Fair
Join us in our festival of events to highlight the landscape, its history, people, nature and conservation, with a special emphasis on the arts. The park will act as a venue to bring together professionals working for nature, artists, facilitators, musicians and film makers along with our own staff. Everyone visiting the park during the festival will experience a special atmosphere and meaningful encounter with what it means to be in a National Park, part of the Natura 2000 Network – the largest nature protection network in the world!
Glenveagh is serviced by the Local Link Route No. 971 between Burtonport and Letterkenny several times a day. Why not leave the car at home and join us in thinking sustainably during the week.
Date:
All Week
Time:
9am to 5pm
Where:
Visitor Centre
Never before have there been so many organisations, people & projects working for nature. Call into our Visitor Centre all week to see our amazing biodiversity display and to find out who’s who, what’s happening near you and how you can get involved.
No Booking Required
Date:
All Week
Where:
An Foscadh Mór
Cost:
Free Open Event
Try your hand at our fun handcrafted challenges and puzzles created from fallen wood and natural materials. Come and see designs from local woodwork students & enthusiasts taking part in our competition. Come to An Foscadh Mór to find out more.
No Booking Required
Date:
All Week
Where:
Marquee & Throughout the Park
Head to the Marquee to find Karen Browett & Melissa O’Brien our first Biodiversity Week Artists in Residence. The Post Graduate Diploma in Art and Ecology (NCAD, Creative Futures Academy) introduces learners to the contemporary and historical field of art and expanded ecologies through situated environmental learning. Glenveagh are proud to announce a new partnership with this course, its staff and students going forward. Enjoy more information about Karen and Melissa on our festival web page and meet Lecturer Seoidín O’Sullivan, an artist, educator and interdisciplinary researcher who joins us on Thursday 22nd May
No Booking Required
Date:
All Week
Where:
Marquee & Throughout the Park
Supported by the Glebe Gallery, artist and also a fellow NCAD graduate Claire McLaughlin will be sharing the festival with us, following her recent residency with the Derek Hill Foundation. Find out more about Claire on our festival web page.
No Booking Required
Date:
All Week (excl Wed 21 May)
Time:
10am-4.30pm
Where:
Marquee
Cost:
Free Open Event
Drop in to our library and chill out corner in the marquee – enjoy our books, meet the staff and catch up with family and friends. This area has been specially designed by the children of Gartan National School.
No Booking Required
Date:
Daily – All Week
Time:
10am-4.30pm
Where:
Log Cabin
Cost:
Free Open Event
Fuzzy, fluffy and every shade of green, moss is like nature’s carpet. Help us create our new display through textiles and recycled fabric art and learn about the weird and wonderful world of a much overlooked part of the park’s landscape. Bring along any green fabric, wool and string and head to the Log Cabin on the Derrylahan Trail.
No Booking Required
Date:
Friday 16 May
Time:
7pm
Where:
Visitor Centre
Cost:
Free Event. Booking Required
All around Glenveagh and Donegal, children and young adults are inspired by the landscape here through writing, music and creativity. Join us in a celebration through what they have to say, share and show. Hosted by artist Roisin Doherty, music groups An Crann Óg and Sáile. Nellie’s Restaurant Open 5pm -7pm for those attending.
Date:
Saturday 17 May
Time:
4.30am
Where:
Car Park
Cost:
Booking Required – €14 pp (children €8) Payment on the day
Supported by Donegal County Council and The Heritage Council. An opportunity to experience Glenveagh at a spectacular time of day, enjoying nature’s symphony of bird song, hearing and identifying birds as they wake and announce their presence on a stroll with Aengus Kennedy. Followed by a hearty breakfast in Nellie’s Restaurant.
Date:
Saturday 17 May
Time:
12-3pm
Where:
An Foscadh Mór
Cost:
Free Open Event
Enjoy the new views of the valley from a whole new perspective. Bring your lunch and head to An Foscadh Mór for chats, tunes and pop up nature displays. Ahead of its official opening on Monday 19 May, we are inviting local families to come and help put the finishing touches to this special new area in the park by planting native trees from our nursery. Bring your picnic and some gloves. Children must be supervised at all times.
No Booking Required
Date:
Saturday 17 May
Time:
12-3pm
Where:
An Foscadh Mór
Cost:
Free Event
Organiser:
Donegal County Council and The Heritage Council
Become a citizen scientist and join Biodiversity Officer Julie Corry to learn about and identify butterflies and bees. Supported by Donegal County Council, The Heritage Council and National Parks & Wildlife Service through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund
No Booking Required
Date:
Saturday 17 May
Time:
11am – 1pm
Where:
Meet at Visitor Centre
Cost:
Free Event. Booking Required.
Organiser:
Supported by Donegal County Council and Local Biodiversity Action Fun
A short and relaxed walk observing and noting the abundant biodiversity close to the visitor centre. Using mixed media, we will begin to work on our own nature scrapbook, recording our observations. Participants will be encouraged to continue to work on after the event. All materials will be supplied free of charge. Suitable for children 4-12yrs & parents. Robert will host an exhibition of his work at The Bridge House from 2pm-4pm.
Date:
Saturday 17 May
Time:
12-4pm
Where:
Meet at Visitor Centre 11.45am
Cost:
Free Event
Organiser:
Presented by The Glebe Gallery
Come and join artist Cornelius Browne for an afternoon of painting in beautiful Glenveagh and let him guide you through the process of painting outdoors. Please bring your own materials and easel. Dress for the weather.
No Booking Required
Date:
Saturday 17 May
Time:
7.30pm
Where:
Visitor Centre
Cost:
Booking Required €20pp Cash on the night
The landscape of Glenveagh has featured in many productions in the past and continues to inspire new narratives and filming collaborations for the future. Featuring live music from Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and an exclusive preview of our new Children’s film, join us for conversations with Crossing The Line Films and Paper Owl Films along with park staff and friends. Refreshments included & drinks available to purchase.
Date:
Saturday 17 May
Time:
9pm onwards
Where:
Marquee
Cost:
Free Event
Organiser:
Bring a tune, a story, enjoy the view and the vibes. Open music and story-telling session where conversations from the film evening can flow on and we’ll take an evening stroll at dusk weather permitting. (check staffing)
No Booking Required
Date:
Sunday 18 May
Time:
4.30am
Where:
Car Park
Cost:
Booking Required – €14 pp (Children €8) Payment on the day
Organiser:
Supported by Donegal County Council and Local Biodiversity Action Fund
An opportunity to experience Glenveagh at a spectacular time of day, enjoying nature’s symphony of bird song and a stroll with Aengus Kennedy. Followed by a hearty breakfast in Nellie’s Restaurant
Date:
Sunday 18 May
Time:
11am – 1pm
Where:
The Bridge House
Cost:
Free Event. Booking Required
Organiser:
Supported by DCC and Local Biodiversity Action Fun
A 2 hour work shop, beginning with a sketching and watercolour demonstration followed by a practical and engaging project. Some materials will be provided, but it is recommended that you bring your own paints, brushes and paper if you have them. Suitable for 12 yrs and up. Robert will host an exhibition of his work at The Bridge House from 2pm-4pm
Date:
Sunday 18 May
Time:
11.30am
Where:
Bus departs from main car park
Cost:
Free event. Booking required
Explore Landscape Restoration in Glenveagh National Park with the Nature Conservation Team, with a hike along the Upper Glen Trail. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with some special treats in the old deer stalkers hut. Spaces limited. Booking required. Suitable clothing required. *Not wheelchair accessible.
Date:
Sunday 18 May
Time:
12 to 3pm
Where:
An Foscadh Mór
Cost:
Free
Enjoy the new views of the valley from a whole new perspective. Bring your lunch and head to An Foscadh Mór for chats, tunes and pop up nature displays. Ahead of its official opening on Monday 19 May, we are inviting local families to come and help put the finishing touches to this special new area in the park by planting native trees from our nursery. Bring your picnic and some gloves. Children must be supervised at all times.
No Booking Required
Date:
Sunday 18 May
Time:
3.30pm
Where:
Marquee
Cost:
Open event but space limited
Down though history and the world over, nature in all its forms has inspired musicians and songwriters. From well-known classical to local folk and traditional pieces, landscapes and living things have touched our hearts and minds through music. We invite you to a very special performance with pianist Aoife Lynch and cellist Laura McFadden. Together, they will perform works that reflect these influences of nature on music throughout the ages from some of the most world-renowned composers, including Grieg, Dvorak and Chopin, amongst others. Having studied and performed together in university, this exciting duo look forward to coming together with the aim of encapsulating the beautiful surroundings of Glenveagh through their choice of programme, for a concert that is not to be missed.
No Booking Required
Date:
Monday 19 May
Time:
7am
11am
Where:
An Foscadh Mór
Cost:
Booking Required. €10pp Cash payment on the day
A unique opportunity to tap into Glenveagh’s value for mindfulness and wellbeing, through a quiet hour of sensory engagement and gentle physical movement, led by Victoria Toye, whilst Laura McFadden provides the soundtrack on cello, allowing for the perfect way to start your day. The class will be mixed level, suitable for all including beginners. Dress in comfortable clothes you can stretch in, bring a layer or blanket if you like for relaxation and breath work.
Date:
Monday 19 May
Time:
10am to 12pm
12.20pm to 2.30pm
Where:
The Bridge House
Cost:
Small school groups only. Booking required.
Organiser:
SCHOOL EVENT ONLY
Step into the wild wonders of Glenveagh and let nature spark your imagination. Led by singer-songwriter Maria McCormack, this magical workshop invites children to create their own songs inspired by shimmering lakes, misty mountains, and hidden forest creatures. Through playful storytelling, melody-making, and creative games, young songwriters will bring the spirit of Glenveagh to life— no experience needed, just a sense of adventure. Mostly suited 4th class upwards.
Date:
Tuesday 20 May
Time:
10am – 1pm
Where:
The Orangery
Cost:
Booking required. €50pp Cash payment on the day
Join artist Sarah Lewtas and Head Gardener Sean O’Gaoithín for an immersive experience exploring the native plants of Glenveagh. Learn classical watercolour botanical illustration techniques while appreciating the intricate beauty of closely observed plants. Sarah will also exhibit some of her pieces for the public to enjoy. Participants will be contacted with what to bring and have the option afterwards to continue working in this special area of the gardens. Synge & Byrne Tea Rooms available for lunch.
Date:
Tuesday 20 May
Time:
10am, 11:15am, 12.30pm and 2pm
Where:
Marquee
Cost:
Free – Booking Required
Through the medium of storytelling, children will be offered insights and secrets of 3 native plants and their value for nature and people. The children are invited to make a heather posie to take home to remember the tales told with Maura Logue from Dark Daughter Productions. 40 minute sessions suitable for 2nd class upwards and groups of no more than 20 pupils. School groups will be welcome to visit and enjoy other things taking place in the park on these days at their leisure.
Date:
Wednesday 21 May
Time:
All Day
Where:
Visitor Centre
Call by the Visitor Centre to see how many different living things we can record in the National Park and the Special Area of Conservation we are part of. Competing against lots of other European protected areas, our rangers and park staff will be recording as many species as possible during a 24 hour period. Talk to our staff if you’d like to help.
No Booking Required
Date:
Wednesday 21 May
Time:
9am – 1.30pm
Where:
Marquee
Cost:
Limited spaces. Booking required
Organiser:
Supported by Donegal County Council and Local Biodiversity Action Fund
With nature inspired food from our new restaurant Nellie’s, and bite sized inspirational stories & presentations, we hope this morning of conversations and knowledge exchange will grow greater collaboration in Donegal and the North West around Biodiversity. Speakers include friends and Leave No Trace Ireland, Maynooth University, Donegal ETB, Wild & Co. & The Wilderland Project. Donegal Artist and COP26 contributor Rosin Doherty will exhibit work during the event.
Optional afternoon programme of talks, field trips and demonstrations available on our website along with information on our speakers.
To book for this event please email Glenveagh-Education@npws.gov.ie
Date:
Thursday 22 May
Time:
10am – 1pm
Where:
The Orangery
Cost:
Booking required. €50pp Cash payment on the day
Join artist Sarah Lewtas and Head Gardener Sean O’Gaoithín for an immersive experience exploring the native plants of Glenveagh. Learn classical watercolour botanical illustration techniques while appreciating the intricate beauty of closely observed plants. Sarah will also exhibit some of her pieces for the public to enjoy. Participants will be contacted with what to bring and have the option afterwards to continue working in this special area of the gardens. Synge & Byrne Tea Rooms available for lunch.
Date:
Thursday 22 May
Time:
10am, 11.15am, 12.30 & 2pm
Where:
Marquee
Cost:
Free – Booking Required
Through the medium of storytelling, children will be offered insights and secrets of native plants and their value for nature and people. The children are invited to make a heather posie to take home to remember the tales told with Maura Logue from Dark Daughter Productions. 40 minute sessions suitable for 2nd class and upwards with groups of no more than 20. School groups will be welcome to visit and enjoy other things taking place in the park on these days at their leisure.
Date:
Thursday 22 May
Time:
4pm
Where:
Marquee
Cost:
Bookings/RSVP required
Organiser:
Supported by Donegal County Council, The Heritage Council & Cork University Press
The Birds of County Donegal is the first complete account of the history and status of all 376 birds known to have occurred in County Donegal, their habitats, and the activities of the ornithologists and birdwatchers who study them. The book is copiously illustrated with photos, graphics and birdwatching in the county, it should appeal to all birdwatchers in the north-west of Ireland, to the ornithological research community throughout Ireland and beyond, and to people with a more general interest in the natural environment. Special Guest Eric Dempsey. Book available for sale on the day.
Date:
Saturday 24 May
Time:
11.30am
Where:
Bus departs from main car park
Cost:
Free event. Booking required
Explore Landscape Restoration in Glenveagh National Park with the Nature Conservation Team, with a hike along the Upper Glen Trail. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with some special treats in the old deer stalkers hut. Suitable clothing required.
Date/Time:
Saturday 24 May (11am to 1pm)
Saturday 24 May (2pm to 4pm)
Where:
Visitor Centre
Cost:
Bookings required via Eventbrite (link) €12pp
Join Heritage in Schools specialist and YouTuber John D Ruddy as he explores all the ups and downs of Irish History in his classic tongue-in-cheek fashion. See how the story of Glenveagh National Park and its landscape fits into the whole big picture of Irish history. Tickets are €10 and available through Eventbrite. Suitable for ages 8+ (but just as suitable for adults!) Approx 2 hours
Date:
Saturday 24 May
Time:
12 noon – Book launch 5pm
Where:
Ionad Cois Locha, Dunlewey
Cost:
Free Event Bus optional
Organiser:
Supported By Donegal County Council
Did you know that Glenveagh National Park takes in part of Errigal Mountain? Enjoy a visit to Glenveagh then catch the Local Link Bus to Dunlewey for an afternoon of nature fun and learning with Cairde na hEaragaile, the Glenveagh Education Team, Nature North West and others along with special guest Éanna Ní Lamhna.
No Booking Required
Date:
Saturday 24 May
Time:
2pm – 6pm
Where:
Church Hill Village
Cost:
Free Open Event
Organiser:
Church Hill Community Development Group
Special Biodiversity hands on fun, planting & learning in Church Hill Community Park. Organised by Church Hill Community Development Group. Planting from 2-3pm.
No Booking Required
Date:
Saturday 24 May
Time:
All Day Event
Where:
Various Locations
Tidy Towns Heritage Display & Launch of new Biodiversity Display. Enjoy the Riverwalk in Doochary, with its new photographic display on the theme of the salmon fishery. At the Children’s Free Library and Doochary National School there will be a display of native mammals and bugs and a large Bug hotel, bee and bat boxes created by our Men’s Shed. For more information please follow Doochary Development-Tidy Towns on Facebook.
No Booking Required
Warning Effective from 1400hrs 08/05/2025
Effective Period Expires 1200hrs 12/05/2025
BAN ON FIRES OR BBQs in NATIONAL PARKS
We all want to get out and enjoy the continued good weather but let’s do it responsibly – without putting nature at risk.
We’re appealing to everyone to be vigilant and NOT light fires or BBQs in public places. That includes our National Parks and Nature Reserves, coastal sand dunes, mountains and upland areas, forests, meadows and urban parks.
While visiting National Parks, Nature Reserves or other recreational areas, be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has increased ground crews on fire patrol and has ramped up aerial monitoring this week. If you do notice a fire, do not delay, please call the emergency services on 112 or 999 immediately and give clear details as regards location.
