Blanketed in forests, mountains, woodland and water meadows, Glenveagh National Park is one of the primary attractions in County Donegal. The park is particularly popular with hikers, owing to its combination of untamed natural beauty, challenging trails and sculpted gardens – the latter of which are part of the 19th century Glenveagh Castle. The park covers an impressive 66 square miles of countryside.
Nestled in the remote heart of the beautiful County Donegal, Glenveagh National Park is the second largest National Park in Ireland. John Adair, the ruthless mid-19th century landowner who once owned an estate here, infamously evicted hundreds of the area’s inhabitants for spoiling his view! After this colourful start, the estate was eventually donated to the Irish Nation in the late 20th century and opened as a National Park in 1984.
Given its size and habitat – comprising bare peaks, deep lakes and thick foliage – Glenveagh National Park is an oasis for wildlife. A herd of red deer graze the park’s forests and bog land. There is also an abundance of birdlife in Glenveagh National Park, including the Peregrine Falcon. The Golden Eagle was reintroduced to the area in 2000, so bring your binoculars and you may be lucky enough to spot one.
Whether you’re here to head out hiking in the hills or to enjoy a peaceful moment of reflection fishing on the blissful shores of Lough Beagh, a rejuvenating break in County Donegal would not be complete without a trip Glenveagh National Park.
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