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.

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.

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.

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.  www.homepage.tinet.ie/~knp/connemara