If you haven’t got the time to attempt a huge hike, or perhaps the energy or proper footwear, get your hit of fresh air on Connemara National Park's Ellis Wood Nature Trail. At only 1km, this short trail begins near the Visitor Centre in the park and takes in views of the native wildflowers and trees that thrive in the surrounding woodland. Follow the trail until you reach the main attraction, a cascading waterfall that looks like it's straight from the tropics. 

For those looking for a short, yet challenging, hike, the Sruffaunboy Nature Trail is a good shout. The 1.8km circular route kicks off at the Visitor Centre and as you climb the wide surfaced path, you'll reach views of Ballinakill Harbour, Tully Mountain and Diamond Hill.

Admire the array of colourful flora like yellow gorse and purple heather along the trail, and keep an eye out for the park’s prized Connemara Ponies. Meet deer and wild goats, and look out for other landmarks such as the old stone circle, a babbling stream and a grassy pond.

Although Diamond Hill can easily be appreciated from afar, nothing beats enjoying the mountain up close on a hike. Clocking in at elevation of 445m, the route up the mountain is well-maintained and with regular, clear signposts, hikers don't have to worry about straying off course. 

The route is divided into two trails, so, feel free to take a break at the midway point on the lower Diamond trail, or keep climbing to the upper trail for views of the gothic turrets in Kylemore Valley and the Twelve Bens mountains. On a clear day, catch a glimpse of Inishturk and Inishbofin Islands and the Atlantic in the distance. The roundtrip takes about three hours to complete, and there’s a reason this is the Park’s most famous walk.

Galway’s highest peak, this is a walk more serious hikers can lace up their boots for. It’s a tough and demanding hike over mixed terrain, so come prepared for boggy grasslands at the beginning and loose, sharp rocks as you head higher.

Keep an eye on the path in front of you, not just for safety but because on a bright day, the mountain’s quartzite rock glistens almost white, and it’s a treat. Expect a four-hour round trip on a good day, and if you’re not exhausted coming down the west side, head into the saddle between Ben Baun and Ben Free and you’ll be at the top of Ben Free a quick climb later – two for the price of one!

Some experienced hikers tackle all 12 of the Twelve Pins in one trip, and since four of them are located within Connemara National Park, a stay inside the park is as convenient as it is unique. While there are no serviced campsites, you can wild camp in the park, subject to a number of regulations around camping exclusion zones. For a leisurely stroll, set off on the Sruffaunboy Nature Trail on the lower reaches of Diamond Hill.

Walkers looking for a bigger challenge can take the 7km route to the peak of Diamond Hill. With nothing around you but nature for miles, on a clear night don’t forget to drink in the fresh air, natural silence and on a clear night, a sky full of stars.