Páirc Náisiúnta Ghleann Bheatha
Glenveagh National Park

Drop in to the specially created woodland themed festival zone, meet our staff, watch our artist in residence at work, enjoy a coffee and browse the Nature Book Nook. Live music every day 1-3pm.
Nadur Nature pop up shop will be offering their unique range of products celebrating nature, biodiversity and local creativity.

Music throughout the week from An Crann Óg, Maria McCormack, Bri Carr, Laura McFadden, Jack Houston and others.

Glenveagh is delighted to host its second Artist in Residency, in partnership with NCAD.

Barbara Sullivan is a photographer working with digital, analogue, and experimental processes and a recent graduate of the NCAD Postgraduate Diploma in Art and Ecology.

Barbara will exhibit new images made in Glenveagh and some of her other recent work in the Marquee for the duration of the festival. In the mornings of the festival, she will demonstrate some of the techniques she uses with made botanical inks in her photographic work. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and try some of the inks on paper while she is present in the Marquee.

Enjoy Bat Conservation Ireland’s information stall with interactive bat themed activities for families including a mini quiz, bat crafts, and games.

On Monday, Barbara will invite adult visitors to playfully experiment with making and using botanical inks using common plant species found in our gardens or verges. You will have the opportunity to draw or write with your ink on paper, and to try additional inks provided by the artist.

Group members will have the opportunity to experiment with colourising a black and white darkroom print of one of Barbara’s photographs made in Glenveagh, using the ink you make during the workshop. Your final image will be yours to bring home.

No previous photographic or artist experience is required.
This is an informal workshop aimed to encourage participants to be playful in their engagement with art and nature.

On Tuesday, Barbara will have an opportunity for a small group of primary school age children to explore some of our native plants, and to investigate their traditional uses as well as their biodiversity value before experimenting with drawing and printing with home made botanical inks and common garden plant material, on a variety of surfaces. The aim is to have fun, experiment with different processes and explore which one of them you like using best. The work you create will be yours to bring home.

Please note that children can only attend with adult supervision. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy and stay longer if you wish.

This practical session explores how composting benefits households and the wider environment. Learn about the key ingredients for success, suitable composting systems and the vital role soil organisms play in transform waste into a valuable resource. A small home wormery will be on display offering a close-up look at how worms transform kitchen waste into nutrient-rich casts which are truly ‘garden gold’. Join our experienced gardeners to discover simple achievable ways to reduce waste, enrich soil and make a meaningful difference in your garden.

This workshop is a chance to get creative and explore the natural world through art and will include a gentle woodland walk and an introduction to nature journaling. Begin your first ever nature journal or extend your nature journaling skills and start a mindful practise that you can bring into your daily life. Take time to pause, notice and become curious about the vibrant biodiversity all around us. Basic art materials plus a sketch book will be provided but you are welcome to bring along your preferred art medium. This workshop is suitable for adults or older teenagers.

New exclusive experience exploring the landscape and woodland history of Glenveagh with the Nature Conservation Team and The Donegal Chef. Includes bus and hike though the valley along the Glen Trail with an unforgettable wild picnic experience. Suitable clothing & footwear required. *Not wheelchair accessible

The Donegal Chef offers private chef dining, retreat catering, cooking classes, and guided hike-and-picnic experiences across Donegal. Using seasonal local produce, we create personalised food experiences for visitors, retreats, and special occasions that connect great food with Donegal’s landscapes.

We are proud to announce the launch of our new children’s Woodland Film, rolling out the red carpet for the school children who starred in this wonderful new production with Paper Owl Films. Watch our new film and enjoy nature themed performances from children and young adults from around Glenveagh and Donegal. Hosted by Special Guests

Includes family voucher for Nellies restaurant €10 per family

As part of our Young Voices For Nature Event, children and families can become citizen scientists and join Donegal County Council’s Biodiversity Officer to go on a Big Bug Hunt. Search for mini-beasts and enter our Big Butterfly Hunt quiz for a chance to win some ‘wild’ prizes. Funded by Donegal County Council and NPWS through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2026.

After our early evening fun and celebrations, join Bat Conservation Ireland for a family bat quiz, crafts and finish off the evening with a guided bat safari with special bat detecting equipment that will let you ‘hear’ the bats as they fly around. Suitable for ages 7+, advanced booking essential as places are limited and children must be always accompanied and supervised by a parent/guardian. Bring a torch, high-vis jacket and wear suitable clothes and footwear.

With nature inspired food from Nellie’s, and bite sized inspirational stories & presentations, we hope this morning of conversations and knowledge exchange will expand collaboration in Donegal and the North West around Biodiversity and Nature Conservation. Speakers include friends and colleagues from ATU, NCAD, Leave No Trace Ireland, Wild & Co, Hometree and others.

Includes Special Launch of Glenveagh’ s new Walking Wildlife Map with Illustrator Robert Vaughan

Supported by Donegal County Council and NPWS through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund

During the festival we will host the north-west regional meetup of the Creative Schools Programme, with a day focusing on outdoor learning. This is a private event for Creative associates.

Creative Schools supports primary and post-primary schools and Youthreach centres across Ireland to put arts and creativity at the hearts of children’s and young people’s lives.  Creative Schools 2026 is now open for applications until April 30th, 2026.  
For more information on the award and how to apply and further detail see the Arts Council Website.

Creative Schools is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme to enable the creative potential of every child. Creative Schools is led by the Arts Council in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.   

Celebrate Biodiversity Week by becoming a Pollinator Guardian. Join us for a guided tour through the gardens as we bring the actions of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan to life, showcasing practical, achievable steps that support bees, butterflies and other vital pollinators in our gardens and beyond. Discover ideas you can apply at home and learn how you can make an even greater impact by taking part in the pollinator recording through the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Bring a tune, a story, enjoy the view and the vibes with Jack Houston & Band. Open music and story-telling session where conversations from Natura 2000 Day will continue as the day draws to a close. Evening drinks available from Nellies.

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.

Enjoy a ride with our friendly bus drivers to the head of the valley where you can venture down through the glaciated valley and pass through our ancient woodlands. With views of Lough Veagh and the splendour of Glenveagh Castle and Gardens waiting for you as your walk draws to a close, this trail is a highlight not to be missed. 7km, moderate route. Not wheelchair accessible.

Ticket includes shuttle bus back from the castle to the car park at your leisure, or if you’re feeling energetic, a final 3.5km walk.

Join our wildflower experts on a walk through the Park. Tiny living things are often overlooked for the impressive scenery in Glenveagh, but can be the most important. We hope to get you in the habit of looking along the verges, into ditches, under trees and in the grasses to find the beauty of our Irish wildflowers. Followed by a handcrafted picnic by the Donegal Chef featuring artisanal Irish produce surrounded by the beauty of Glenveagh National Park.

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.

The Garden symposium is a two day event, featuring talks and walks by experts, designed for gardeners and enthusiasts to learn more about the wonderful world of gardening for Biodiversity.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow gardeners and discover the latest ideas for creating and maintaining an ecologically sustainable way of promoting biodiversity in your garden.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s something for everyone at this event.
More details will be available on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Showcasing a variety of local craftspeople, artwork and businesses working sustainably and in support of caring for nature and our cultural landscapes.

Demonstrations include wood turning, willow weaving, natural printing, botanical ink making, nature wax modelling, plant & herb cosmetics and nature based photographic demonstrations
Contributors: Brendan Farren, Patrick Sweeney, Treeney Harkin, Ruth Osbourne, Siobhan Boyle, Julie Scott, Lauren Scott and artist in Residence Barbara Sullivan.

Get actively involved in helping your National Park by planting native trees from our nursery. Bring your gloves and suitable footwear. Children must be supervised at all times. One tree per group.

Children are invited, with their families, to a creative woodland workshop. Help create a community woodland bunting inspired by Glenveagh National Park. Then, craft a small woodland puppet and mini explorer book to take on your adventure, while you discover the sights and sounds of Glenveagh’s woodlands and lakeside walk.

Feena McBride an art facilitator living near Glenveagh. She loves bringing nature and creativity together and encouraging children to explore their imagination and make something unique they can feel proud of.

Nature in all its forms has inspired much of what we know and love about our Donegal and Irish landscapes. Celtic folklore, culture, history and place names point back to a time when a deep respect for the natural world was central to our existence. These stories tie us to the land and perhaps hold the key to unlocking the solutions we need to restore our connections with this lost love.

Join us with special guests Tru Music, Lorcan O’Toole, Maura Logue and others in an evening of reflection, stories and song that will inspire conversations and questions alike.

A delicious, locally sourced Irish meal is included in the ticket price.

Special Rate available at An Chúirt Hotel and Shuttle bus available.

The trú was a mythological trio of poet-musicians who were revered throughout the Celtic world. It’s here where trio TRÚ draw their inspiration. The rich heritage we draw from in traditional and folk music began with people interpreting patterns in nature through songs and stories. We find ourselves singing of trees, lakes, and mountains from across Ireland—songs that have stood the test of time. They carry a modern relevance now, as we look to preserve the very lands that are changing so quickly before us.

Lorcan O’Toole of the Golden Eagle Trust will explore old and simple indigenous Gaelic words sharing their importance in understanding the past relationship between humanity and nature.

Dark Daughter Productions under director Maura Logue, has been part of Glenveagh’s event programme for many years. Maura specialises in interactive storytelling and will present a new work for Solo Voice, written especially for this event offering her perspective on forgotten places & place names. The piece is titled   “A Soft Lament for Hidden Places” 

Bring a tune, a story, enjoy the view and the vibes following our cultural celebration event. Evening drinks available from Nellies.

An opportunity to experience Glenveagh at a spectacular time of day, enjoy nature’s symphony of bird song, hear and identify birds as they wake and announce their presence on a stroll with Aengus Kennedy. Followed by a hearty breakfast in Nellie’s Restaurant.

If you’ve enjoyed reading a nature book in the run up to the festival, come and share your thoughts, insights and highlights over a Sunday morning coffee in the marquee. Lead by Glenveagh staff and special guests.

Children are invited, with their families, to a creative woodland workshop. Help create a community woodland bunting inspired by Glenveagh National Park. Then, craft a small woodland puppet and mini explorer book to take on your adventure, while you discover the sights and sounds of Glenveagh’s woodlands and lakeside walk.

Feena McBride an art facilitator living near Glenveagh. She loves bringing nature and creativity together and encouraging children to explore their imagination and make something unique they can feel proud of.

Join us for an afternoon of tunes and chat with Donegal fiddler Jack Houston & Band.
With top quality accompaniment from Ella McGrory on piano and Jack Warnock on guitar.

Jack Houston is a fiddler from Burt, in Inishowen. He has spent many years studying and working in Scotland where he has explored the similarities in the music, language, and landscapes of Scotland and Ireland.

Jack’s playing and composition styles are influenced by local fiddlers in Inishowen and East Donegal such as Roisin McGrory, Tommy Peoples, Dinny McLaughlin, Séamus Grant, Liz Doherty, Ciaran Tourish, and Clódagh Warnock, as well as by fiddlers from West Donegal and Scotland.