Glenveagh National Park and Gaeltacht Tour

From$821.92
360 minutes – 420 minutes
Donegal Town, Ireland

Full description

In the northwest of Ireland, at the very edge of Europe, lies the Donegal Gaeltacht—a wild and storied land where Irish traditions and the Gaeilge language still thrive. As a local, I’ll take you beyond the guidebooks, sharing the hidden corners of the Wild Atlantic Way where I grew up. You’ll hear personal stories, legendary myths, and a few tall tales along the way. Explore Glenveagh Castle and its dramatic past, stand in awe at the mystical Poisoned Glen, and reflect inside the haunting ruins of Dunlewey Church. Sip Irish whiskey at Crolly Distillery and journey through Donegal’s rugged highlands, where generations have cut turf from the vast Atlantic bog. Gaze out over the sea to the Gaeltacht islands, including Tory Island, where my ancestors came from, and hear the stories that have been passed down through generations. This is my home—let me show it to you as only a local can.

Included / Excluded

  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Guiding
  • Glenveagh Castle Self-Guided Tour
  • Crolly Distillery Whiskey Tasting

Itinerary

1

Glenveagh, in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains, is the second largest national park in Ireland and home to the largest herd of red deer in the country. Glenveagh Castle, a 19th century mansion, sits on the edge of Lough Veagh. A self-guided castle tour is highly recommended on your Donegal tour (additional cost, not included).

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: Errigal in the Derryveagh Mountains is the tallest peak in County Donegal. Its quartzite stone often glows pink in the setting sun. The small Gaeltacht village of Dunlewey sits at the foot of Errigal Mountain. Take in the view of Donegal's highest peak and its six sisters.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

According to legend, the huge ice-carved hollow of the Poisoned Glen got its name when the ancient, one-eyed giant king of Tory, Balor, was killed here by his exiled grandson, Lughaidh, whereupon the poison from his eye split the rock and poisoned the glen.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Pass by: Donegal's answer to the Taj Mahal, Old Dunlewey Church is a ruined 19th-century Church of Ireland building set dramatically in the Poisoned Glen (Gleann Nimhe), near Errigal mountain.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

The Crolly Distillery is a small, award-winning craft distillery located in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht, bringing distilling back to the village for the first time in over 180 years. Whiskey tasting is optional. (additional cost, not included)

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Bloody Foreland or “Cnoc Fola” (The Hill of Blood) derives its name from the evening sun which illuminates the rocks along this section of the coast to a rich red hue and ties in with the legend of Balor of the evil eye.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Pass by: View the Gaeltacht islands of Inishboffin, Inishdooey and Tory Island from Magheroarty Pier

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

Dunfanaghy is a scenic little village and former fishing port with a population of around 300. The main street is typical of Irish communities with colourful terraced houses and local businesses

Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport

Traveler reviews

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22 reviews
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Worth every penny!

Amazing tour! Probably the best part of our trip to Ireland. Henry was such a lovely person to spend the day with and his personal connection to the area added to the experience. We can't wait to go back!

maureenmF8433LASep 7, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Incredible day trip with Henry to Northern Donegal

Wow! Our one day tour with Henry was exceptional. Our family of four were treated to a fun, informative, and safe tour in Henry's lovely van. We were treated to amazing views, easy pick up and drop off's for a delicious lunch (Henry's suggestion of restaurants was spot on!) and we got amazing photographs to remember the day. I cannot recommend Henry enough, we will treasure our memories of our tour through beautiful Donegal!

L6009XBkatiekJul 17, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Highly Recommend

Three Generations of family traveled to Ireland with our focus on Donegal. We highly recommend Donegal Tour Guide. Henry was fabulous. So incredibly knowledgeable and he knows everyone. He was extremely patient with 83 year old father-in-law who has been studying Irish for about 3 years. Henry answered all his questions. The area is incredibly beautiful. This is an incredible tour and we highly recommend it. You cannot go wrong with Henry. He is extremely professional and will cater tour to your interests.

T9371SPamyhJun 20, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Amazing 3 days with Donegal Tour Guide!

From the pick up to the airport to touring Co. Donegal Henry was an excellent guide and driver. His knowledge and depth of history, his humour coupled with the sights I covered were incredible. The highlights included: Glenveagh National Park, Horn Head, Bloody Foreland, Buncrana, Derry… tbh they were all awesome and Henry listened and curated my days perfectly! He is prompt on pick up, as well as communication and you always feel safe and taken care of while out enjoying beautiful Donegal! I just loved my visit to and will be bringing my family to do more touring with Donegal Tour Guide!

Sheilagh OJun 11, 2025TRIPADVISOR

A fascinating and informative tour of Donegal

My wife and I spent an amazing two days with Henry. We saw the highlights of the two tours we were on, and also saw some sites that it would never have occurred to us to visit. Henry is very informative and professional. He also has some great stories. Each stop went very smoothly. Henry had all of the tickets and advice on what to see and where to eat. We highly recommend Henry and will surely hire him again when we return to Ireland.

975frankpJun 7, 2025TRIPADVISOR