THE National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) revealed the new and unique Connemara Pony Heritage Centre at the Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co Galway on October 31st when it was officially opened by Deputy John Connolly, Fianna Fáil T.D.

The Connemara Pony Heritage Centre will pay tribute to the pony’s valuable contribution to Ireland’s and Connemara’s heritage. The Connemara National Park has a long association with the Connemara Pony as the first ponies arrived when the Park 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.”

The centre is free to visit seven days per week and accessible for all. The centre will share the exceptional history, legacy, tradition and culture of the 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.

At the height of the summer season, visitors will have the excitement of meeting a Connemara Pony up close within the centre. They will learn from Connemara Pony breeding expert Cathy Snow and through a highly interactive and innovative exhibition about the importance of this pony breed and what makes them so special both in Ireland and across the world.

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.”