Summer 2026 Opening Information
The Park is open 7 days a week but Glenveagh Castle is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
There may be additional closures of the castle at short notice. We apologise for any disappointment this causes.
Please watch for updates on social media or call 01 539 3232 to check openings on the day of your planned visit.
Glenveagh is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness, with unlimited opportunities to explore and experience nature.
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A Place to Learn
Explore learning opportunities at Glenveagh
Whether you’re interested in nature and ecology, local history, horticulture, or planning a visit with your group, our National Park supports a wide range of learning experiences. School field trips to Glenveagh are free of charge.
A Place to Learn
The Bridge House Education Centre
Located in a beautifully restored building that once housed the police barracks, the Bridge House Education Centre offers courses, teacher training, public talks and family events on biodiversity and conservation. The Centre is accredited with Leave No Trace Ireland and the Science Foundation Ireland ‘Curious Minds’ network.
Field Trips
Schools Programme at Glenveagh National Park Education Centre
Glenveagh National Park Education Centre is pleased to announce that we are now open for Primary School bookings for the term ahead.
For the 2026 Autumn Term we are offering three modules for primary schools; a Woodland Day, a Peatland Day and a Nature Art Day.
All bookings to be made through our new online booking system. Primary schools across Donegal have been emailed with information and booking instructions. Availability is limited so we do advise you to book as soon possible to avoid disappointment.
From 2027 onwards, we hope to announce additional options as well as a new self-guided programme.
Downloads
An Foscadh Mór
An Foscadh Mór is an outdoor learning and event space, located a short walk away from the visitor centre and car park, along the Lakeside Walk towards the castle.
This area is designed for the use of the Park’s Education team and park events but may also be booked by local community groups, organisations and schools throughout the year.
To make an enquiry, please complete the enquiry form. Please do not send an email.
Requests to book must be made at least 1 month in advance and availability for non-NPWS related events and organisations is not guaranteed.
NPWS and Glenveagh National Park do not facilitate weddings in An Foscadh Mór.
The use of An Foscadh Mór is free of charge.
Our Education Programme
We’re passionate about helping local children, young people and adults discover more about our National Park and what it means to be part of Natura 2000 – the largest nature protection network in the world!
Glenveagh Education Guides provide professional interpretive learning and training services as well as interactive nature events.
Exploring the past, present and future of this special landscape offers a rich and memorable experience for all ages.
Castle and Gardens History
Learn about the castellated mansion at Glenveagh National Park and its beautiful Victorian grounds. Construction on the castle began in 1869 by John George Adair, whose wife Cornelia Adair maintained and enhanced the castle and its gardens after his death. Set in a formerly wild mountain moorland, the castle and its gardens have a fascinating history. The last private owner, Henry McIlhenny of Philadelphia, sold the estate to the Office of Public Works in 1975 allowing for the creation of a National Park. In 1983 he bestowed the castle to the nation along with its gardens and much of the contents. Glenveagh National Park opened to the public in 1984 while the castle opened in 1986.
Read more about the history of the castle and gardens in our Castle and Gardens Guide
