Connemara National Park is expanding in size by more than 600 acres, along with a multi-million investment in new walking trails.
The NPWS has purchased an additional 249 ha (615 acres) of land located within the townland of Tievebaun, Co. Galway, increasing the size of Connemara National Park from 2055 ha to 2304 ha.
This expansion of more than 12% represents the most significant addition to the Park since it was first opened to the public in 1980.
The announcement was made by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan at the sod turning on extensive works to upgrade, improve and expand the walking trails in the Park.
Turning the sod at Tobartamnaigh, where a new trail is planned, Minister O’Sullivan said, “Connemara National Park is a very special place for nature, for the community and our cultural heritage.”
“With its unique St Dabeoc’s Heath flora, the Park attracts many nature lovers, local and international visitors who enjoy spectacular views from the Twelve Bens, and appreciate the diversity of habitats, birds and wildlife found here.”
“As the Park expands, I’m delighted to announce that there will be even more, and better walking trails for visitors through a partnership between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Fáilte Ireland.”
“This will bring new and improved experiences for visitors while ensuring that the Park’s most precious habitats and wildlife are protected.”
The multi-million-euro investment in the walking trail network at Connemara National Park is part of NPWS’s strategic partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
The sod turning marks the beginning of phase one of development aimed at doubling the park’s trail network from just under 8km to over 16km across two key locations.
Fiona Monaghan, Head of Product Development – Activities, Fáilte Ireland, said, “This exciting new development will open up new parts of Connemara National Park to visitors, providing more areas for exploration and ensuring that the park is accessible and inclusive for everyone.”
They are the existing Letterfrack campus (phase 1), and a new entrance at the previously inaccessible area of the park at Mweelin (phase 2).
Phase 1 of the project, which commences this month in Letterfrack, will enhance the existing trail offering and develop new trails beside the current visitor centre including a new Fram Trail (1.6km), an “all accessible” trail, and a sensory spur.
The development aims to encourage visitors to stay longer in the park and surrounding area by offering a choice of new trails and access points and is due to be completed later this year.
Phase 2 of the project, at Mweelin, will develop a new visitor experience by doubling the length of trails in the park.
This expansion aims to relieve pressure on the existing trail network and infrastructure at the Letterfrack campus, particularly the Diamond Hill trail, by creating brand new areas for visitors to access. It is expected that this phase will be complete by the end of 2026.
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General with the NPWS said, “We believe that visitor experience can co-exist in harmony with nature conservation when it is undertaken in a sustainable way. The excellent NPWS team here at Connemara National Park will ensure that.”
