Ballymacool Park, County Donegal Travel Guide

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Escape to Ballymacool Park in Letterkenny: Donegal's largest public park with walking trails, gardens, playground, and a unique sculpture.

Ballymacool Park, the largest public park in County Donegal, offers a serene 20-acre retreat on the outskirts of Letterkenny. Opened in 2009, the park features walking paths, gardens, a playground, and a sculpture created by local youth, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Ballymacool Park

W6VQ+QQ, Ballymacool, Letterkenny, Ballymacool, Co. Donegal, IE

Monday 8 am-9:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-9:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-9:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-9:30 pm
Friday 8 am-9:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-9:30 pm
Sunday 8 am-9:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ballymacool Park.

Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic benches throughout the park.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking or cycling on the park's pathways.
Visit the park in the evening to capture the best views of the River Swilly.

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Explore Ballymacool Park on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From Letterkenny town center, Ballymacool Park is approximately a 30-minute walk. Head northwest on the Main Street, then turn left onto the Glenties Road. Continue along the Glenties Road, and you'll find the park entrances on either side of the road, not far from O'Donnell Park.
Public Transport

Several bus routes service the Ballymacool area. Bus Éireann routes 32, 64, and 963 stop near Ballymacool. From Letterkenny Bus Station, take one of these routes and alight at the Ballymacool stop or Aura Leisure Centre. From either stop, it's a short walk to the park entrance.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Letterkenny. A taxi from the town center to Ballymacool Park will take approximately 5-10 minutes. Expect to pay around €9.40 for the trip.

Discover more about Ballymacool Park

Ballymacool Park, located on the Glenties Road in Letterkenny, County Donegal, is a sprawling 20-acre public park that provides a peaceful escape for visitors of all ages. Since its opening in May 2009, it has become the largest park in the county, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities.The park boasts a variety of features, including asphalt and water-bound pathways perfect for leisurely strolls, jogging, and cycling. Earth mounds create gentle hills, offering panoramic views, including the River Swilly. Three secluded gardens provide tranquil spots for reflection, while a hard-surfaced area caters to basketball and football enthusiasts. A children's playground ensures younger visitors have a safe and fun environment.Adding a cultural touch, a unique sculpture created by local youth under the guidance of a sculptor stands atop one of the mounds. The sculpture, made of two standing stones, features carvings inspired by symbols on "The History of Ireland ring," representing different epochs of Irish history. The sandstone used in the sculpture comes from the same quarry that supplied materials for St. Eunan's Cathedral in the 1800s.Ballymacool Park is built on a site near Ballymacool House. The Boyd family, who purchased the Ballymacool House and estate in 1798, occupied the house for many years. Remains of pathways, walled gardens, and the shell of Ballymacool House are still visible.