Glenveagh National Park, Castle and Gardens. “Discover Donegal 2010”

Glenveagh National Park,

Glenveagh National Park managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and the Local Government, lies along the Derryveagh mountains in the northwest of County Donegal. This 16,000 hectares of mountain, bogs, lakes and woods is cut in two by the spectacular valley of Glenveagh which gives the Park its name. Overlooking the lough stands Glenveagh castle. Made from rough-hewn granite, the castle, a castellated mansion, was built between 1870 and 1873. The magic of Glenveagh derives from the fact that here is one of the last places in Ireland to be influenced by man. The aim of the National Park is to conserve this wilderness in such a way that people may visit and appreciate it and yet leave it unspoilt for the generations to come.

CASTLE & GARDENS

Surrounding the Castle are the world famous Gardens. First laid out in the late 1880’s, the 13 hectares woodland garden contains a rich variety of trees, shrubs and flowers from around the world. Special features include spring flowering bulbs and Rhododendrons, scultpture Italianate features, woodland walks and colourful walled garden in summertime.

ACCESS

The park is accessed from Letterkenny by the N56 road through Kilmacrennan, turning left onto the Gweedore road (R255), or alternatively via Church Hill and past Gartan and Akibbob lakes(R251). Access from the north coast of Donegal is via Creeslough or Falcarragh and from the west coast via Gweedore and Dunlewey. The outlying areas of the National Park may be viewed from a car by travelling from Church Hill to Gweedore on the R251 road, past the Derryveagh mountains, the Poisoned Glen and Errigal, or from Church Hill(R254) towards Doochary, taking in the fine view at the head of Glenveagh Valley and Slieve Snacht.

2010 EVENTS

St Patricks Weekend, Easter Bank Holiday

To include Traditional music sessions, dancing, crafts, exhibitions, concerts, wine tasting evenings, birds of prey, workshops and childrens seasonal activities.

HERITAGE WEEK

Will take place during the last week of August, to include events for all the family. Check the park website for more details http://www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie

Walks

Walking groups are asked to contact Glenveagh in advance of coming to walk in the park. For the more experenied walker, ranger led hill walks will take place throughout the year, booking is essential. A park bus will leave Glenveagh carpark every Sunday at 11am throughout June, July, August ft September. The bus will take walkers wishing to walk down the glen or over the hill from Gartan to the head of the glen or the Lough Inshagh path. Please contact the park for more details.

OPENING HOURS

The park is open all year round, 7 days a week 10am -6pm (9am-5pm during the winter). Castle Tea Rooms open all year- reduced opening during low season Visitor Centre Restaurant – Open for Easter and then June – September.

Phone 0749137090 Ext 3609  visit our website

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