Originally founded as a Protestant settlement by a 19th century Quaker named Ellis , Letterfrack is an excellent base from which to visit the Connemara National Park , which is east of the village. The park has a visitor's centre where information on the park is displayed , as well as having facilities for hill-walkers ; there are several walks of varing degrees of strenuousness , through the park , which includes some of the '12 Bens' , as the highest peaks in Connemara are known. There is a hostel at Letterfrack where it is possible to camp and hire bikes to explore the very scenic surrounding countryside. Boating and sea-fishing are available locally.