News

NPWS opens new Connemara Pony Heritage Centre at Connemara National Park

Date Released: Thursday, November 6, 2025

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has revealed a new and unique cultural and visitor experience at Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co. Galway.  The “Connemara Pony Heritage Centre” was opened last Friday by local TD John Connolly.

For generations the much loved Connemara Pony has been recognised as Ireland’s native breed and this exciting new experience “The Connemara Pony Heritage Centre” will pay tribute to the Connemara Pony’s valuable contribution to  Ireland’s and Connemara’s heritage. Connemara National Park has a long association with the Connemara Pony as the first ponies arrived when the Park first opened in 1980 and are descendants of the Connemara Ponies that President Erskine Childers gifted to the Irish State in 1974.

Opening the Connemara Pony Heritage Centre, Deputy John Connolly T.D. said:

“The Connemara Pony Heritage Centre is a great addition to Connemara National Park. It gives visitors a chance to learn more about the Connemara Pony, a breed that is closely tied to the history and identity of this region. The ponies have been part of the Park since it opened in 1980, and now we have a space that properly showcases their story and their connection to the land.”

Free to visit seven days per week and accessible for all, this exclusive new centre will celebrate the Connemara Pony, it’s unique equine personality and contribution to Irish life, heritage and pony lovers worldwide. The centre will share the exceptional history, legacy, tradition and culture of the beautiful Connemara Pony in story, narration and visual exhibits which will combine both digital and traditional imagery and film along with potential immersive learning for all age groups from young children to adults. All of this will be combined with meeting the beautiful Connemara Pony.

 

Eugene Finnerty, Regional Manager at Connemara National Park said:

“The Connemara Pony Heritage Centre is a seamless collaboration between the staff at Connemara National Park who provide strong support and huge commitment to our natural and cultural heritage. The team have invested time, energy and incredible initiative into this project, combining their talents, knowledge and expertise to create an exciting and captivating Centre dedicated to the Connemara Pony. It will be an excellent educational and inspiring addition to both life, learning and tourism in Connemara, Galway and on the Wild Atlantic Way. Providing wide appeal to locals, Galwegians, domestic and international visitors and of course Connemara Pony lovers from all over the island of Ireland and across the world.”

For all details on the new Connemara Pony Heritage Centre at Connemara National Park, please check out the National Parks Website.