Donegal Highlands

Discover Ireland's most dramatic mountain landscapes on this route through the Donegal Highlands. Glenveagh National Park, the Derryveagh Mountains, and the Poisoned Glen create scenery as wild as anywhere in the Scottish Highlands.

Why This Route?

The Donegal Highlands are genuinely wild:

National Park - Glenveagh is Ireland's second-largest national park
Mountain drama - Errigal, Mount Muckish, and the Derryveagh range
Historic estate - Glenveagh Castle and its remarkable gardens
Rare wildlife - Golden eagles reintroduced here
Empty roads - Some of Ireland's quietest driving

The Mountains

The Derryveagh Mountains ("red oak mountains") include some of Ireland's most distinctive peaks:

Errigal (751m) - The iconic quartzite cone, Ireland's 31st highest
Muckish (666m) - The distinctive flat-topped "pig's back"
Dooish (652m) - Remote and rarely climbed
Slieve Snaght (683m) - Central Derryveagh peak

The Route

Starting from Letterkenny

Donegal's largest town has all facilities. Head northwest into the highlands.

Glenveagh National Park

The centrepiece of the route - allow at least half a day. The park includes:

Glenveagh Castle

A Victorian hunting lodge in spectacular lakeside setting. The castle and walled gardens are accessible by shuttle bus from the visitor centre (or a pleasant 3km walk).

The Gardens

Remarkably exotic for this northern latitude - rhododendrons, rare plants, and designed landscapes.

Walking Trails

Multiple options from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain hikes.

Wildlife

Red deer - Ireland's largest herd
Golden eagles - Reintroduced in 2000 (still rare)
Red squirrels - Common in the forests
Arctic char - Rare fish in Lough Veagh

The Poisoned Glen

Perhaps Ireland's most dramatic glacial valley - a U-shaped glen beneath Errigal's eastern face. Legend says poison spurge once grew here, or that the name is a corruption of "heavenly glen." A popular walking destination.

Errigal Mountain

The iconic quartzite peak dominates the landscape. The climb from the Dunlewy car park is challenging but non-technical:

Distance: 5km return
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Challenging (steep scree)
Highlights: 360-degree views, distinctive summit ridge

Dunlewy (Dún Lúiche)

A scattered community at Errigal's foot. The Ionad Cois Locha visitor centre has a restored cottage, boat trips on Dunlewy Lough, and weaving demonstrations.

Muckish Gap

Drive through this mountain pass for views of the distinctive flat-topped Muckish. The old sand workings on the mountain create an unusual landscape.

Gortahork & Falcarragh

Gaeltacht villages where Irish is the community language. Excellent traditional music in local pubs.

Atlantic Drive

Loop out to the coast at Bloody Foreland, named for the red glow of sunset on its rocks. Horn Head beyond is one of Ireland's finest sea cliff headlands.

Dunfanaghy

A charming village with excellent facilities, Horn Head access, and Ards Forest Park nearby.

Walking Highlights

Glenveagh Trails

Derrylahan Trail - 3km, 1 hour, easy, woodland walk
View Point Trail - 2km, 45 mins, moderate, castle views
Long Range Walking - 14km, 5-6 hours, challenging, full glen exploration

Errigal Summit

Distance: 5km return
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Challenging
Note: Scree requires care; not suitable in poor visibility

Poisoned Glen

Distance: 7km return
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Dramatic cliffs, abandoned church

Practical Tips

Glenveagh shuttle books up - Arrive early in summer
Errigal is serious - Proper boots, waterproofs essential
Weather changes fast - Mountains create their own weather
Limited facilities - Bring food for remote sections
Gaeltacht areas - Signs in Irish; locals appreciate Irish greetings

Wildlife Watching

Golden Eagles

The reintroduction project began in 2000. Sightings are rare but possible, especially in remote areas of the park.

Best Spots

Glenveagh visitor centre has wildlife information
Early morning and evening best for deer
Scan the skies in the Poisoned Glen for eagles