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Best trails in Glenveagh National Park

Best trails in Glenveagh National Park

4.2(774 reviews)

·

Ireland
: 
#5 of 6 national parks

All photos
Want to find the best trails in Glenveagh National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 12 great trails for hiking and walking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next adventure? Explore one of 2 easy hiking trails in Glenveagh National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for elevation? Trails in this park range from 157 to 5,331 feet of elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Glenveagh National Park.

Top sights

Errigal
Errigal
Peak
Glenveagh Castle
Glenveagh Castle
Castle
Rose Garden
Rose Garden
Garden
Viewing point
Viewing point
Viewpoint
Lough Veagh
Lough Veagh
Lake
Crockfadda East Top
Crockfadda East Top
Peak

Top trails

  1. #1 - Lakeside Walk

    4.6(337)
    ·Easy
    ·4.5 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Enjoy beautiful views as you wind your way beside Logh Veagh to Glenveagh Castle and Gardens. You will find a beautiful mix of mature Austrian Pines and natural broadleaf trees including Holly, Rowan, and Birch along the path. You will also pass the Owencarrow River where you can keep an eye out for the otters. Beyond the river, the route leads to a more open landscape of bog and wet heath typical of Glenveagh and the west of Ireland. These are wet peatland environments with a diversity of...

  2. #2 - Lakeside Walk, Glen Walk, and Glenveagh Castle

    4.7(93)
    ·Hard
    ·14 mi
    ·Est. 6–6.5 hr
    Take an unforgettable walk through one of Ireland's most spectacular glens. This easy, gentle trail follows the shore of Lough Veagh on a well-made path, with dramatic, steep mountainsides plunging down into the dark water. You'll pass through the grounds of the stunning Glenveagh Castle, a 19th-century mansion with magnificent gardens that are an oasis in the surrounding wilderness.

  3. #3 - Glen (Bridle Path) Walk

    4.6(73)
    ·Moderate
    ·9.4 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Glenveagh is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the country. If you ever visit Ireland, this spectacular place is a must. It's got nature, lakes, wildlife, fauna and flora, and of course the enchanting castle. This trail is easygoing and suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Make sure not to pass on this Donegal treasure!

  4. #4 - Glenveagh View Point Trail

    4.9(30)
    ·Moderate
    ·1.2 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Glenveagh Castle is one of Donegal's gems. The trail up to the viewpoint is quite steep in places, but not too long. The view is well worth the effort. The path along the lake is easygoing and relatively flat so it's suitable for all ages and fitness levels. This trail is an easier option to enjoy than the more challenging hikes in this area. There is also a lovely restaurant, gift shop, and some gorgeous gardens to explore.

  5. #5 - Lough Inshagh Walk

    4.7(70)
    ·Hard
    ·10.2 mi
    ·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    This lovely trail through the hills of Glenveagh starts at the Visitors Centre and visits the birthplace of Saint Colmcille. This trail is a well-maintained path with plenty of benches along the way to have a break and enjoy some refreshments. There are lovely views of Muckish in front of you and Lough Gartan behind.

  6. #6 - Glenveagh Castle and Lough Inshagh

    4.2(38)
    ·Moderate
    ·7.7 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    This is a beautiful trail in Glenveagh National Park, leading you along the banks of Lough Veagh to Glenveagh Castle. Starting from the car park by the visitor centre, you’ll follow the well-maintained, gravel paths through the woodland and along the open hillside and water’s edge, where you are treated to fantastic views of the beautiful Lough Veagh and the surrounding Derryveagh Mountains. The path leads you uphill to visit Lough Inshagh before continuing to the castle. Glenveagh Castle...

  7. #7 - Derrylahan Nature Trail

    4.7(55)
    ·Easy
    ·1.4 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Experience the magic of the "Valley of Birch" as you explore the Derrylahan Nature Trail. This trail is an ideal introduction to the park's diverse habitats, where you’ll transition from the shelter of native trees like birch and hazel to the open, rugged beauty of the boglands. It is a fantastic place for birdwatching, with chances to spot goosanders or even the rare red-throated diver near the water. While the terrain is a gravel track, a few steep bits can get slippery, so wearing shoes...

  8. #8 - Crockfadda East Top and Crockballaghgeeha Loop

    3.9(30)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.1 mi
    Take a hike to the top of imposing peaks in Derryveagh Mountains. Start from a modest parking place at the beginning of the trail and venture beyond marked paths. As you traverse the route, you may encounter numerous undercover waterways. The streams flow down from the mountains, which are overgrown and easy to stumble upon. Before embarking into the mountains, please plan and equip carefully. Be sure to check the weather and download the offline map. This route is best attempted in good...

  9. #9 - Dooish Mountain | An Dubhais

    4.0(22)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.5 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Dooish is the highest point of the peaks beside Lough Beagh. Its slopes are boggy and steep but the summit is rocky and a pleasure to walk. This route is a short walk distance-wise, but Dooish makes you work right from the beginning as you are straight onto boggy ground as soon as you leave the roadside. It's a challenging route but it offers spectacular views. If you are into wildlife, Dooish is a great one to climb. Make sure to watch out for golden eagles. Appropriate footwear is highly...

  10. #10 - The Poisoned Glen Loop

    3.6(14)
    ·Hard
    ·10.4 mi
    Navigate the haunting beauty of County Donegal on this formidable off-trail loop in the Derryveagh Mountains. Legend says the glen got its name when Lugh Lámhfhada killed the giant Balor, whose poisoned eye split the rock and poisoned the valley. Today, hikers face a gruelling test of endurance across pathless, heather-covered slopes and treacherous peat hags. The ground is notoriously uneven, often concealing deep bog holes and sinkholes that require constant vigilance and the use of...
Showing results 1–10 of 12
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Glenveagh National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Glenveagh National Park is Lakeside Walk, which has a 4.6 star rating from 337 reviews. This trail is 4.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 400 ft.

What is the longest trail in Glenveagh National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Glenveagh National Park is Poisoned Glen - Muckish Road via Dunlewy Church of Ireland. This trail is estimated to be 16.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Glenveagh National Park?

There are 12 trails in Glenveagh National Park.These trails have an average 4.2-star ratingfrom 774 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Glenveagh National Park?

Poisoned Glen - Muckish Road via Dunlewy Church of Ireland has the most elevation gain with 5,331 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is The Poisoned Glen Loop, which has 3,061 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Glenveagh National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Glenveagh National Park which is Poisoned Glen - Muckish Road via Dunlewy Church of Ireland with an average 2.4 star rating from 5 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Glenveagh National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 running trails in Glenveagh National Park and the most popular is Lakeside Walk with an average 4.6 star rating from 337 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Glenveagh National Park?

Yes, there are 6 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Glenveagh National Park, including Glenveagh View Point Trail, Crockfadda East Top and Crockballaghgeeha Loop, Dooish Mountain | An Dubhais, The Poisoned Glen Loop, and Grogán Mór and Crocknafarragh.

Are there any trails with lakes in Glenveagh National Park?

Yes, there are 9 trails with lakes in Glenveagh National Park, including Lakeside Walk, Lakeside Walk, Glen Walk, and Glenveagh Castle, Glen (Bridle Path) Walk, Glenveagh View Point Trail, and Lough Inshagh Walk.

Are there any trails with castles in Glenveagh National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Glenveagh National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with scenic viewpoints in Glenveagh National Park, including Lakeside Walk, Glen Walk, and Glenveagh Castle, Glen (Bridle Path) Walk, and Glenveagh View Point Trail.