How to Visit Glenveagh National Park
Read our travel guide on Glenveagh National Park in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
Thanks to stunning scenery, easy access, and no entry fee, Glenveagh National Park is one of the top attractions in County Donegal.
Without any doubt, the second-largest national park is a jewel of Ireland's wild north.
It's home to rugged mountains, vast glens, native oak woods, gushing waterfalls, pristine lakes, and a romantic castle.
There are several reasons why you should include this place in your Ireland road trip itinerary.
The Glenveagh National Park is home to some of Ireland's most beautiful scenery, and there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Like other national parks in Ireland, it's free to explore, at least if you're interested just in hiking and nature.
The park is also easily accessible, with the entrance area being just a short detour from Wild Atlantic Way.
So here's everything you should know about Glenveagh National Park before you go.
What to See and Do
Glenveagh is one of six of Ireland's national parks renowned for its rugged beauty, untamed wilderness, and Glenveagh Castle.
The national park is well accessible, though there are a few things to keep in mind.
We had a gloomy, cold, and rainy day to explore Glenveagh.
We planned to spend more time here, but the weather was against us and forced us to adjust our plans.
Not surprisingly, the best way to see Glenveagh is on foot, though you can also rent a bike here.
Luckily, there are several nice trails to choose from.
Visitor Centre
From the empty parking lot, we headed to the Visitor Centre, which was a short walk from here.
The main reason was that we wanted to learn more about Glenveagh's fauna and flora.
It's relatively small but has good displays of the park's wildlife, deer and eagles, and geology.
Also, bus tickets can be purchased here.
Note that Glenveagh National Park's entrance is about 3.5 kilometers from the castle.
You can walk there by yourself, rent a bike, or take a shuttle bus connecting both places.
It makes sense to explore the visitor center before setting off on a hike.
Shuttle Bus
As mentioned above, the distance from the visitor center to the castle is 3.5 kilometers.
It means that you will need about 40-60 minutes just to walk this distance, and then you will need the same amount of time to get back.
It's a lovely walk, but there are definitely better trails within the park.
As it rained, we decided to hop on the bus to reach Glenveagh Castle to stay nice and warm as long as possible.
It was still early in the morning, and we were the only ones there. It seemed the bad weather convinced most visitors to wait it out in a hotel room.
The shuttle runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (the last bus from the visitor center) and 5:15 PM (the last bus from the castle).
Note that pick-up and drop-off times may change from year to year.
The shuttle bus was reasonably priced.
After our morning hike, we walked back to the visitor center via the 3.5-kilometer connector trail and headed to Fanad Head.
Glenveagh Castle
Sitting on the shores of Lough Veagh, Glenveagh Castle is a must-see while in the national park.
This beautiful castle is located 3.5 kilometers from the visitor center and is accessible on foot, bike, or shuttle bus.
Captain John George Adair, infamously known for Derryveagh Evictions, built it between 1867 and 1873 in a neo-Gothic Style.
The setting reminds you of Kylemore Abbey, though the contrast in architecture between those two places couldn't be more striking.
It's said that the style of Donegal Castle influenced the architects.
Glenveagh Castle was purchased in 1938 by Henry Plumer McIlhenny of Philadelphia, who served in the American Navy during WW2 and gifted it to the Irish state in 1979.
By the way, during this period, the castle was a retreat for famous Holywood stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, and Clark Gable.
At the time of our visit, Glenveagh Castle was closed, and no tours were available.
Otherwise, they offer a great insight into the past of Glenveagh.
Similar to Kilkenny Castle, you can explore Glenveagh Castle on a self-guided tour.
There is a nice cafe, a small gift shop, and toilets.
Castle Gardens
The castle has lovely gardens with a Victorian layout, including a Walled Garden, Pleasure Gardens, Tuscan Garden, and Gothic Orangery.
The well-landscaped garden grounds were charming (and open when we were there) with flat trails, though less opulent than at Blarney or Powerscourt.
There is no entry fee to Glenveagh's castle gardens.
The best time to see the displays of rhododendrons is from late March to the beginning of June.
Hiking Trails
There are several very well-signed and maintained trails in Glenveagh.
The starting points to most of the trails can be found at either Visitor Center or Glenveagh Castle.
Derrylahan Nature Trail
The 2-kilometer Derrylahan Nature Trail is a great introduction to Glenveagh National Park.
This easy looped walk starts at the visitor center and is suitable for all types of hikers.
View Point Trail
Our favorite trail was View Point Trail, which starts at the castle.
This 1-kilometer looped walk is well-maintained and short, has a few steep sections, and offers some of the best views in the national park.
Garden Trail
This easy 1-kilometer circular trail offers a great way to see the Castle gardens.
It's suitable for all visitors, especially for families with kids and inexperienced hikers.
Lough Inshagh Walk
The 7-kilometer Lough Inshagh Walk (one way), together with Glen Walk, is a great option for more experienced hikers.
This route is moderately challenging and was used to connect the castle with the small village of Church Hill.
You can arrange transport from Lacknacoo car park or return via the same path.
Glen (Bridle Path) Walk
The longest waymarked trail in Glenveagh National Park, Glen Walk, goes along a former route that features beautiful scenery and remains of old settlements.
Both trails are moderately challenging and take you away from the crowds.
Just remember that you will need to retrace your steps via the same trail to get back to your car (unless you arrange transport from the end of the trail).
So the main downside of Glenveagh's hiking trails is the lack of challenging circular routes.
That's not a bad thing in principle, but it's something you should know before you venture off into the park.
Atelleen Burn Waterfall
The impressive Atelleen Burn Waterfall can be seen from Glen Walk.
It is technically a long cascade of water gushing down the mountain's side near the lake's southern end.
It's pretty far away, though, and not as picturesque as Torc or Glencar.
It reminded us of our trip to Iceland, where we could admire similar scenery on every corner.
Backcountry Hiking
Backcountry hiking and wild camping are allowed at Glenveagh National Park, but it's suitable only for experienced hikers.
Make sure to bring quality gear, know the terrain, and let others know where you're going.
Camping
There are currently no designated campsites in Glenveagh National Park.
However, wild camping is allowed in Glenveagh National Park, making it one of the best ways to experience this wild, untamed part of County Donegal.
Keep in mind that camping within the Exclusion Zone is not permitted, and you need to follow the park's Wild Camping Code.
Opening Hours
Glenveagh National Park is open all year round.
Don't forget that the Visitor Center and Glenveagh Castle have set opening times.
The Visitor Center is open from 9:15 AM to 5:30 PM. Glenveagh Castle opens at 9:45 AM and closes at 5:15 PM.
The last Castle Tour is 4:45 PM.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Glenveagh National Park.
In principle, you can see the national park without spending a dime, which is great news for all those visiting Ireland on a budget.
However, many travelers decide to take a shuttle bus and explore the castle interiors.
The adult fare was €1.50 per ride, and the entry fee to Glenveagh Castle was €7.
Therefore, you will most likely end up spending some money while there.
How Much Time Do I Need
The amount of time you need to spend in the Glenveagh National Park depends on what you want to see and do while there.
The weather also plays a major role in any visit to the national park.
If you're interested in exploring the visitor center, visiting Glenveagh Castle, and doing a few short easy walks in the area, allow yourself about two to four hours for Glenveagh National Park.
On the other hand, for those who want to do some extensive hiking, it's easy to spend a full day or even two within the national park.
When to Go
Glenveagh National Park can be visited year-round, with something to offer in every season.
With warm days and plenty of daylight, summer is the best time of the year to visit Glenveagh National Park.
Glenveagh is simply beautiful during this period; just remember you won't have the trails just for yourself.
The weather starts to warm up during the spring, and days get longer, but the crowds are still not around.
Together with autumn, this is one of the best seasons to visit Ireland in general.
Speaking of which, autumn offers a more relaxed experience, the crowds thin out, but the weather is still mild.
Visiting Glenveagh National Park in winter is possible, though you need to be prepared for every type of weather.
If the weather cooperates, you will be rewarded with tranquility, an immersive experience, and no crowds.
What to Pack
Here are a few tips on what to pack for hiking in Glenveagh National Park.
Wear layers so you can adjust your clothing as needed, and carry a comfortable daypack to keep all your essentials while hiking in the national park.
Make sure to bring a quality rain jacket and comfortable hiking shoes. Good rain pants come in handy here as well.
Bring plenty of water with you, especially during the summer. We use this reusable water bottle.
During this period, you will also need strong sunscreen and insect repellent.
Lastly, always check the weather forecast before you go; just remember it's not that accurate in the mountains.
Here you can check our complete Ireland packing list.
How to Get There
The easiest and best way to get to Glenveagh National Park is by car, though you can also reach the area by bus.
Undoubtedly, our Ireland road trip was one of the top travel experiences ever, and having a rental car played a huge part in it.
It allowed us to have a flexible itinerary, save time, and afterward travel to places such as Slieve League or Malin Head without any effort.
Here you will find more tips on driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland.
Car
Glenveagh National Park can be reached in about an hour from Donegal Town via N15, N13, and R251.
Galway is about a four-hour drive from Glenveagh National Park.
You will need roughly the same amount of time when departing to Glenveagh from Dublin.
Those continuing to Northern Ireland should reach Derry in less than an hour.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
Parking at Glenveagh National Park is easy and free.
The main parking lot is just right off R251. It's fairly large and right next to the visitor center.
Public Transport
Route 271, operated by Local Link, travels from Burtonport to Letterkenny and stops at Glenveagh National Park.
Even though it's possible to get to the Glenveagh by bus, a rental car makes still more sense in this case.
Here you will find our post on getting around Ireland.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation near Glenveagh National Park, you will have several beautiful and peaceful options to choose from.
The best selection of hotels has Letterkenny, the largest town in County Donegal.
This town has an ideal location and provides an excellent base from which you can explore this entire rugged region.
Letterkenny has a number of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts, so it's a perfect choice for most visitors.
There are also plenty of small bed and breakfasts scattered across the countryside, offering a homely experience and great hospitality.
Here are the best hotels near Glenveagh National Park.
Budget | Station House Letterkenny - With a great location, comfortable rooms, free parking, and good food, this hotel is one of the best budget options in Letterkenny.
Mid-range | Clanree Hotel - Situated in a quiet location on Letterkenny's outskirts, this hotel has spacious rooms, a leisure club, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and free on-site parking.
Luxury | Radisson Blu Hotel Letterkenny - Designed in contemporary style, this is the best hotel in Letterkenny. It's within walking distance of everything and boasts modern rooms, a fitness center, a swimming pool, a sauna, and free private parking.
Staying Safe
In general, Glenveagh National Park is a safe place to visit.
It is one of the most accessible national parks in Ireland and has a good range of well-maintained trails. Just make sure to follow general safety tips.
The weather in Glenveagh National Park is unpredictable and can change quickly.
Be prepared, check the weather forecast, pack the essentials, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions.
Plan your hike before you set off, and choose a trail according to your fitness level.
Stick to the designated trails, and let someone know where you're going.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Glenveagh National Park Worth Visiting?
We believe Glenveagh National Park is definitely worth seeing.
It's one of the most beautiful areas in County Donegal and a great place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, and budget travelers.
Plus, it's very easy to get there by car, making a great addition to every trip to Donegal.
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, even on a rainy day, as we can tell from our own experience.
On top of that, the park is also home to one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland.
If you want to visit more national parks in Ireland, we really liked the Wicklow Mountains, Burren, and Connemara.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
