glenveagh national park

We could write books about this park and on several trips we have driven far out of our way just to go back. The walk along the lake is nothing less than spectacular. The lake will be on your right and moss covered woods on your left. If it's a beautiful day, take a picnic and stop along the way.Or, you can eat in the tearoom in the castle, which looked fine.The castle was built in the late 1800's and was on land owned by John Adair, whose claim to fame is that he evicted 244 poor folk from his land on a cold winter day. The more prosperous ones went to Australia and the poorer (most of them) were sent to the workhouse and most likely their deaths. Thankfully his wife was charitable and outlived him! As of 1968 the country owns the castle.

When we were in Donegal, a browse around Glenveigh National Park became more that just a pleasant experience. The shuttle bus gave us an opportunity to visit much more of the park than we had first planned. The scenery all along the area was a treat and the visit was well worthwhile.

Glenveagh National Park is one of the most spectacular areas in Donegal.From the visitor centre, detailing the history of the area, to Glenveagh Castle itself, the park is a wonderful place to visit. The more energetic can walk form the visitor centre to the castle, along a roadway which runs along the side of the lough. If your'e not feeling energetic, there is a shuttle bus running back and forth all day.Great cafe in the castle too!A wonderful day out.

Can easily spend nearly a full day here if the weather is kind with all the different trails and gardens to look at. There is a shuttle bus available at the visitor centre to take you to the castle but we decided to walk the 4km as you get to take in all the views on offer. Wear comfortable shoes!!

We decided to make a "quick" detour to Glenveaugh National Park on our way to Coleraine from Westport. It was worth the drive and visit. The weather was perfect with clear skies...it did begin to mist a bit for a short period of time, but didn't ruin our trip. We also went to the castle and gardens which were well worth the time; being the last tourists of the day they were very accommodating and took their time. It was a "Personalized" tour. Wonderful.

We had a perfect cold but sunny winter's day to explore Glenveagh and spent the entire day here walking, visiting the castle and eating in the tearoom. We were keen and happy to get walking so we walked the 4 km to the castle (bus is 1.5 euro each way). On arrival we were just in time for a tour starting. The castle tour started with a short dvd about the history and then we were shown around. It is absolutely beautiful and what they have had to repair or replace they have done so to match the original which is always good! The tour was 5 euro, which I though was good value! Afterwards we had lunch in the coffee shop, delicious homemade goat's cheese quiche and chocolate cake (just as well we did so much walking!). Important to note thought that the cafe does not take cards, we were just lucky that we just had enough cash. I'm not sure if the rest of the park facilities take card or not.After this we did one of the longer walks up to the end of the lough where there is a big waterfall, we were enjoying ourselves so much that we walked back to the castle and just kept on walking all the way back to the car at which point it was almost dark. So all in all a glorious 16km or so. The whole park is just stunning, beautiful views everywhere. The castle gardens seemed beautiful too but we didn't have time to fully explore them. I definitely want to go back and try some of the other walks. The only tiny complaint was that the maps are a bit confusing as to distances. At the visitor centre it says distances for walks 'one way' but it is hard to tell if that includes the walk to the castle, whether it is one way from the castle. We did ask, but her answer left us none the wiser! It turned out that it must be the one way distance from the visitors centre, i.e. a 8km walk includes the 4km to the castle, then it would be another 8 all the way back to the car past the castle. I'm not sure the distance signs are too accurate either because the 4km walk to the castle felt much shorter than the supposedly 3km from just past the castle to the waterfall.ANYWAY, we didn't really care, it was a beautiful day, in a stunning location and we loved it!

I recently visited this national park with my mother as we were staying in letterkenny for a few days we walked the 4km to the castle (felt more than 4km) and got the bus back which was €1.50 each! The castle itself it stunning and the gardens are beautiful to walk around almost like something from a movie! We also had lunch in the tea rooms watch out for the little robin! Love it here!

If you have been in a car traveling through County Donegal, you need to stop at this location and enjoy an afternoon hike and see the castle in the park. The hike from the park entrance "visitor's center" to the castle is 2.5 miles walking path. The path is well maintained. Alternatively, you can take a bus. The walk and castle gardens are relaxing. You will need to a lot at least an afternoon. Enjoy the peaceful scenery, exercise and fresh air.Slainte

This is a beautiful piece of Ireland. A must see if you are in the north. Take time here to walk around the grounds and take in the history. Highly recommended

Beautiful place fir all ages-i never get tired if going there. Gardens are beautifully kept and walks by the lake are bliss.

We arrived late to the park and was so sad we did, as we could have stayed there all day, it was that breathtaking. We did have enough time though to hop on the bus up to the castle and walk around the grounds. I'd definitely recommend walking up around the back of the castle to the hill above for a view down the valley - the whole place was just stunning. Can't wait to get back there so I can spend the whole day just taking in the views.

This is heaven. Acres of landscaped gardens carved out of the spectacular Donegal wilderness. The setting couldn't be more breathtaking - mountains, lakes, deer, golden eagles blah blah blah. The mock baronial castle I can take or leave but some might be impressed. I visit every year and it never fails to deliver.

Visited Glenveagh today with a group of language students. We were very well looked after with courteous staff. Spent three hours here and could have stayed longer. Great day out.

Loved the scenery and the castle and the lovely walk to and from the castle. The coffee shop was gorgeous and had a treat after our walk. We walked round the beautiful gardens and took some wonderful pictures of the scenery and some family photos too.

A most beautiful place to visit . You can walk or get the bus into the castle .Surrounded by scenery ,the lake ,mountains and of course the Castle itself which has beautiful gardens .Absolutely beautiful !