Holiday cottage Ireland WILDLIFE IN DONEGAL IRELAND In the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains at Glenveagh National Park, Golden Eagles were reintroduced in 2000. The Golden Eagle became extinct 100 years ago, largely due to over hunting by both farmers and game keepers. Wildlife in the park includes badgers, foxes, the native Irish Hare and stoats. Glenveagh National Park has the largest herd of red deer in Ireland if not in Europe. The deer spend the Summer in the Derryveagh Mountains, coming down hill in winter. The most frequently sighted birds in the park are the meadow pipit, stonechats, grouse, ravens, siskins, tree-creepers, redstarts, wood warblers and occasionally peregrine and merlins. Holiday near wildlife in Donegal at our self catering holiday cottages. WINDSURFING IN DONEGAL, IRELAND There is a windsurfing centre at Marble Hill on Sheephaven Bay where it is possible to hire boards and get tuition. windsurfing Donegal, Ireland Tel. 00 353 74 36321. Principal: Richard Harshaw
SAILING IN DONEGAL, IRELAND
OUTDOOR CENTRE IN DONEGAL, IRELAND
IRISH LANGUAGE COURSES IN DONEGAL, IRELAND
MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB IN IRELAND
Muckish Mountain, Donegal - Muckish is Gaelic for hogs back. For a short steep climb, drive up to quarry on west side. Drive through Creeslough and there is a left turn (look at OS map). It will take approximately 30mins. and it is a very narrow path. Otherwise start from Glenveagh end for a longer climb. Great views all around Donegal and out to Tory Island on a good day. Beware of low cloud. It comes down very quickly and is extremely disorientating! Errigal - is the highest mountain in Donegal. Drive out beyond Glenveagh to Dunlewy, you will see a path up on the right and probably several cars! It is quite a steep climb. Further afield towards the south of Donegal are the Blue Stack Mountains My Father who is a experienced hillwalker has walked the above mountains on numerous occasions may be arranged to act as your guide or give advice.
SHOPPING IN DONEGAL, IRELAND
For more interesting shopping:
PLACES TO VISIT IN DONEGAL, IRELAND
Glenveagh was owned by Henry McIlhenny until the early eighties. He was the Curator of the Museum of Modern Art in Philadelphia and spent his Summer Holidays at Glenveagh. He left Glenveagh to the State and it is now open to the public. There is a magnificent Victorian castle on the edge of Lough Veagh with gardens going up behind. There are guided tours of the house and you can walk round the gardens or go for longer walks over the estate.
The Glebe Gallery Churchill (Summer only)
The Glebe House and Gallery was the home of the artist Derek Hill who sadly died in 2001. He left his house and gallery to the State and it is now open to the Public. The gallery has exhibitions of his work and also his extensive collection including Picasso, Matisse and many more local artists. Derek Hill had a studio on Tory Island to the west of Donegal where he encourage the local islanders to paint. They set up their own school of painting, known as the Tory Island School. The original painters of the Tory School painted in a naïve style and their work is now much sought after.
DOE CASTLE, DONEGAL
Doe Castle is situated on the shores of Sheephaven Bay. It is in the process of being restored and will be opened to the public. It is the ancient home of the family.
BEACHES IN DONEGAL
Ards - you drive to the Friary at Ards and then walk out to the end of the peninsula. The first beach you come to is very pretty, good rock pools for shrimping but dangerous currents so no swimming. If you carry on round the headland through a kissing gate there are a few tiny sandy coves which if you get there first you will have to yourself or if you go through the kissing gate and turn left up the hill and over to a fabulous beach the other side. Great for swimming - bucket and spade paradise weather permitting!
Tramore - a very long beach the north side of Sheephaven Bay - great for a beach walk. Perfect for children to swim as it takes a long time for it to get deep. As long as you walk a short way along it you will have plenty of space to yourselves. Most people sit within 10 yards of the entrance!! Good for wind surfing.
If you go further round the Atlantic drive you will find other lovely beaches and if you are prepared for a bit of a walk you will find wonderful deserted beaches - Look at the map
Ballymastocker, Portsalon, breathtakingly beautiful, next to golf course and Ritas pub.
There are endless lovely beaches, in Donegal if you want to be intrepid take the map and explore!
Walking in Donegal from this luxury holiday home.
A self catering holiday in Donegal, Ireland | |
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| KILMACRENNAN, LETTERKENNY, CO. DONEGAL, IRELAND
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