can pick out the Twelve Bens range and the picturesque Kylemore Abbey.
Despite its name, Diamond Hill is in fact a peak rising to 442 metres. The route offers several levels of difficulty, with gentler loops under 2 kilometres available for starters.
Routes and accessibility
There are two principal routes to pick from, both beginning at the visitor centre. The blue route (Lower Diamond Hill) presents a moderate three-kilometre walk along largely old bog roads, tracks with steps, a boardwalk and about 90 metres of ascent. The red route (Upper Diamond Hill) offers a more challenging 3.7-kilometre trek. The path here is a well-kept stone and gravel route with occasional boardwalk sections along the way.
Getting there and parking
The Connemara National Park’s visitor centre and main access point sit close to the village of Letterfrack, along the N59. Parking and entry to the park and centre are free of charge.
Get a coffee
Inside the visitor centre, The Hungry Hiker opens daily from 10am to 5pm, serving coffee, homemade scones, soup and brown bread—ideal refreshments after a long stroll through the Irish countryside. Nearby Letterfrack also hosts Kabo Coffee, which serves a tasty coffee and treat; open seven days a week.
Bite to eat
For freshly caught seafood and a cosy pub atmosphere, head to Veldon’s Seafarer Bar and Restaurant in Letterfrack. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Kylemore Abbey’s Garden Tea House is the perfect destination for tea and cakes with sweeping views over Connemara National Park.
Have a rest
Continue your adventure with a stay at Fernwood. Their eco-conscious spaces are designed to harmonise with the surroundings and the wildlife that inhabit them. Choose from the Treehouse Dome, the Stilt House, or the minimalist Studio, all nestled amidst Connemara’s natural habitat.
