Hiking the Diamond Hill Walk
Read our travel guide on Upper Diamond Hill Walk in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, trail description, how to get to the trailhead, where to park, or when to go.
In our opinion, Connemara National Park is a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast visiting Ireland.
The main reason why we believe so is thanks to the stunning hike known as Diamond Hill Walk.
Especially the Upper Loop, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape and the Atlantic Ocean, is a fantastic trail.
Even though there are several trails to choose from, this hike is the crown jewel of the Diamond Hill area and will be a great addition to every Ireland itinerary.
At 445 meters above sea level, Diamond Hill itself is not the most impressive mountain in Ireland, at least on paper.
But this part of County Galway along the Wild Atlantic Way is incredibly scenic, and the effort/reward ratio of this hike is top-notch.
So here's everything you should know about Diamond Hill Walk before you go.
Diamond Hill Walk
With a length of 6.7 kilometers and an elevation gain of 350 meters, Diamond Hill Walk is an easy-to-moderate hike.
It consists of two looped parts - an easier 3-kilometer Lower Diamond Hill Walk and a bit more challenging 3.7-kilometer Upper Diamond Hill Walk.
Trailhead
Even though all the trails within the national park start technically at the visitor center, you don't need to walk down there unless you want to learn about Connemara first.
We headed to a small wooden shelter at the northern edge of the parking area, where we joined a gravel path that brought us to a first junction by the small lake.
Lower Diamond Hill Walk
Here we turned right and connected onto Bog Road. The trail on your left-hand side will bring you to a visitor center, while the middle one marks the start of the Sruffaunboy Walk Trail.
The first part of the hike was very easy, and the gradual incline allowed us to set a good pace and get into a rhythm.
As the woodland area is mostly around the visitor center, you get lovely views of the boggy grassland and farmland basically right from the start.
After about ten minutes of walking, the trail abruptly turned left, and the incline became steeper.
The gravel path turned after a few minutes into a wooden boardwalk and back into gravel track with some stone steps that ultimately brought us to another junction with a massive boulder. So far, this was a surprisingly pleasant walk.
Furthermore, the views really opened up at this point, and we could admire the Atlantic Ocean and the impressive Tully Mountains in the distance. And we couldn't wait for what comes next.
If you're pressed for time or satisfied with the views, you can follow the boardwalk and continue along the blue route that loops back to the visitor center.
Upper Diamond Hill Walk
The weather was still pretty good, and we were still full of energy, so we turned right and followed the gravel path toward Diamond Hill once again.
We reached the last junction on the way up in about 400 meters.
This is where the actual loop starts, but unlike other hikes where you can choose which direction to go, you can only do the Upper Diamond Hill Walk clockwise.
As this is a heavily trafficked trail during the summer, this one-way system makes the hike safer.
The last kilometer presents definitely the most challenging part of the trail.
Thankfully, there were stone steps and zig-zags, making the climb much easier than we expected.
Halfway through this stretch, we were given an opportunity to make a very short detour to a beautiful viewpoint of the whole bay area.
Despite limited visibility, we were also able to spot a trio of islands - Inishturk, Inishbofen, and Inishshark. Don't miss it.
It's a great excuse to catch a breath and take some fantastic photos.
In a few minutes, we reached a small blue sign warning hikers to continue beyond this point in adverse weather (fog, rain, ice, etc.).
From this point, the terrain gets rougher, and there are even a couple of points where we had to use our hands to climb up these short but steep sections.
They are very short and not difficult to tackle but can be slippery during the rain.
When it seemed that we finally reached the trail's highest point, the actual peak of Diamond Hill revealed itself behind a rocky outcrop.
After an hour of walking, we finally made it to the top.
Diamond Hill Peak
The 360º panoramic views from the top of Diamond Hill are simply breathtaking.
The views of the Ballinakill Harbour and Tully Mountains are arguably a bit less impressive from here, but you get a chance to see the famous Twelve Bens with a Kylemore Abbey at its foothills, Maumturk Mountains, and the rest of the Connemara National Park in its full glory.
It was pretty windy at the peak of Diamond Hill, so we decided to eat our snacks later and started descending back into the valley.
From the top, it's another two kilometers back to the huge stone that marks the junction of both trails.
Upper Diamond Hill Walk
The first part of the descent was quite steep, with plenty of steps.
Even though the dark clouds were gathering above the Maumturks, it didn't rain, and the trail was fairly dry. And this was a section that would definitely be more tricky on a rainy day.
There are a few spots where you have to mind your footing. If you have hiking poles, they will come in handy here.
As we pushed west, the trail eventually leveled out a bit, and we walked along the slopes of Diamond Hill covered with blanket bogs.
The track switched between a rocky path, gravel trail, and boardwalk, while the views remained still pretty spectacular.
Eventually, we reached the first fork once again, kept left, and continued toward the huge stone on the junction where the Upper and Lower Walks meet.
It really makes no sense to retrace your steps via the same trail, so we suggest turning right here.
We continued along the boardwalk through bog areas while soaking up the views of the Ballinakill Harbour and Tully Mountains once again.
This part of the hike was definitely busier but still fairly quiet. After another five or ten minutes, we reached a point where the Lower Walk Trail met Sruffaunboy Walk Trail.
Once again, we turned right and finished the loop by heading down the trail along the pastures with Connemara ponies.
The trail brought us to a picnic area in front of the visitor center, where we finally had our well-deserved snack.
Before heading to Kylemore Abbey and Killary Harbour, you can also explore the easy and short Ellis Wood Trail that starts and ends at the visitor center as well.
And don't forget also to visit the visitor center itself. There are some nice displays of local fauna and flora inside.
Opening Hours
There are no opening times for Upper Diamond Hill Walk.
However, don't forget that the national park can be closed due to hazardous weather conditions. Always check the official website before you go.
The visitor center is usually open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Entrance Fee
All hikes within Connemara National Park, including Upper Diamond Hill Walk, are free of charge.
If you're visiting Ireland on a budget, hiking is a great way to see some of the most beautiful places in the country while keeping your expenses low.
How Much Time Do I Need
Upper Diamond Hill Walk takes about 2-3 hours to complete depending on your fitness level, weather conditions, and your pace.
When to Go
The best time to hike Upper Diamond Hill Walk is during the summer, especially the months of July and August when the weather is mild, temperatures are pleasant, and the days are long.
Many consider summer to be the best time to visit Ireland in general. Unless you start early, be prepared that the trail gets busy during summertime, even more so on public holidays and weekends.
Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to hike in Connemara for visitors looking for a more peaceful experience.
We hiked Upper Diamond Hill Walk in May, and the upper loop was almost deserted as the majority of hikers did only the lower loop.
Admittedly, it was not a weekend, or we had just luck and were there on a quiet day.
The park and Upper Diamond Hill Walk remain open even through the winter, so it's an ideal choice if you're looking for solitude, no crowds, and great views.
What to Pack
If you decide to tackle the highest point of Diamond Hill, there are a few things you should pack to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Firstly, make sure to wear comfortable and sturdy hiking boots or shoes.
While most of the trail is usually in great condition, the terrain can be uneven, muddy, and rocky in places. Hiking poles are optional, though.
It's also wise to bring a waterproof jacket and rain pants, as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and changeable.
Don't forget to bring your favorite water bottle to stay hydrated during the walk. In summer, you should have strong sunscreen and a hat to protect your head from the sunshine.
Lastly, it's always a good idea to bring a comfortable daypack to keep your extra layers, water bottle, and other essentials in handy.
Here you will find more tips on what to pack for Ireland.
How to Get There
If you want to get to Connemara National Park on your own, the easiest way is to drive there.
Car
The park's entrance is located along N59 near the tiny village of Letterfrack in County Galway on the west side of Ireland.
Driving is the best option as it gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas, stop as often as you want, and take in breathtaking views.
Here we share tips on driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Public Transport
If you don't have a car, you can take a bus or a train to Galway City and then transfer to a local bus service that goes to Letterfrack, located only a short walk from the park.
The bus service operates from Westport to Letterfrack as well.
Taxi
If you prefer to travel by taxi, you could hire a driver from Clifden, a nearby town and gateway to Sky Road or Clifden Castle.
Tours
Lastly, you can join an organized trip departing from Galway that includes Upper Diamond Hill Walk.
Here you can reserve Connemara National Park Tour in advance.
Parking
Connemara National Park has a relatively large parking area that is free of charge.
Unless you arrive on a busy weekend in the summer, it should be easy to find an empty space here.
There are more designated parking spaces along the access road.
Where to Stay
Connemara offers a good variety of accommodation options for all visitors. For those looking for either an inexpensive, comfortable, or luxurious stay, there are plenty of good hotels and hostels in Galway or Westport.
If you want to truly immerse yourself in Connemara's mesmerizing beauty, plenty of family-owned bed and breakfasts are scattered along the coastal areas.
Other solid options are the town of Clifden, the Killary Harbour area, or the nearby Letterfack village.
No matter what type of accommodation you choose, staying in Connemara will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Letterfrack | Rosleague Manor Hotel - Located on the doorsteps of Connemara National Park, this charming 19th-century hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms, a secluded location, fine dining in its restaurant, and free private parking.
Clifden | Dun Ri Guesthouse - With affordable rates, an ideal location, cozy rooms, easy parking, and friendly staff, it's no wonder why this hotel in the center of Clifden has become so popular with budget travelers.
Furbo | Connemara Coast Hotel - Situated on the coast just a few kilometers west of Galway, this mid-range hotel has modern rooms with sea views, a swimming pool, a gym, a steam room, and great food. Free parking is available.
Staying Safe
As the trail is well-maintained and well-marked, Upper Diamond Hill Walk is generally considered safe.
Even though you won't spend that much time on the trail, it's smart to come prepared. To stay safe while hiking, make sure to wear adequate clothing and gear.
The weather is unpredictable in the mountains, whether you're here, at Glenveagh National Park, or in Killarney National Park.
In case of bad weather conditions, such as fog, strong wind gusts, etc., it's better to keep your itinerary flexible and visit another destination.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Diamond Hill Walk Worth Visiting?
If you're looking for a rewarding but not that difficult hike in Connemara, Upper Diamond Hill Walk is a great option.
Really, it's not that hard, it will require only two or three hours of your time, the views on a clear day are just spectacular, and we consider it one of the highlights of our Ireland road trip.
The trailhead is well-accessible by car, and there is no entry fee to the national park.
Simply put, this trail was, together with the Spinc Loop Hike in the Wicklow Mountains one of the best we had time to visit during our Ireland trip.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
