A NEW CONNEMARA Pony Heritage Centre has been opened at Connemara National Park in Letterfrack, Co Galway.

The centre is free to visit and open seven days a week to the public.

Operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the centre was opened by Fianna Fáil TD John Connolly on Friday. 

It aims to pay tribute to the Connemara pony, which has been long recognised as Ireland’s native breed. The first ponies arrived at the National Park when it first opened in 1980, and are descendents of the ponies gifted to the Irish State by President Erskine Childers in 1974.

The new centre will celebrate the pony’s “unique equine personality and contribution to Irish life, heritage and pony lovers worldwide.

Martin Coyne, Connemara National Park, Connemara Pony Honey Bee and Consultant, Cathy Snow pictured at the official opening of the brand new Connemara Pony Heritage Centre. Martina Regan Martina Regan

“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.”

Regional Manager at Connemara National Park, Eugene Finnerty, said the centre “will be an excellent educational and inspiring addition to both life, learning and tourism in Connemara, Galway and on the Wild Atlantic Way. ”

He said it will appeal to locals and visitors from further across Ireland, as well as international tourists.