Walking & Hiking in Donegal

Length: 3.5km (Not a looped walk)

Time: 40mins

Terrain: A mostly flat gravel path

This trail brings you through the glen from the visitor centre Location is at the Bus Stop near the Visitor Centre. ( Grid Ref: C 039231) to Glenveagh castle and gardens. The walk begins at the bus shelter from where there is a fine view of the valley of Glenveagh and continues along the shores of Lough Veagh. It is possible to walk one way and return by bus by obtaining a ticket at the castle reception. The walk starts through a stand of mature Austrian Pines and scattered native broadleaved trees such as Holly, Rowan and Birch. Past the wooden shingled roofed boathouse is a recently constructed bridge over the Owencarrow River. The bridge was constructed by park staff using seasoned larch and recycled plastic decking. The Owencarrow River is the main outflow from Lough Veagh which eventually meets the sea at the Lackagh Bridge near Doe Castle. The Owencarrow river is home to breeding salmon, trout, eel, freshwater pearl mussel, and otter. Beyond the bridge the path takes walkers out on to the more open landscape of blanket bog and wet heath habitat that is typical of much of Glenveagh and the west of Ireland generally. These are wet peatland habitats and although mainly treeless they are home to a range of plant and animals, many of which are unique to these habitats. As the path meanders along the glen and lake side there are beautiful views across Lough Veagh and it’s scattered islets to the cliffs and open hilltops beyond. This sublime landscape offers a taste of a remote and peaceful Irish wilderness where nature comes first. Further along you will find examples of small native scrub woodland and mountain streams. The path ends in the wonderful castle gardens, an amazing botanical contrast to the wilder surrounding landscape.