Glenveagh Castle: A Donegal Highlands Retreat

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Explore a stunning 19th-century castle and gardens nestled in the rugged landscape of Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal.

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Glenveagh Castle

Nestled in the heart of Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle is a 19th-century castellated mansion on the shores of Lough Veagh. Built in the Scottish baronial style, the castle offers a glimpse into a bygone era, surrounded by stunning gardens and rugged wilderness.

A brief summary to Glenveagh Castle

Glenveagh National Park, Church Hill, Gartan Mountain, Co. Donegal, F92 HR77, IE
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Allow ample time to explore both the castle and the extensive gardens. The gardens offer a striking contrast to the surrounding wilderness.
Consider taking the shuttle bus from the visitor center to the castle, especially if you have mobility concerns, as the walk is 4km.
Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress accordingly, as conditions in Glenveagh National Park can be unpredictable.
The castle is open for self-guided tours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Monday and Friday, except bank holiday Mondays.

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Getting There

Car

From Letterkenny, take the N56 through Kilmacrenan, then the R255 towards Gweedore. Follow signs for Glenveagh National Park. Parking is available at the visitor center. Note that cars are not allowed beyond the visitor center. From the visitor center, you can walk (4km) or take the shuttle bus to the castle.
Public Transport

Take Local Link bus service number 271 from Burtonport or Letterkenny. The bus stops at the flagpole in the car park. From the visitor center, you can walk (4km) or take the shuttle bus to the castle. Shuttle bus: Adult return is €3, Concession return is €2.
Shuttle Bus

From the visitor center, a shuttle bus is available to transport visitors to Glenveagh Castle. The shuttle bus departs regularly from the visitor center and costs €3 for a return ticket for adults. A single ticket is available for €1.50. Children under 6 are free. The shuttle bus is the only way to get to the castle if you do not want to walk.

Discover more about Glenveagh Castle

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.