This gorgeous national park encompasses over 2,000 hectares (4,940 acres) of mountains, bogs, grasslands, and hiking trails. Some of the best trails lead through the peaceful Gleann Mór (which means “Big Glen”), through which flows the River Polladirk, or up to the Twelve Bens (also called the “Twelve Pins”), a small, quartzite mountain range north of the Galway-Clifden road. None of the Twelve Bens rises above 730m (2,392 ft.), which makes their summits quite accessible to those who don’t mind walking at a steep incline. Nearby are the lesser-known, equally lovely Maumturk range and the breathtaking Killary Fjord—the only fjord in Ireland, indeed this entire region of Europe. Frequent rainfall produces dozens of tiny streams and waterfalls, and the views are spectacular. The excellent visitor center south of the crossroads in Letterfrack dispenses general information on the park, as well as providing sustenance in the form of tea, sandwiches, and fresh baked goods.