Here is a short version of our itinerary .

Basic Facts - Connemara National Park covers about 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, grassland, heath, and woodland. - It was officially opened to the public in 1980. - The park lies in northwest Connemara, with its entrance near Letterfrack, along the N59 road. - The mountain range of the Twelve Bens (Beanna Beola) runs through / adjacent to the park. - Benbaun is the highest peak in the range (approx. 725 m) and within the environs. What to Do / Trails & Highlights If I were you planning a strong day or two (or advising someone traveling through), here are the key draws: Walking / Hiking Trails There are several formal trails in the park; beyond them you’ll need map & compass skills. - Diamond Hill Loop — the signature trail. It gives panoramic views over the Twelve Bens, lakes, and out toward the Atlantic.  It splits into Lower Diamond Hill (shorter, easier) and Upper Diamond Hill (longer, steeper). - - Sruffaunboy Trail - Ellis Wood Nature Trail - Upper / Lower Diamond Hill versions (The above trails are well-signed; more adventurous routes into the bogs / mountains require navigational skill.) Flora & Fauna / Nature - Vegetation is dominated by blanket bog, heathland, grassland, with a variety of peatland species. - Interesting plants include insectivorous species (e.g. sundew, butterwort) in the nutrient-poor bog soils. - Birds: skylarks, meadow pipits, European stonechat, robins, wrens, and birds of prey like peregrine falcon, merlin. - Mammals are harder to see: foxes, pine martens, bats, stoats, and – iconic – the Connemara pony (grazing in valleys). Cultural / Historical Interest - Much of the land once belonged to the Kylemore Abbey estate. - There are archaeological remnants: megalithic tombs, old farm enclosures, even vestiges of human settlement. - The visitor centre, located in Letterfrack, is housed in former farm / industrial school buildings, with exhibitions about the landscape, wildlife, and the region’s heritage.

Dinner and a show in Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪 True Celtic dancers, we had a delightful evening

Trivia Time! 🤓 Which country has more islands than any other in the world? 🌊 (a) Greece (b) Sweden (c) Philippines

Would you rather… 🏝️ All-inclusive Caribbean OR 🚢 7-night cruise?