Glenveagh National Park
Glenveagh Castle and National Park
Glenveagh Castle and National Park is situated in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in North West Donegal and is Ireland's second largest national park. Home to a herd of red deer, the park's 16,000 hectares is spread across mountains, lakes, waterfalls, glens (including the Poisoned Glen) and oak woodlands.
Entry to the park is via the Visitor Centre, which contains displays and exhibitions about the history of the castle and gardens. Services include an audio/visual presentation, parking, restaurant (summer months only), toilets and baby changing facilities. Shuttle buses operate from the centre to the castle, bicycle hire is available, or you may choose to walk the 3.5km along the shore of Lough Veagh to the castle.
The castle is located just beside Lough Veagh, access to the castle itself is by guided tour only - tours last approx. 40 minutes. If you are visiting the park in July or August we would recommend booking your castle tour before exploring the gardens or tea rooms. There are a number of relatively easy walking trails around the gardens and park and access to these walks is free, alternatively you can pay for guided walking tours. During winter months it is advisable to ring the park in advance to check the availability of castle tours (tel: 00353 76 100 2551).
The tea rooms at the castle are open from 11am - 4pm daily all year round apart from Christmas week and Good Friday. There is no charge for access to the park, visitor centre or walks, however charges apply to the shuttle buses and tours. As well as the walking trails, most of the park is mountainous and suitable for properly prepared hikers only.
Opening Hours:
Visitor Centre: 0900 - 1800 March to October, last bus to castle at 1645,
last bus from castle at 1745
0900 - 1700 November to February, last bus to castle at 1545,
last bus from castle at 1645
Castle: 1000 - 1700 Daily