Glenveagh

Glenveagh is a national park and estate in County Donegal, Ireland, centred on Lough Veagh and the surrounding Derryveagh Mountains. The area includes a prominent castellated house known as Glenveagh Castle and extensive gardens set within a remote upland landscape.

Key attractions within the park are the castle and its restored walled garden, the mountain and shore trails around Lough Veagh, and opportunities for wildlife viewing across woodland and moorland. The park’s scale and terrain make it a destination for hiking and nature photography.

The estate and grounds were developed in the 19th century and later incorporated into the national park, which preserves both the cultural landscape and natural habitats. Conservation and visitor facilities are managed to balance public access with habitat protection.

Glenveagh lies in north-west County Donegal in the province of Ulster, set among rugged hills and freshwater lakes. The park is reached by regional roads from nearby towns in Donegal and is one of the more remote protected areas on Ireland’s northwest coast.

• National park status: One of Ireland's six national parks, offering a mix of mountains, lakes, woodland and open bogland in County Donegal.
• Wildlife and conditions: Wild red deer and a range of upland bird species are common; visitors should be prepared for changing weather and remote trail conditions.

What to See #

• Glenveagh Castle: Glenveagh Castle - a 19th-century castellated mansion located beside Lough Veagh, open for interior tours and grounds visits.
• Walled Garden: Walled Garden - restored formal gardens originally laid out for the castle estate, featuring seasonal plantings and structured beds.
• Lough Veagh and trails: Lough Veagh and walking trails - a network of trails around the lake and through the Derryveagh Mountains used for hiking and wildlife viewing.