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Letterfrack or Letterfrac (Irish: Leitir Fraic meaning "The Speckled Hill") is a small village in the Connemara area of County Galway, Ireland. It was founded by Quakers in the mid-19th century. The village is south-east of Renvyle peninsula and 15 kilometres (9 miles) north-east of Clifden on Barnaderg Bay and lies at the head of Ballinakill harbour. Letterfrack contains the visitors centre for Connemara National Park.
James and Mary Ellis, a Quaker couple from Bradford in England, moved to Letterfrack, during the Great Famine. Ellis became the resident landlord in Letterfrack in 1849. As Quakers, the Ellises wanted to help with the post-famine relief effort. They leased nearly 1,000 acres (405 ha) of rough land and set about farming it and planting it with woodland. They built a schoolhouse, housing for tradesmen, a shop, a dispensary, and a temperance hotel. In 1857 the property was sold to John Hall, a staunch Protestant, and supporter of the Irish Church Mission to Roman Catholics. The ICM used the building with the aim of converting Catholics to Protestantism. After 25 years without much success, Hall sold it in 1882 to the Catholic Archbishop of Tuam, John McEvilly, who used a false name to give Hall the impression that the buyer was a Protestant, for £3000 for 1,000 acres (405 ha). In 1885, he established St Joseph's Industrial School, Letterfrack which opened in 1887. Like many other institutions run by the Christian Brothers, Letterfrack Industrial School has since become notorious for excessive use of corporal punishment, neglect, and child molestation of the boys in its charge, and was closed down in 1974.
Extremely beautiful area. Nice hike and quiet little area. Definitely would recommend. It's not overly challenging but it's more than a stroll. Definitely worth going.
Timothy RobareJun 18, 2018
We enjoyed hiking the Diamond hill even though mist and cloud kept the visibility low. There is a nice visitors center and tea room. Car parking is available; there is a good sized lot but the spaces were filled by mid-afternoon.
David13 CharlesMay 4, 2018
The starting place for a few different trails, including a hike to the top of Diamond Hill. The views as you ascend and at the top are some of my best experiences in Ireland so far!
Scott LarsonJun 21, 2018
We hiked up the mountain it was gorgeous we saw sheep and mountain goats so cool I loved all the stopping points letting us know where we were.
brooke katzJun 10, 2018
The Diamond Hill loop walk is a must if you're visiting the park. Amazing scenery with a fair difficulty level (it's strenuous without being hardcore, even when you're not super fit). When the weather is good, you have unparalleled views of the surroundings.
Danny Lake-GiguèreMay 22, 2018
Extremely beautiful area. Nice hike and quiet little area. Definitely would recommend. It's not overly challenging but it's more than a stroll. Definitely worth going.
Timothy RobareJun 18, 2018
We enjoyed hiking the Diamond hill even though mist and cloud kept the visibility low. There is a nice visitors center and tea room. Car parking is available; there is a good sized lot but the spaces were filled by mid-afternoon.
David13 CharlesMay 4, 2018
The starting place for a few different trails, including a hike to the top of Diamond Hill. The views as you ascend and at the top are some of my best experiences in Ireland so far!
Scott LarsonJun 21, 2018
We hiked up the mountain it was gorgeous we saw sheep and mountain goats so cool I loved all the stopping points letting us know where we were.
brooke katzJun 10, 2018
The Diamond Hill loop walk is a must if you're visiting the park. Amazing scenery with a fair difficulty level (it's strenuous without being hardcore, even when you're not super fit). When the weather is good, you have unparalleled views of the surroundings.
Danny Lake-GiguèreMay 22, 2018
Extremely beautiful area. Nice hike and quiet little area. Definitely would recommend. It's not overly challenging but it's more than a stroll. Definitely worth going.
Timothy RobareJun 18, 2018
We enjoyed hiking the Diamond hill even though mist and cloud kept the visibility low. There is a nice visitors center and tea room. Car parking is available; there is a good sized lot but the spaces were filled by mid-afternoon.
David13 CharlesMay 4, 2018
The starting place for a few different trails, including a hike to the top of Diamond Hill. The views as you ascend and at the top are some of my best experiences in Ireland so far!
Scott LarsonJun 21, 2018
We hiked up the mountain it was gorgeous we saw sheep and mountain goats so cool I loved all the stopping points letting us know where we were.
brooke katzJun 10, 2018
The Diamond Hill loop walk is a must if you're visiting the park. Amazing scenery with a fair difficulty level (it's strenuous without being hardcore, even when you're not super fit). When the weather is good, you have unparalleled views of the surroundings.
Danny Lake-GiguèreMay 22, 2018
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.