Glenveagh Castle Travel Guide

Glenveagh Castle, a striking castellated mansion, lies deep within Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal. Constructed between 1867 and 1873 by Captain John George Adair, the castle was intended to rival Queen Victoria's Scottish retreat, Balmoral. Adair, however, is remembered for the infamous Derryveagh Evictions, where he ruthlessly evicted 244 tenants.The castle later became a glamorous retreat for celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin under the ownership of Henry McIlhenny in the mid-20th century. McIlhenny, an Irish American, significantly improved the gardens and restored the castle. In 1981, he bestowed the estate to the Irish nation.Today, visitors can explore the castle's restored interiors and wander through its lush gardens, which feature a variety of trees, shrubs, and unique structures like the Gothic Orangery and Italian Terrace. The surrounding Glenveagh National Park offers numerous trails with views of the Poisoned Glen and Errigal Mountain. The visitor centre provides information about the park's wildlife, including red deer and golden eagles.