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Connemara National
Park
~ Connemara |
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Connemara National Park
encompasses some 2,957 hectares of rugged quartzite and
schist terrain of north Connemara, stretching from sea level
at Letterfrack to some of the peaks of the Twelve Bens
mountains (Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanacht).
The landscape is mantled by blanket bog and wet heath
vegetation with characteristic and varied wildlife. |
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Various activities are
available in the Park including Nature Days for Children,
Art in the Park, Lectures and Pony information sessions.
Western blanket bog and heathland are the main vegetation
types, and heathers including the unusual St. Dabeoc's Heath
clothe many of the mountainsides. Purple Moor Grass grows in
clumps in the bogs, and is responsible for the colour of the
landscape throughout much of the year. Carnivorous plants
such as Sundew and Butterwort trap insects with their leaves
and digest them to gain nutrients, which are in short supply
on the boggy land. Other common bog plants include Lousewort,
Bog Cotton, Milkwort, Bog Asphodel, Bog Myrtle, and a
variety of Orchids.
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Birdlife in the area is
varied, and includes Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, Stonechats,
Chaffinches, Robins and Wrens. The Kestrel is a fairly
common bird of prey, whilst Sparrowhawk, Merlin and
Peregrine are sometimes seen. Red Deer are currently being
re-introduced, and a herd of the unique pure-bred Connemara
ponies has also been established. |
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Opened in 1980, the Park
Visitor Centre at Letterfrack, Co. Galway, includes an
exhibition on the boglands of the West of Ireland, an
audio-visual introduction to the Park and nature trails. A
summer programme includes nature mornings for children and
guided walks.
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