What can you say about Glenveagh National Park, I suppose we might as well start from the beginning. The drive up to this place is stunning in itself, through the Donegal mountains, definitely worth it for that alone. Well hidden from the main road, the park is able to mask itself and keep the stunning views a surprise until you are through the visitor centre. A shuttle bus awaits to bring you to the castle from the centre, the drive along the lakes are stunning, the option to walk is there, but think going we’ll get the bus and walk back.

The bus meanders along the single lane track next to the waters edge with the castle away in the distance, set in a valley with mountains all around, the views are stunning.

As you arrive through the trees the castle presents itself in front of you and the bus drops you off right next to it. There is a tour of the castle which is also well worth doing. There are so many different nooks and corners to explore of the grounds with so many different vantage points of from the surrounding mountains. We headed out to the waters edge, on the castle grounds perched on the side of the lake to take in the views the whole way along the valley. You could really imagine what it would have been like sitting out here when the castle was being used as a home.

After the Castle tour it was time to explore the grounds, a well placed map just shows the many paths and walkways through the castle grounds there are to explore. There really are so many and the gardens are well kept and presented and offer more different views of the castle as you climb the hillside.

The gardens are all laid out so that with every corner you turn there is something different to see and discover. All set to the backdrop of the amazing mountains and lakes below.

We literally spent a good few hours wandering around the gardens taking in the stunning views. We decided to skip the bus ride back to the visitor centre and walk the 4km or so back. A newly refurbished walking path has made the journey back even better as it meanders alongside the road carving into the hillside offering more stunning views on the way back. if you haven’t been to Glenveagh, its a place I couldn’t recommend highly enough. Definitely worth the visit.