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“Where the mountains arise to the oft-changing skies, And the Castle stands stately and grey; Where the calm lake lies still ‘neath that wild rugged hill, In the valley of lovely Glenveagh…”
Herbert W.K. Sterritt
Listen to nature’s voice
Welcome to Glenveagh
National Park
Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of County Donegal, among the wild and rugged landscape of the Derryveagh Mountains. Its pristine habitats and protected wildlife, and its trails taking in the stunning Victorian Castle and Gardens along Lough Veagh, make Glenveagh the ideal escape for lovers of the natural world.
Whether you’re here to learn about Ireland’s unique biodiversity or just want to explore one of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes, we can help you plan your visit and discover how to help us achieve our mission of protecting the Glenveagh wilderness for generations to come.
Directions
By car from Letterkenny
Take the N56 through Kilmacrenan, then the R255 for Gweedore.
By bus
Local link bus service number 271 Burtonport – Letterkenny passes through Glenveagh daily. The bus can be picked up at the flagpole in the Car Park.
Our National Park
Protecting nature is the main aim of a National Park. Conservation work goes hand in hand with responsible outdoor recreation. Everything we do in the National Park is based on the principle that nature comes first. Our Protect Nature video aims to raise awareness of Glenveagh National Park and how our visitors can make their visit a meaningful one, to appreciate wildlife and be mindful of their impact.
Boundary Map of
Glenveagh National Park
Area
S.P.A:
Location in Co.Donegal
Legend
-
Parking -
Lake -
N56 -
Castle
-
Mountain Peak -
Visitor Centre -
Park Boundary -
River
The detail on this map is generalised: it is not suitable for hill-walking. The map does not show legal title to property. Cartography ©2009 – ESRI Ireland Ltd and the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland data. Licence No. EN 0059208. © Ordnance Survey Ireland / Government of Ireland.
News & Notices
Minister O’Sullivan celebrates ‘Le Chéile don Dúlra – Together for Nature’, a weeklong biodiversity festival at Glenveagh National Park
19 May 2025
Condition Orange – High Fire Risk
30 April 2025
Le Chéile don Dúlra – 16 to 24 May
22 April 2025
Picks of the Park
A view from the top
walking & hiking
Walk the Glen path from the top and experience Glenveagh in the order that its natural and historical story unfolds. A glaciated valley, rivers, waterfalls and pristine woodlands existed here long before people.
One of Ireland’s top gardens
the castle gardens
Don’t miss a stroll around the Castle Gardens, skillfully cared for by our expert staff. Whether you’re visiting at the height of summer or during the magical autumn and winter, the Castle Gardens offer a striking contrast with the wilder side of Glenveagh.
Birds at their best
Fauna
From soaring golden eagles and peregrine falcons, to the elusive red-throated diver, a range of birdlife makes its home here. Jays, wood warblers, crossbills and long-tailed tits are just some of the species you might spot. Early mornings in May feature the unmissable dawn chorus.
– Car Park
– Trails
– Visitor Centre
– Restaurant
– Tea Rooms
– Education Centre
– Castle and Gardens
– Outdoor Classroom
– Wild Play Area
– Playground
Toilets & Baby Changing
Available in the Car Park, Visitor Centre and Castle
Nellie’s Restaurant in the Visitor Centre within Glenveagh National Park is open 7 days per week from 9.30am-5pm.
There is also a tea room operated by Synge & Byrne, open 7 days week at the Castle.
Opening times are – 10am to 5pm.
For queries or group bookings contact: 087 930 6875.
National Park
Open: Year round
Admission: Free
Castle
Reception open:
Last Tour: 16:45hrs
March – October 09:15hrs–17:15hrs
November – February 10:00hrs–17:15hrs
All year around (except Christmas week)
Includes: tea room; toilets
Tea Rooms: Open 7 days a week.
Tours: The castle is open Tuesday to Sunday and all bank holidays for self guided Tours. A Castle tour cannot be booked in advance of your visit. There is limited provision for facilitating specialist groups on guided tours with advance booking.
Castle Tour Prices:
Adult €7
Senior/Concession €5
Family €15
Children under six years are free
Visitor Centre
Open:
09:15hrs–17:30hrs
Shuttle Bus Service
Adult return – €3
Concession return – €2 (Children aged 7-18, students and anyone over 65)
Single – €1.50
Children – Free (6 and under)
Heritage Cards
Heritage Card holders enjoy free bus tickets and castle tours, and discounts to other attractions around Ireland. Purchase a Heritage Card in the Visitor Centre:
Adult: €40
Student: €10
Child: €10
Senior: €30
Family: €90
- Two electric buses have full wheelchair access.
- Blue Badge access to the Castle with very limited parking – parking permission only granted in special circumstances.
- Certain areas of the gardens are inaccessible for wheelchair users due to steps and steep, uneven ground.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are available at the Visitor Centre
Walking & Hiking
Glenveagh offers trails for all ages and abilities. Check out our trails and remember the safety basics: check the weather before you set off, bring a map, and take along any essentials you’ll need for venturing into the hills.
Upper Glen Walk
Derrylahan Nature Trail
Lakeside Walk
Lough Insagh Walk
Protecting nature is the main aim of a National Park. Conservation work goes hand in hand with responsible outdoor recreation and visitors can help play their part by following these useful tips.
Plan Ahead
Think about the best time to visit and how you’ll travel here, to minimise your environmental impact. Check the weather and make sure you have everything you need to bring.
Be Considerate
Be aware of how your activities and behaviour can impact nature, the experience of other visitors and those working here. Be mindful of any noise you make and how you interact with others along the way.
Respect Wildlife
Dogs are very welcome but must stay on the lead. If you can, avoid sensitive times for wildlife nesting and breeding.
Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
The marked trails let you take in all the best parts of the Glenveagh wilderness. Only experienced hikers should venture into the hills. Only Wilderness Camping is permitted: review the guidelines here.
Leave What You Find
Do take photographs of the landscape and plants, but please leave even the smallest details untouched, so others can enjoy the Glenveagh wilderness just as you did.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Litter is a huge threat to nature. By bringing your waste home, you help protect the park and its wildlife, and keep Glenveagh healthy.
Minimise the effect of fire
We can’t allow fires of any kind in our national parks. Fires can cause lasting impacts and devastate plants and animals. Talk to our rangers or Education staff if you need advice, and check our Wilderness Camping guide for details.
Heritage & Culture
Make the most of your visit to Glenveagh with a stop at Glenveagh Castle & Gardens. Discover more at our Visitor Centre with free, daily exhibitions on topics like National Parks in Ireland, the golden eagle reintroduction project and the Derryveagh Evictions, including short videos.
Learn about Glenveagh’s history, heritage and conservation and speak with our guides for more information or advice.
A Place to Learn
Glenveagh Education Guides are happy to meet you along our trails. Why not book a guided walk, bring your school group or attend any of our specialist courses? We also help with research projects and offer tailored educational experiences all year round.