Trip Planner: Europe / Ireland / County Donegal / Letterkenny / Glenveagh Castle

Glenveagh Castle, Letterkenny

4.7

#1 of 41 in Historic Sites in County Donegal

Must see · Castle · Tourist Spot

Create an itinerary including Glenveagh Castle

Experience the serene environment at Glenveagh Castle, a Baronial-style mansion in the Glenveagh National Park. Captain John George Adair built the castle around 1870 and developed the original structure and gardens with his wife, Cornelia Wadsworth Ritchie. Tour the site where Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Clark Gable (among others) spent their vacations. Take in views of the mountains, lakes, and forests while exploring the grounds. Stop by the visitor center for more information on the castle and gardens, which were given to Ireland in 1981. Make your Letterkenny itinerary with Klarna Trips to find out what to see and where to go.

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Glenveagh Castle reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,371 reviews

Google

4.7

By MeadvilleMom

We trekked through torrential rains and high winds, but had a most memorable experience. After parking at the visitor center, we walked to the castle (took approx. one hour and included multiple...

We trekked through torrential rains and high winds, but had a most memorable experience. After parking at the visitor center, we walked to the castle (took approx. one hour and included multiple... more »
By 626visitor

The bus driver was friendly and helpful and the trip from the centre to the castle was most enjoyable. We enjoyed the gardens and a walk beside the lake to the waterfal

The bus driver was friendly and helpful and the trip from the centre to the castle was most enjoyable. We enjoyed the gardens and a walk beside the lake to the waterfal more »
By Catherine M

The guide hustled us through the tour, and didn't show us all the available rooms. I had been on that tour in the past, so I know what rooms we were missing, and how long the tour should last. This...

The guide hustled us through the tour, and didn't show us all the available rooms. I had been on that tour in the past, so I know what rooms we were missing, and how long the tour should last. This... more »

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Google

By Blaise Vitale

Our tour stopped here. This was a very nice stop. The castle is both accessible as the contents have to be inventoried and accommodation made for visitors. However there is a nice restaurant and gift shop, some gorgeous gardens and lots of pretty sites and walking trails. I particularly enjoyed the strenuous walk up the steep hill to the beautiful viewing point.

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By The E's and J's Life

This castle is not open in the inside to public since Covid. When is open which they told me probably it will be October 2022 it will cost 7€ the entrance. The bus to get there is 2€ per person and is a 4km ride. They run all the time & is a one way road so it can be scary to run in it since in the curves they don’t see each other. It happened to us & the drivers stopped just on time but we were all scared for one second. You can also go walking in a 4km trail where you can take bicycles & park them at the castle (outside near the cafeteria) The gardens & the lake are amazingly beautiful & well worth the drive & visit. The parking to the castle is free & there is a lot of parking and people flowing in & out so even if it says the parking is full Is not really full. In the cafeteria they sell food & snacks. There is a gift shop as well. We drove 5h round trip to get here & stop at a gas station to get food

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By Pat Mc

Amazing place to visit. Fabulous walks around the grounds and in the walled gardens. Bus service too and from the castle. Fabulous cafe in the castle. Very friendly staff. Arrive early because you will need a few hours to see the entire place. Castle tour is a must.

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By Joshua Cowell

Unfortunately the internal was closed when visiting June'22 Had a great walk around the wonderful gardens regardless and even braved the steady and steep climb up to the lookout hill behind. Would of walked or cycled in from carpark but the convenient bus that comes every 15min or so was easier with kids. Would love to come back and look around inside or day.

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By Molly Timmins

We really enjoyed the lake walk trail to access the castle. The castle is currently closed for tours but we could easily spend a whole day walking around the gardens.

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