Diamond Hill

Had a great rewarding experience at Diamond Hill. There are three trails - the first shortest mildest trail takes you up a portion of the way (you have to U-turn to return back to visitor center), the second mid-length moderate trail takes you from where first trail ends, on a loop path back around, and the third hardest steepest climb is an offshoot from the second trail and takes you to the peak (but is not recommended in poor weather, as it is steep and slippery). We did all 3 trails (started on first trail, proceeded to second, took the third to peak, then did the 2nd trail loop around back) and it was 4.0 miles in total for 1200 feet elevation, and took us 1 hour 50 minutes at a steady hike to complete.

This is a hike which looks easy, however, it can be really exhausting. You go up like many stone stairs because the path is very well maintained to preserve the precious soil which would erode pretty fast. It is a great experience. The view is stunning at the top. What I also like is that people are advised to go up one way that you don't have to pass each other all the time.

Lucky enough to visit Diamond Hill on a beautiful sunny day, views from the hilltop are stunning. Nice visitors centre, provides carparking, cafe and toilets. Picnic benches for people with their own lunches and a little playground for children.

Fantastic trail up over Diamond Hill not too strenuous, the views are amazing well worth the treck.... We did about 7km from start to finish with about 1200ft elevation... Definitely worth a visit if in Connemara the trail has 3 different routes all varying difficulties but on a whole all easily doable

--- A Must-Hike Gem with Breathtaking Views --- Diamond Hill (Binn Ghuaire) is a 442m quartzite jewel in Connemara National Park, offering trails for all levels. The Lower Loop (3km) is family-friendly with bog boardwalks, while the Upper Loop (7km) rewards hikers with 360° panoramas of the Twelve Bens, Kylemore Abbey, and the Atlantic coast. --- Some fun facts for those interested --- The name comes from glittering quartz crystals (no real diamonds, but just as dazzling!) Trails were rebuilt in 2005 with €1.4M of helicopter-dropped stones to prevent erosion. While hiking up you might spot Connemara Ponies and Peregrine Falcons along the heather-clad slopes. Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, and pack layers, summit winds are fierce year-round! They're no joke, hold onto that camera and phone tightly, mine almost flew away as i could barely hold my camera straight. If you need Maps and Wildlife Guides, you can get them from the Visitor Center down below. To summarise, this is one of the most beautiful places i've ever been to, i would highly recommend this place atleast once.

Moderate hike with amazing views, definitely recommending. Easy slow pace up and down in a loop, around 2h to do. Parking a few km away, so easy wall towards the mountain.

Spontaneously decided to go for a hike at 6PM on a Tuesday and it was one of the best decisions of our trip! The path is fairly easy but does require hiking shoes or at least good sneakers. If you are lucky, you might even get awarded with an amazing sunset.

We decided to stop for a "quick" hike and what an extraordinary blessing it was to scale Diamond hill for some incredible views! Very peaceful and enjoyable from the tippity toppity - truly blessed to have found this place on our spring break trip in March this year. We will absolutely come back someday and climb this hill again! Highly recommend stopping in and enjoying a nice hike! It took us a few hours total round trip from base to the top and back down again. Hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did! Our first top in the morning was the Kylemore Abbey followed by Diamond hill during the midday and then went to Glassilaun Beach for sunset! Truly MAGICAL area indeed!!! 🤩💫🐦‍🔥🪄