New playground for Galway as sod turned on 'park for all ages'
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
A new playground for the smaller visitors and the promise of an extra six kilometres in additional trails for the older, more adventurous ones – both combining to add to the attractions at the hugely popular Connemara National Park in Letterfrack.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan was on hand for the official opening of the state-of-the-art children’s playground this week – and he then turned the sod on a development that will deliver 6.1 km of new trails in the Mweelin area of the park.
It is proposed that 70% of the trails will be accessible to all, making Connemara National Park a leader in inclusivity and accessibility.
Delivered in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, this marks the second phase of a development project to enhance and expand the walking trail network within the Park.
Phase one 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 two, 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 this phase will be complete by middle of 2027.
The new playground creates an improved experience for families with children of all ages enjoying fun in nature in the heart of Connemara.
The development of the walking trail network at Connemara National Park is part of NPWS’s strategic partnership with Fáilte Ireland and represents significant progress in delivering the Connemara Coast and Islands Destination Experience Development Plan which includes a set of sustainable activities to enhance the visitor experience at the park and strengthen shoulder/off-season visitation to the Connemara region.
Turning the sod at Mweelin, where new trails are planned, Minister O’Sullivan described the Connemara National Park as 'a very special place for nature, for the community and our cultural heritage'.
"With its unique setting, 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," he said.
"As the Park trail network 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.
"Along with the playground, these will bring new and improved experiences for visitors while ensuring that the Park’s most precious habitats and wildlife are protected,” he added.
Connemara National Park Manager Eugene Finnerty hailed what he called 'another significant development and investment in Connemara National Park'
"It will bring increased enhancement, accessibility, inclusivity and excitement to the wonderful visitor experience already on offer in this very special place,” he said.
Fiona Monaghan, Head of Product Development and Activities with Fáilte Ireland, said they were pleased to see the next phase of this significant project progressing.
"By expanding the trail network and opening up new areas for visitors to explore, this development will create more opportunities for people to experience the park’s remarkable natural landscapes," she said.