The National Parks and Wildlife Service has opened a new heritage centre in Connemara National Park aimed at preserving Ireland’s native Connemara Pony.

The Connemara Pony Heritage Centre, launched in Letterfrack, Co Galway, is designed to safeguard the legacy of the breed and deepen public understanding of its cultural significance.

The Connemara Pony has long been associated with the park, with the first herd arriving in 1980. Those ponies descended from animals gifted to the State by President Erskine Childers in 1974. The new centre marks the first dedicated space to honour the breed’s role in Irish heritage and its connection to the land.

The centre features a mix of visual storytelling, film and interactive exhibits, and is free to visit seven days a week. It also offers visitors the chance to meet the ponies in person.

Speaking at the opening, local TD John Connolly said the centre would help preserve the story of the Connemara Pony for future generations. He described the breed as central to the identity of the region and praised the park’s long-standing commitment to its care.

Eugene Finnerty, Regional Manager at Connemara National Park, said the project was a collaborative effort by staff who have worked to protect both the natural and cultural heritage of the area. He said the centre would serve as an educational and tourism resource for locals and visitors alike.

The Connemara Pony Heritage Centre is part of a wider effort to promote conservation and celebrate native Irish breeds. Further details are available on the National Parks website.