Glenveagh National Park

Nestled in the heart of Donegal, Ireland, lies the stunning Glenveagh National Park, a natural paradise that attracts travellers worldwide. With its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and diverse range of flora and fauna, Glenveagh National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Ireland.

Spanning over 16,000 hectares, the park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Ireland. From rugged mountains and sparkling lakes to cascading waterfalls and dense forests, the park's diverse range of natural features makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Start your journey at the Glenveagh Visitor Centre car park.

Glenveagh National Park provides a visitor centre that offers an array of facilities, including a cafe, souvenir shop, and exhibition centre. The visitor centre also provides ample parking space for visitors. Moreover, a shuttle service operates from the visitor centre, offering a comfortable mode of transportation for visitors with disabilities or difficulties in walking. The shuttle service takes visitors to the castle and the start of some of the park's trails. Tickets for the shuttle can be bought from the Visitor centre. This service ensures that everyone can experience the beauty of Glenveagh National Park, regardless of their mobility. The park's dedication to accessibility and visitor experience makes it a wonderful destination for everyone.

Glenveagh Castle and Its impressive gardens.

One of the most popular attractions within the park is Glenveagh Castle, an iconic landmark that dates back to the 19th century. The castle, which is situated on the edge of Lough Veagh, was once home to the wealthy American businessman John Adair and his family. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and explore its beautiful gardens, which are home to a wide range of exotic plants and flowers. Glenveagh Castle's beautiful gardens are a must-see attraction within the park, impressing visitors with their stunning beauty and diverse range of flora.

Visitors to Glenveagh National Park have the opportunity to take a guided tour of Glenveagh Castle, which is considered to be one of the most stunning and historically significant buildings in Ireland. The tour provides a unique insight into the history of the castle and the people who lived there. Knowledgeable guides will take visitors through the rooms and corridors of the castle, pointing out the various architectural and design features and sharing interesting anecdotes and stories along the way. The guided tour is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Glenveagh National Park, and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful region of Ireland.

Visit the charming Glenveagh Castle tearoom.

Castle also boasts a charming tearoom that serves delicious snacks, meals, and beverages made from locally sourced ingredients. The tearoom is the perfect place to rest and refresh after exploring the castle and gardens. Visitors can enjoy a variety of treats, including traditional Irish scones, cakes, and sandwiches, all while taking in the stunning views of the castle's gardens and Lough Veagh. The tearoom also offers hot and cold beverages, including tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. With its delightful ambience and delicious food, the tearoom at Glenveagh Castle is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Irish culinary experience.

Glenveagh National Park walking trails

For those looking to explore the park's natural beauty, there are numerous hiking trails that take you on a journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the area. The park's most popular trail is the Glenveagh Way, a 40-kilometre-long trail that takes you through mountain passes, valleys, and forests, offering breathtaking views of the park's rugged terrain.

Glenveagh National Park is also home to an array of wildlife, including red deer, badgers, foxes, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the park's wildlife up close by taking a guided tour or a bird-watching excursion.

Visitor Centre to the Castle walk (Lakeside Trail)

Experience the beauty of Lough Veagh with a stroll along The Lakeside Walk at Glenveagh. The path winds along the shore, leading you to the magnificent Glenveagh Castle. The trail begins at the bus stop and takes you through a forest of native Birch and Rowan trees, eventually bringing you to a bridge constructed from recycled plastic decking. Once you cross the bridge, the path will guide you through a wet heath habitat where you can observe various native animals. As you continue your journey, the glen and the lush lakeside will offer breathtaking views until you arrive at the castle gardens. While the walk is not a loop, it only takes 40 minutes (4 km) to complete, and a shuttle bus is available to take you back to the starting point from the castle. With mostly flat terrain, the trail is considered an easy walk, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.

The Glenveagh Castle and Gardens Trail

The Castle and Gardens Trail is a leisurely and picturesque walk that takes visitors on a full tour of the Castle gardens, including a winter garden and castle towers just beside the lake. This well-marked trail starts at the front of the castle and showcases the gardens, home to exotic trees and shrubs that contrast the surrounding landscape. Along the way, there are several prime locations where visitors can rest and take in the beauty of the gardens. The Garden Trail can take an hour or more to complete and features a flat gravel terrain, making it an easy walk. The starting and ending point is the front of the castle.

The Castle Viewpoint Trail

The Viewpoint Trail is the shortest of the Glenveagh walks, but don't let its length fool you, as it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Glenveagh Castle, Lough Veagh, and the surrounding landscapes. As you make your way down, you will pass through a wooded area before returning to the castle. The terrain can be steep sometimes, so take short breaks to rest and enjoy the views. The route is easy to navigate. Although the walk can be completed in just 35 minutes, most walkers spend much longer enjoying the stunning views along the way. It's important to note that this is a looped walk. The Viewpoint Trail starts outside the garden gates of the castle and ends back at the castle. Don't forget to bring your camera!

Walk from the Castle to the Astelleen Burn Waterfall

The waterfall is 3km away from Glenveagh Castle. To get to the Astelleen Burn Waterfall, enter Glenveagh Castle and head southwest on the main road until you reach the park entrance from the Head of the Glen side (opposite the Visitor Centre car park). You can find information boards on the Castle to direct you to the waterfall trail. The walk is relatively easy and takes around 30-40 minutes each way. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as well as a camera to capture the stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. You can visit our dedicated Astelleen Burn Waterfall article for more information.

Head of the Glen (Bridle Path) Hike

The Glen/Bridle Path Walk in Glenveagh, Donegal, is one of the longest Glenveagh walks and offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding mountains. This newly restored Bridle path is a natural extension of the Lakeside walk and takes you through the Derryveagh Mountains. As you ramble along the route, you'll come across old settlements and native woodland. This trail is perfect if you have a bit of time on your hands, as the exceptional views make it worth the while, and it's much quieter than some of the shorter walks. The walk takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and covers a distance of 8km. It's not a looped walk. The trail is of medium difficulty level, with a mostly flat gravel path that rises over the last 3km. The starting point is at the back of Glenveagh Castle, and the walk ends at an arranged collection point. Hill Walkers will absolutely enjoy the trail.

Lough Inshagh Trail

The Lough Inshagh Walk is a peaceful and less densely populated walk in Glenveagh National Park, perfect for those seeking solitude in nature. This scenic trail follows a historic path that once connected the castle to the village of Church Hill. The trail is generally quiet, and visitors often spot red deer along the way. The walk offers spectacular views of the park and its breathtaking scenery. It's important to note that the Lough Inshagh Walk is not looped. The walk takes around 2 hours to complete, covering a distance of 7km. Exercise caution on this stony dirt path that ends on a tarred road. The starting point is near Loughveagh, approximately 0.5km from the castle. You can visit our dedicated Lough Inshagh trail article for more information.

Extent Lough Inshagh Trail to Glebe Gallery, Gartan Lake

If you're up for a longer hike, you can extend your walk by heading to the Glebe Gallery near Gartan Lake. This will add around 2 hours (5km is one direction) to your journey and take you through some quiet, less densely populated areas. Along the way, you'll encounter several fascinating landmarks, such as the Gartan Graveyard and St. Columba's Church. The Glebe Gallery is a historic house-turned-museum and it is home to a range of modern art galleries and well-maintained gardens right at the Gartan Lough. In addition, visitors can enjoy a break at the tearoom located within the gallery, which is open every day from April to September. It's a great spot to relax and grab some refreshments before heading back.

Derrylahan Nature Trail

The Derrylahan Nature Trail in Glenveagh National Park offers an immersive hiking experience in a remote area that was once covered in Oak Forest and now boasts a variety of habitats. The trail begins near the Visitor Centre and is well-marked with easy-to-follow signs for the looped route. Along the way, you'll encounter a section of blanket bog, Scots Pine woodlands, and unique plants and wildlife. The trail is 2km in the distance, takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, and features a gravel track that is both flat and steep in places, making it of medium difficulty. The starting and ending point is the Visitor Centre.

Gartan Loop (Glenveagh to Gartan Lake) Trail

This is a long trail for enthusiasts seeking a full-day adventure. The Glenveagh to Gartan Lake Trail is a scenic and peaceful route that takes you from the heart of Glenveagh National Park to the tranquil shores of Gartan Lake. The trail begins near the castle and leads you through a variety of landscapes, including forests, hills, and open fields. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and glimpses of local wildlife, such as red deer and golden eagles. As you approach Gartan Lake, the terrain becomes flatter and more open, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the lake and its surroundings. This trail is suitable for walkers of all levels, although some parts can be uneven and challenging. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll or a more challenging hike, the Glenveagh to Gartan Lake Trail offers something for everyone.

Cycling on the trails

There are two designated cycling routes within the park the Lakeside Trail and the Gartan Loop. The Lakeside Trail is a relatively flat, 6-kilometre route that follows the shoreline of Lough Veagh and is suitable for all levels of cyclists, including families with children.

The cycling route from the Glenveagh Visitor Centre to the Astelleen Burn Waterfall is a good option if you'd like to extend your ride enjoyment with an extra 6 km (3 in each direction). So, from Lakeside Trail, jump on the Astelleen Burn Waterfall trail. It is still doable for families, but some sections have rocky paths.

The Gartan Loop is a more challenging 32-kilometre route that takes you through the beautiful surrounding countryside and includes some steep hills. It is best suited for mountain bikes or gravel bikes. Visit our separate article about the Gartan Loop with a bike. The Gartan Loop includes the Lough Inshagh Trail and the Head of the Glen (Bridle Path) Hike trails, so if you think that is too much, you can plan for just one of the trails and then go back.

Things to know before visiting the Glenveagh National Park

1. Opening hours: Glenveagh National Park is open daily, but opening hours vary depending on the season. It is a good idea to check the park's website or contact the visitor centre to confirm the opening hours before your visit.

1. Shuttles and the tearoom operate at reduced times during the winter season, so make sure to visit the official site to get familiar with the timings.

1. Visitors with disabilities: There are designated parking spaces near the visitor centre, the Shuttles have full wheelchair access, and the visitor centre and gardens are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, there are accessible restrooms located near the visitor centre and near the tearooms at the castle. The Castle gardens are also wheelchair accessible. Some areas of the gardens are inaccessible for visitors using wheelchairs due to the presence of steps and steep, uneven ground.

1. Entrance and car park are free: There is no entrance fee to enter the park; Some activities within the park, such as guided tours or shuttles, require a fee.

1. Weather: The weather in Glenveagh National Park can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for rain, wind, and cold temperatures. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring extra layers and rain gear.

1. Wildlife: Glenveagh National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and other animals. Visitors should respect the park's wildlife and avoid feeding or disturbing them.

1. Insects: During the summer season, the park is known to have ticks and midges, especially in areas with long grass or around water sources. Visitors should wear insect repellent, and it is good to have long-sleeved pants to help prevent insect bites. It is also a good idea to check for ticks after spending time outdoors, and in case they are on you, carefully remove them as soon as possible.

1. Conservation: Glenveagh National Park is an important conservation area, and visitors should be mindful of the park's rules and guidelines for protecting the environment. This includes staying on designated trails, disposing of trash properly, and avoiding any activities that may damage the park's natural features.

1. Facilities: The park has a visitor centre with information on trails, activities, and amenities such as restrooms, parking, and food services. However, some areas of the park do not have facilities, so visitors should plan accordingly and bring enough food and water for their visit.

Enjoy a great day out in Glenveagh National Park.

In conclusion, Glenveagh National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Ireland. The park offers something for everyone with its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and diverse range of activities. So, whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Glenveagh National Park is the perfect destination.

You can visit Glenveagh National Park Website - https://www.nationalparks.ie/glenveagh/ for more information.