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Glenveagh National Park and Castle
Churchill, Co. Donegal
Family friendly
Dog friendly
Cloudy days
Explore the beautiful grounds and romantic castellated mansion at Glenveagh National Park and Castle in County Donegal. It is the most northerly of Ireland's six national parks and a must visit on a trip to Donegal.

With its magnificent mountains, pristine lakes, waterfalls, glens, native oak woods, and a picturesque castle with all its original furnishings, Glenveagh National Park and Castle is one of the most magical places to visit in Donegal.

The castle, 24km north west of Letterkenny, was styled as a romantic highland retreat and completed in 1873. It hosted many famous guests over the years, including Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne. Explore the Castle Gardens, known as some of the best in Ireland. Enjoy the Gothic Orangery, the Italian Terrace and the Tuscan Garden and walk the Pleasure Gardens. Afterwards, relax over lunch or coffee and homemade cakes in the pretty tearooms or in the courtyard.

Watch out for red deer or see if you can spot the rare Golden Eagles which were reintroduced to Glenveagh. Wild camping is allowed in some remote areas of Glenveagh as long as you follow the Wild Camping Code.

Why we like it
  • Explore Glenveagh's stunning park and gardens for free.
  • Spend time at the fascinating interpretative centre and watch the audiovisual presentation.
  • Enjoy a self guided tour of the castle. 
  • Take a break at the pretty tearooms.
  • Watch out for special events on bank holidays.
Tips from locals

Walk from the visitor centre to the castle (3.5km) instead of using the shuttle bus and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Derryveagh Mountains and Lough Veagh.

Tips from locals

There are lots of walking trails for all levels in Glenveagh. Leave your car in the carpark and take the Trail Walker Bus to some of the best starting points.

Contact details
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Visit duration

We recommend planning to spend 3 to 5 hours here.

More to discover at Glenveagh National Park and Castle
Family funDoe Castle

Doe Castle is situated about 1 mile off the Carrigart to Creeslough Road. This MacSuibhne castle is protected on three sides by the sea, while on the landward side a moat has been hewn from the rock.

Nature and wildlifeLough Beagh

Lough Beagh is located in the heart of Glenveagh National Park in the northwest of County Donegal. It holds a good stock of small brown trout, occasional salmon and can hold a moderate stock of sea trout in August.

Nature and wildlifeErrigal

Head to the wild County Donegal, experience its rugged landscapes and see the incredible Errigal, one of Ireland's most breathtaking and most photographed mountains. Watch the striking peak of Errigal reflect on Dunlewy Lough on a clear day.

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