Vagabond Tours of Ireland Monday, 22 February 2016 Vagabond Tours of Ireland has being working with Ballynahinch Castle Hotel for several years. It’s authentic Irish luxury and the idea of staying in a real castle, that our passengers really love. As an adventure tour operator we explore many of the areas around Ballynahinch. One beautiful hike we recommend if you’re staying in Ballynahinch, is the Diamond Hill trail in Connemara National Park. Connemara National Park Connemara, famed for its rolling mountains, pristine lakes & ancient bogs. It is Irish landscape at its most dramatic. One place you must visit while there is the Connemara National Park. Situated southeast from Letterfrack, the park spans 2000 hectares and is full of spectacular walks & scenery. The Visitor Centre Park up at the visitor centre, which is situated 300m south of the cross roads in Letterfrack. Check out the various trails. There are walks for all abilities, ranging from the short Sruffaunboy Nature Trail (0.5km) to the Lower Diamond Hill Trail (3km) & the Upper Diamond Hill Trail (3.7km). All of which are fully signposted and on well-maintained trails. The visitor centre also offers an introduction to the parks flora, fauna & geology. Guided nature walks are led by park rangers, several days of the week. The park encloses a number of the Twelve Bens, including Bencullagh, Benbrack and Benbaun, which should only be attempted be experienced well equipped climbers. Diamond Hill One of the most spectacular walks is the upper Diamond hill trail. Make sure you give yourself a good 2-2 ½ hours to complete. Gravel footpaths and wooden boardwalks takes you over open bog ground. There is a steady climb up to the ridge from the western slope, which culminates in a cairn at the 445m high summit. From here look northeast towards Kylemore Abbey, with its gothic turrets that sits on the banks of neighboring Kylemore Lough. On a clear day, Mweelrea, the highest mountain in Connaught can be seen peeking through from the north. To the north-west the views of the Twelve Bens are simply stunning. The summit of Diamond Hill is also the perfect viewing point to take in the rugged coastline below, with views of the islands of Inishturk, Inishbofin and Inishshark. If you’re looking to snap stunning Irish landscape photos, this is the place to come. Author: shauna.mctigue