Leaving Moycullen village, we headed toward Oughterard where – if angling takes your fancy – should be your first stop on Lough Corrib. After this, as you literally hug the lake, the landscape changes dramatically with the greenery giving way to mountain, moor and lake.
We travelled from Maam Cross into Clonbur before crossing the border into Mayo and the village of Cong.
Passing Ashford Castle, which my Galway colleague reliably tells me in not over the border in Mayo but very firmly in Galway, we see the gate concierge in his bowler hat welcoming guests to the grand estate. 
We also pass Kylemore Abbey located just off the N59 Road at Pollacappall Lough. But we are not in Connemara to visit either of these beautiful Castles, we are here to climb Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park.
Diamond Hill is part of the Twelve Bens and offers up some incredible views on a fine day. The trail is well paved with only a small bit of scrambling necessary.
We met several coming back against us, who either had mistakenly returned the way they came or chickened out due to the high winds on this particular day. Do not be deterred in getting to the top by the route suggested, as the track coming down the far side is a whole lot easier and there is a great sense of accomplishment in completing the loop.
Also although it is called a ‘hill’, she stands at 445m so the views which take in Kylemore Abbey are magnificent. The children were well capable of this walk but prepare for the weather and bring plenty of snacks.
The chowder in Veldons Seafarer Bar & Restaurant in Letterfrack was recommended and after a day’s hiking in the park, it most certainly didn’t disappoint.
Leaving Moycullen village, we headed toward Oughterard where – if angling takes your fancy – should be your first stop on Lough Corrib. After this, as you literally hug the lake, the landscape changes dramatically with the greenery giving way to mountain, moor and lake.
We travelled from Maam Cross into Clonbur before crossing the border into Mayo and the village of Cong.
Passing Ashford Castle, which my Galway colleague reliably tells me in not over the border in Mayo but very firmly in Galway, we see the gate concierge in his bowler hat welcoming guests to the grand estate.
We also pass Kylemore Abbey located just off the N59 Road at Pollacappall Lough. But we are not in Connemara to visit either of these beautiful Castles, we are here to climb Diamond Hill in the Connemara National Park.
Diamond Hill is part of the Twelve Bens and offers up some incredible views on a fine day. The trail is well paved with only a small bit of scrambling necessary.
We met several coming back against us, who either had mistakenly returned the way they came or chickened out due to the high winds on this particular day. Do not be deterred in getting to the top by the route suggested, as the track coming down the far side is a whole lot easier and there is a great sense of accomplishment in completing the loop.
Also although it is called a ‘hill’, she stands at 445m so the views which take in Kylemore Abbey are magnificent. The children were well capable of this walk but prepare for the weather and bring plenty of snacks.
The chowder in Veldons Seafarer Bar & Restaurant in Letterfrack was recommended and after a day’s hiking in the park, it most certainly didn’t disappoint.
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