New state of the art children’s playground opened at Connemara National Park
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, has officially opened a brand new state of the art children’s playground at Connemara National Park in Letterfrack, Co. Galway.
At the ceremony, Minister O’Sullivan also turned the sod on a development that will deliver 6.1 km of new trails in the Mweelin area of Connemara National Park.
It is proposed that 70% of the trails will be accessible, 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.
Welcoming visitors from all over the world along with being a haven of scenic beauty for domestic tourists and a much treasured experience to explore for the people of Connemara, Galway and the West of Ireland, Connemara National Park with its stunning natural landscape, encapsulates all that is at the heart of Connemara.
Offering an escape into the rugged wilderness of Connemara, stunning walks, a hike of the beautiful Diamond Hill with its magical views of the local countryside, boglands, the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range and Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara National Park provides myriad experiences which offer escapism, mindfulness but above all beauty and quality time in nature.
The new children’s playground creates an improved experience for families with children of all ages enjoying fun in nature in the heart of Connemara.
Connemara National Park is also a huge attraction for walkers with the iconic Diamond Hill being must for visitors and a regular exercise path for locals in Connemara and of course the people of Galway.
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 said: “Connemara National Park is 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.
"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 new playground, these developments will bring new and improved experiences for visitors while ensuring that the Parks most precious habitats and wildlife are protected.”
Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General of 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. By working in partnership with Fáilte Ireland we can deliver benefits for people and for nature.”