'County Donegal's Crowning Glory' Is An Irish National Park With Mountain Trails, Coastal Views, And A Castle

Tucked into the northwest corner of Ireland lies a rugged and beautiful national park in County Donegal. Often called the "forgotten county" because of its remote location, County Donegal is a sparsely populated area of the Emerald Isle. However, it's worth a visit to see the expansive and largely untouched Glenveagh National Park.

While Glenveagh is not Ireland's largest national park, it's considered County Donegal's crowning glory. The area that eventually became the park was permanently settled in the 17th century, and Glenveagh National Park opened to the public in 1984. Within its borders are miles of hiking and walking trails, beautiful lakeshore views, and a castle dating to the 1860s. Surrounding the castle are expansive, beautiful gardens. The park is open throughout the year, and there is no charge to explore it. Self-guided tours of the castle are available for a fee, with limited guided tours also offered.

Most international travelers reach Ireland through Dublin Airport. After exploring Dublin's must-see attractions, tourists can catch a short, one-hour domestic flight from Dublin to Donegal Airport, located about 35 miles from Glenveagh National Park. City of Derry Airport in Northern Ireland is another option, located about 45 miles from the park. Both Donegal and Derry airports offer car rental services.

Killarney National Park was Ireland's very first park, but Glenveagh National Park is the country's second-largest. It covers more than 16,000 hectares (or 39,000 acres) and encompasses part of Errigal Mountain, the tallest mountain in the Derryveagh Mountains. Six marked walking trails offer a range of options for those looking to explore the park. Trails range from easy to strenuous and vary in length.

The Derrylahan Nature Trail, for example, is recommended for visitors of all ages and fitness levels looking for an introduction to Glenveagh's natural environment. The trail provides views of the Glenveagh Valley and covers about 2 kilometers. The Glen (Bridle Path) Walk is the shortest and most easily negotiated natural route through the Derryveagh Mountains, but it stretches for 8 kilometers and is rated strenuous. Hikers are rewarded with views of Lough Veagh and surrounding mountains, along with derelict settlements.

More experienced hikers are welcome to explore beyond the marked paths within Glenveagh National Park. However, those venturing beyond the marked trails should pack proper hiking equipment and plan their excursions before departing. Fortunately, whichever path a traveler takes will provide plenty of views highlighting the natural beauty of Ireland. The park also hosts walks and events focused on conservation, nature, and local wildlife throughout the year. Group bookings can be managed online, while shuttle transportation to the castle and select trailheads is available for an additional fee.

While Glenveagh Castle may look like a medieval relic, complete with a keep, it's actually a Victorian-era mansion completed in 1873. Built with local granite, its look was inspired by early Irish tower houses. Inside, the castle tearooms serve hot and cold food, tea, and coffee throughout the day. While access to much of the castle's interior requires a paid tour, the park's visitor center provides exhibitions and short videos covering the history, heritage, and conservation of Glenveagh.

The highlight for many visitors to Glenveagh Castle is the expansive gardens that surround it. Summer is the most popular time to visit the gardens, when the Castle Gardens reach full bloom. The castle gardens are open year-round, with signposted trails and paths guiding visitors through the grounds while certain areas remain restricted for conservation and safety. To ensure a pleasurable experience exploring the gardens, it's recommended that visitors dress for the season. There are plenty of common clothing mistakes to avoid on a trip to Ireland.

While leashed dogs are welcome in Glenveagh National Park, they are not allowed within the castle unless they are service dogs. The castle sits on the banks of Lough Veagh, with a tearoom open year-round nearby. The castle is also home to a gift shop, open from March through October. Self-guided tours are available at the castle, while a limited number of guided tours are offered to specialist groups with booking through the park's website.