Glenveagh Castle
Glenveagh Castle
4.5
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- David NIsle of Arran, United Kingdom14 contributionsHoliday visit to DonegalOn our recent holiday to Donegal we decided to visit Glenveagh Castle and we are really glad we did. Parking was first class with plenty of room and an option of how to reach the Castle either by foot along an “off road” path or as we decided, to take advantage of an electric shuttle bus service along a most picturesque road with wonderful views of the loch till the Castle came into view. Prices for the bus journey and tour of the Castle were very competitive in fact great value. The Castle had been donated to the state and still looks like someone’s home containing furniture and clothing of a personal nature. The staff answering your questions were professional yet with a local touch in fact the young lady we talked with had actually lived with her parents in the Castle. Your time was your own no one putting pressure on you to “hurry up”. The grounds and gardens are also fantastic and being able to have a chat with the gardeners and ground staff enriches your visit. We went to the tearoom and again delighted with what we had, the coffee was superb, again the staff though very busy still managed to have a chat, which is certainly the norm in Donegal. We would certainly recommend a visit to Glenveagh Castle and am sure that that will not be our last time there.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 October 2023
- Hugh ODublin, Ireland1 contributionA superb piece of Social HistoryThe castle was built in the 1850's by a man called Adair who subsequently subsequently evicted all the tenants. The house subsequently passed through a number of owners one of whom disappeared. It was left to the State and has been wonderfully maintained. well worth a visitVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 October 2023
- Four 22London, United Kingdom44 contributionsGood place to visitBeautiful and interesting crenellated hunting lodge. The rooms are well presented with just the right amount of information which is not overwhelming. The lady on reception could have been a bit more welcoming - but the very lovely personnel at the music room and on the stairs made up for it. We will have to return for the gardens - despite the place being open till 5.30, we found parts of the grounds were locked up earlier. The walk to the castle from the car park is about 4km and the views and sights are wonderful but there is a shuttle bus (small charge) if preferred.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 June 2024
- Darren DTexas812 contributionsWe almost missed this gem.We were near the beginning of our vacation in Ireland and the British Isles, and this was the first castle we visited (with many more after this). The inside was intriguing but not as exciting as the outside. The history of the castle (summarized well on information boards at the end of the tour) was very interesting, especially with the multiple ties to the United States. The highlight for us was the outside of the castle and the grounds. At every turn was a new, beautiful photo opportunity. Alongside the lake, through the wooded areas around the castle, and in the gardens around it, there were many beautiful sights to see. We almost missed this opportunity, and we are glad that locals suggested that we visit Glenveagh National Park, which led us to visit the castle.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 June 2024
- Alison DBelfast, United Kingdom139 contributionsTime to exploreWe had a beautiful morning exploring the grounds. Completing the 3.5k walk to the castle from the visitors centre. Followed by a nice 1k round the castle gardens and a lunch at the castle cafe. Can't wait to read my new book and kids colouring in their new books and then baking some yummy scones. Definitely not the way my granda did but sure will relive my youth anyway.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 July 2024
- PollyDDevon, United Kingdom373 contributionsVery good day - bring a picnic and insect repellentWe very much enjoyed our morning at Glenveagh today. It is free to park and free to walk around. There is a bus for those that do not want to walk the 4km to the castle (but it is a lovely walk on a track and so I thoroughly recommend). We were 3 adults and 7 children aged between 3-12 and we all walked the 4km to the castle and the 4km back to the car park. There are also bicycles available to rent and these are around 15-20 euros per bike for 3 hrs. The main disappointment is the price of the cafe - all the items were around 10 or 12 euros for a sandwich or a bowl of soup. All we wanted was a cheese and ham toastie for the children priced around 5 euro. We made the decision to eat at home instead. I am sure that the cafe sells delicious food but way too expensive for what it is - even if it a sourdough sandwich. I would recommend bringing a picnic. Quite a number of midges (insects) today - so do bring insect repellent. I'm glad we had it with us today. But overall, lovely visit and we'll come again with our picnic.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 August 2024
- nohassle1956371 contributionsBeautiful castle nicely furnishedWe had a nice visit to the castle. We chose to walk 2.5 miles one way. You can take a shuttle if you want from the visitors center. The walk is pleasant along the lough. The castle is well maintained and all the rooms are furnished with period pieces. There are written descriptions of all the rooms. The price is right 5 euro per person to enter. After we walked back we had cake and water at the visitors center. Nice. There is plenty of free parking. Nice visit about 3.5 hours.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 September 2024
- Giovanni ScoziaGlasgow, United Kingdom69 contributionsExcellentThree of us visited here and had a really good experience. It started with the shuttle driver who was friendly and a great joke teller! The estate is marvellous with stunning scenery and there is a real feeling of history here. Special thanks to Janet in the gift shop for her warm welcome and efficient courteous manner and also to Hugh, one of the gardeners we spoke with as we toured the walled garden. They are a credit to the estate operation. Definitely a trip not to be missed when in the area.Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 September 2024
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4.5
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geismom
Sinking Spring, PA1,899 contributions
July 2022
This castle is imbedded in the Glenveagh National Park, and can be reached by trail or bus. I highly recommend taking the paved trail, as it offers some beautiful scenic vistas as you walk along. There are benches along the way if you feel that you need a little break. It takes a little over an hour to make the walk, longer if you walk a bit more leisurely.
The castle was not open for viewing, but there are extensive grounds that are well worth seeing. And, if you climb to the top of the hill behind the castle, you can get some beautiful views of the top of the castle. By the way, I used trekking poles to climb to the top, which I did need due to the steep incline.
The park and castle grounds are free to visit. I'm not sure if one has to buy a ticket to take the transit bus to the castle from the information center, but I'd really highly recommend walking over taking the bus, unless you are very short on time.
The castle was not open for viewing, but there are extensive grounds that are well worth seeing. And, if you climb to the top of the hill behind the castle, you can get some beautiful views of the top of the castle. By the way, I used trekking poles to climb to the top, which I did need due to the steep incline.
The park and castle grounds are free to visit. I'm not sure if one has to buy a ticket to take the transit bus to the castle from the information center, but I'd really highly recommend walking over taking the bus, unless you are very short on time.
Written 18 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PollyD
Devon, UK373 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We very much enjoyed our morning at Glenveagh today. It is free to park and free to walk around. There is a bus for those that do not want to walk the 4km to the castle (but it is a lovely walk on a track and so I thoroughly recommend). We were 3 adults and 7 children aged between 3-12 and we all walked the 4km to the castle and the 4km back to the car park.
There are also bicycles available to rent and these are around 15-20 euros per bike for 3 hrs.
The main disappointment is the price of the cafe - all the items were around 10 or 12 euros for a sandwich or a bowl of soup. All we wanted was a cheese and ham toastie for the children priced around 5 euro. We made the decision to eat at home instead. I am sure that the cafe sells delicious food but way too expensive for what it is - even if it a sourdough sandwich. I would recommend bringing a picnic.
Quite a number of midges (insects) today - so do bring insect repellent. I'm glad we had it with us today.
But overall, lovely visit and we'll come again with our picnic.
There are also bicycles available to rent and these are around 15-20 euros per bike for 3 hrs.
The main disappointment is the price of the cafe - all the items were around 10 or 12 euros for a sandwich or a bowl of soup. All we wanted was a cheese and ham toastie for the children priced around 5 euro. We made the decision to eat at home instead. I am sure that the cafe sells delicious food but way too expensive for what it is - even if it a sourdough sandwich. I would recommend bringing a picnic.
Quite a number of midges (insects) today - so do bring insect repellent. I'm glad we had it with us today.
But overall, lovely visit and we'll come again with our picnic.
Written 7 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David N
Isle of Arran, UK14 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
On our recent holiday to Donegal we decided to visit Glenveagh Castle and we are really glad we did. Parking was first class with plenty of room and an option of how to reach the Castle either by foot along an “off road” path or as we decided, to take advantage of an electric shuttle bus service along a most picturesque road with wonderful views of the loch till the Castle came into view. Prices for the bus journey and tour of the Castle were very competitive in fact great value. The Castle had been donated to the state and still looks like someone’s home containing furniture and clothing of a personal nature. The staff answering your questions were professional yet with a local touch in fact the young lady we talked with had actually lived with her parents in the Castle. Your time was your own no one putting pressure on you to “hurry up”. The grounds and gardens are also fantastic and being able to have a chat with the gardeners and ground staff enriches your visit. We went to the tearoom and again delighted with what we had, the coffee was superb, again the staff though very busy still managed to have a chat, which is certainly the norm in Donegal. We would certainly recommend a visit to Glenveagh Castle and am sure that that will not be our last time there.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan B
Dublin, Ireland96 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Visited here on a recommendation from the hotel. Beautiful place whether you’re walking or cycling. We hired bikes, €25 for 2 bikes and you get 3 hours.
An incredible place to visit. The castle is fantastic, terrible shame it was closed but you can ramble around the gardens and tower. There’s a nice coffee shop here too. We cycled on up to the waterfall which was lovely, the scenery all around is great and makes the spin quite enjoyable. It’s a tough enough cycle if your not reasonably fit but it’s very doable.
Well worth a visit and admission is free, this was one of my favourite days touring Donegal.
An incredible place to visit. The castle is fantastic, terrible shame it was closed but you can ramble around the gardens and tower. There’s a nice coffee shop here too. We cycled on up to the waterfall which was lovely, the scenery all around is great and makes the spin quite enjoyable. It’s a tough enough cycle if your not reasonably fit but it’s very doable.
Well worth a visit and admission is free, this was one of my favourite days touring Donegal.
Written 15 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rambler
Devon, UK301 contributions
Sept 2022
Lovely destination, beautiful views, gardens and walking trails. Shuttle bus for small charge from visitor centre to castle (not currently open), gardens, small gift shop and cafe. If the weather is bad, this is not a good destination if you are not a walker as there is not much else to do. If you choose to walk instead of taking the bus it takes about 45 mins. Good cafes at both visitor centre and castle with lovely cakes. However we nearly had what looked like scrumptious apple pie until we were told they only had squirty cream, so we declined.
Written 9 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
homeholidayer
Galway1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
Had a fab day here walking up to castle. Very busy but huge estate so plenty of room to explore. Once away from castle annd up the hills it is just lovely lakes andmountains in an untamed wilderness. Very special place.
Written 11 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Four 22
London, UK44 contributions
June 2024 • Couples
Beautiful and interesting crenellated hunting lodge. The rooms are well presented with just the right amount of information which is not overwhelming. The lady on reception could have been a bit more welcoming - but the very lovely personnel at the music room and on the stairs made up for it. We will have to return for the gardens - despite the place being open till 5.30, we found parts of the grounds were locked up earlier. The walk to the castle from the car park is about 4km and the views and sights are wonderful but there is a shuttle bus (small charge) if preferred.
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Griz
Meadville, PA12 contributions
Oct 2022
We trekked through torrential rains and high winds, but had a most memorable experience. After parking at the visitor center, we walked to the castle (took approx. one hour and included multiple stops to appreciate the views). We were excited to learn the castle was open for tours, so we purchased tickets and enjoyed learning about the history and contents of the castle. The View Point Trail located behind the castle should not be missed. It is very steep in places, but at the top, the views are unmatched. Prior to boarding the bus (one way tickets purchased at castle) to return to the visitor center, we treated ourselves to hot drinks and sweets from Synge and Byrne located at the castle. We highly recommend a visit to Glenveagh National Park and Castle.
Written 2 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
machinmad
Yaxley, UK2,567 contributions
June 2022 • Couples
It takes about 45mins to walk the track alongside the loch to reach the castle. It looks the part with its stone turrets and fire in the entrance hall. The gardens were colourful when we visited in mid June. The walled veg garden looked particularly well cared for. And there was plenty of colour in the formal grounds. The views up to the loch head are stunning from the overhanging waterside patio.
There’s a bus back if you don’t want to walk. Watch out for midges in the tearoom courtyard!
There’s a bus back if you don’t want to walk. Watch out for midges in the tearoom courtyard!
Written 18 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hugh O
Dublin, Ireland1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
The castle was built in the
1850's by a man called Adair who subsequently subsequently evicted all the tenants. The house subsequently passed through a number of owners one of whom disappeared. It was left to the State and has been wonderfully maintained. well worth a visit
1850's by a man called Adair who subsequently subsequently evicted all the tenants. The house subsequently passed through a number of owners one of whom disappeared. It was left to the State and has been wonderfully maintained. well worth a visit
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes the park is open in October. Beautiful views. And from the car park there is shuttle buses to the castle also. Just check for tour times if you want to see inside the castle as these have to be purchased. Rest of national park is free.
Written 5 September 2018
March 17th – 31st October
The Visitors Centre is open from 9.15am to 5.30pm
The last Castle tour is at 4.30pm
The last bus to castle and garden is at 4.45pm
The last bus return from the castle is at 5.45pm
Castle Tours are Limited during July & August
We advise that you arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Castle Tour bookings can only be made when you arrive at the Castle.
For more information contact glenveaghbookings@chg.
Written 26 July 2018
Does anyone know if blue badge holders can drive up to and park at the castle?
Written 26 May 2018
I think you can drive up, though probably following the bus as they are very safety conscious. Try phoning and ask if it’s possible
Written 29 May 2018
Lin S
Chicago, Illinois
I have a place to stay in Letterkenny but how to get to Letterkenny from Londonderry without a car? Then how to get from Letterkenny to Glenveagh Castle? I will be coming in a few days! Thanks for your help!
Written 7 August 2016
Yes plenty of buses from derry to Letterkenny , the Derry -Galway express is probably the quickest takes about 35 mins . Letterkenny to Glenveagh is more difficult it's only 25 mins but I'm not sure if there is a bus but I will make some enquiries or maybe a taxi would suffice
Written 8 August 2016
When is the castle open for tours please? We hope to arrive on Monday 25th April 2016 thank you.
Written 17 April 2016
The centre opens at 09:00. If you walk to the castle and then wander through the gardens (my favourite is the vegetable/fruit garden with it's unusual plants and quirky buildings), you'll be in time for the castle opening.at 10:00. Take the tour and you can then take the bus back. If you want you can also grab a coffee in the tea shop - that opens at 10:30.
Written 17 April 2016
How far is the castle from letterkenny? Is it open on Sunday 06/03/16
Written 25 February 2016
Approx 77 klm, which should only take a little more than one hour. Check it on Google Earth if you'd like exact directions. When you get to the park there's a minibus available to take you to the castle & only costs 1 euro (well worth it) You can choose to walk instead if you have lots of time & this would take a good 30mins each way. The park & castle are open most of the year including Sunday 6/3/2016. It's a lovely place & well worth the visit & there's a great cafe/coffee shop. Enjoy!
Written 27 February 2016
Yes the castle is open all year but with just a few exceptions. Also there may be reduced hours during the winter months, so best to check by contacting the visitor centre. Enjoy!
Written 28 November 2015
Aye Dorothy open all year! Don't forget your in the real Ireland once you reach Donegal, Inishowen peninsula should not be missed including grainan of aileach and Malin Head!Enjoy! Slan
Written 29 November 2015
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