County Donegal is often tagged Ireland's "forgotten county" — remote, sparsely populated and easy to overlook on a first trip. But tucked into its northwest corner sits Glenveagh National Park, widely considered the county's crowning glory and the country's second-largest national park at more than 16,000 hectares (about 39,000 acres). It opened to the public in 1984, is free to enter, and stays open all year.
The park takes in part of Errigal Mountain, the tallest peak in the Derryveagh range, plus Lough Veagh and miles of walking routes. Six marked trails suit everyone from families to serious hikers. The Derrylahan Nature Trail is an easy 2km loop with views over the Glenveagh Valley — a good intro for all ages and fitness levels. At the other end, the Glen (Bridle Path) Walk runs 8km of strenuous terrain through the Derryveagh Mountains, rewarding hikers with Lough Veagh vistas and passing derelict settlements that hint at the area's past. Experienced walkers can go beyond the marked paths, though the park advises proper gear and route planning. Seasonal conservation and wildlife walks run throughout the year, and a paid shuttle links the visitor hub with the castle and some trailheads.
The park's centrepiece is Glenveagh Castle, a granite mansion completed in 1873. It mimics an early Irish tower house — keep and all — but it's Victorian rather than medieval. The surrounding gardens are the real draw for many visitors, hitting full bloom in summer, though they're open year-round with signposted paths (some areas are closed off for conservation). Inside, tearooms serve food and coffee daily, and self-guided castle tours are available for a fee; guided tours are limited to specialist groups booked via the park's website. The visitor centre has exhibitions and short films on Glenveagh's history and conservation work, and leashed dogs are welcome in the park itself (just not inside the castle).
Getting there is simpler than the "remote" label suggests. Most international arrivals land at Dublin; from there it's a one-hour domestic flight to Donegal Airport, roughly 35 miles from the park. City of Derry Airport in Northern Ireland is about 45 miles away. Both have car hire, which you'll want — public transport in this corner of Ireland is thin on the ground.
For travellers craving wild, uncrowded Ireland without the tour buses of Killarney or the Cliffs of Moher, Glenveagh delivers big scenery, a genuine castle and a proper hiking workout, all at no entry cost. Pair it with Donegal's coastline and you've got one of the most under-the-radar corners of Western Europe.
