This thickly wooded valley is peaceful now, but its history is dark. Nestling at its heart, Glenveagh Castle was originally the home of the infamously cruel landlord John George Adair, who evicted scores of struggling tenant farmers in the freezing winter of 1861, leaving many to die, ostensibly because their presence on his estate was ruining his view. If the tale is true, it’s divine justice that his estate now belongs to all of the people of Ireland. Today the fairy-tale setting includes woodlands, herds of red deer, alpine gardens, a crystal-clear lake, and the highest mountain in Donegal, Mount Errigal. There’s a visitor center with a little shop, and a charming tearoom in the castle. You can also go on ranger-led walks of the park for €10. Cars must be parked at the visitor center, but a shuttle bus can take you up to the castle for €3 round-trip (€2 seniors, students, and children).
Atlantic Highlands
Travel Guide
Atlantic Highlands› Attraction
Glenveagh National Park and Castle
Visitor Centre and Castle: Church Hill, Co. Donegal (signposted from R251, 24.4km/15 miles northeast of Letterkenny)
Our Rating
Hours
Visitor center and castle: March–Oct daily 9:15am–5:30pm; Nov–March daily 9:15am–4:45pm; last admission 1 hr. before closing
Phone
076/100-2537
Prices
Free park admission. Castle: €7 adults; €5 seniors, students, and children; €15 families
Web site
Glenveagh National Park and Castle
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.