On our first drive through Donegal, we stopped briefly at Glenveagh Park. We visited the castle, but didn't have time to walk the grounds. Today, M and I went back. I did more driving today than I had yet and am glad that I am getting over my fear of left-side driving and roundabouts.
We arrived at the park at about 10am and immediately started walking the 2km (1.2 mile) nature trail. We stopped at the education cabin and read about biodiversity in Ireland. M liked matching pictures of birds with their names. The park was very quiet and we didn't see anyone else on the nature trail.
After the nature trail, we explored the visitor centre, which has a history of the castle, including the notorious and unpopular eviction of tenant farmers when the castle was first built in 1861. The park is also part of a program to re-introduce golden eagles to Ireland and we liked seeing pictures of their 2007 and 2009 chicks.
After a quick lunch at the visitor centre, we took the shuttle bus further into the park, to the castle. Instead of touring the castle again, we walked the gardens around the castle. I especially enjoyed the views of the castle and Loch Veagh from Victorian and walled gardens.
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