GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK & CASTLE

A visit to Glenveagh National Park is both abstract and magical, organized and magical. Once you've passed the gate and the Visitor Centre (which provides a wealth of information on the park's flora and fauna), a paying minibus takes you to the castle along Lough Veegh, the largest of the seven lakes in the Burrishoole catchment area, which is so well protected that it seems artificial. Beautiful mauve copses dot the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, you can opt for a 4 km, 40-minute walk from the parking lot to the magnificent castle grounds. This takes you to the castle, built from 1870 onwards by John George Adair, who drove out over 200 tenant farmers in 1861, an extremely harsh year, to take over their land. The rhododendron gardens, created by his wife Mrs Adair, are a delight of order and disorder, scent and color. The highlight of the visit is the climb - for we must use this word - to the viewpoint. The bird's-eye view of the castle's bowels and the shimmering ribbon of the lake are the most beautiful postcard you could ever wish for. The 16,540-hectare National Park is also home to many other treasures, including Ireland's largest herd of deer. The Visitor Centre provides information for those wishing to hike in the heart of this sumptuous, unspoilt site, where camping is not permitted.