County Donegal - Environment<< Donegal Homepage |
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| Here's a selection of Donegal Environment. Click on the 'Go to ALL' link to get the full list. |
1. Islands |
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Tory IslandCo. DonegalThis island of Gaelic speakers is one 11km off the mainland and has become prominent with visitors chiefly through the remarkable folk art which is being produced here. The location of the island off the north-west coast makes it ideal for bird watchers. Other features inlcude a small, undecorated cross, a round tower and the remains of two churches, probably from the 6th century monastery said to have been founded by St Columcille . Regular Irish music sessions are held during the summer months and the annual festival is celebrated in July. The island will shortly have its first hotel and is served by boats from Magheraroarty, Bunbeg, Portnablagh and Downings. | |
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2. Mountains |
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Mount ErrigalCo. DonegalTravelling along the N56 from Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore) along the N56 provides you with the first glimpse of this fine mountain. You will notice it is white in appearance and has a near perfect conical shape. The white appearance is a result of the extensive amounts of scree on slopes. There are many views to be seen from this mountain which is the highest in Donegal (2,467 ft) and has an ascent of 752 metres. The summit ridge offers views over Glenveagh National Park, the Poison Glen, and on a clear day Tory Island, off the north west coast. | |
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3. Tourist Attractions |
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St. Patricks PurgatoryMrs Maureen Boyle , Lough Derg, Co. DonegalPettigo is a village where the border separating the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland runs. It is a handsome village and is the main centre for pilgrims visiting Lough Derg. Turn left in the village and follow the signs to Lough Derg. The island on this south-east Donegal lake has received pilgrims from all over Europe since early Christian times.. Known as St. Patrick's, who, reputedly, did penance here. Only pilgrims are allowed on the island during the summer pilgrimage season. The Octagonal church, which can be seen from the mainland, was built in 1921. | |
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4. Wildlife Sanctuaries |
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Buncrana Wildlife SanctuaryCo. DonegalAs a wildlife centre Buncrana is unique and one of the most interesting towns in Ireland, with 130 species of birds, 20 types of mammal and hundreds of varieties of insects and butterflies, as well as a wealth of trees and plants. All this is indicative of a healthy environment which we must be ever vigilant to protect. | |
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5. Beaches |
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Blue Flag BeachesCounty house, Co. DonegalBlue Flag Beaches: 1. Bundoran 2. Rossnowlagh 3. Narin/Portnoo 4. Marble Hill 5. Portsalon 6. Rathmullan 7. Culdaff The Blue Flag Campaign is a European project designed to increase environmental awareness and organised by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (F.E.E.E.). Before a Blue Flag is awarded to a beach, strict standards must be met in relation to factors such as water quality, beach area management and safety and environmental education/information. Beach and Dune Systems in Donegal County Donegal has a long indented coastline and at 1235 km., is the longest of all the counties in Ireland. This variation in coastline has resulted in both 'hard' coasts with rugged high cliffs and 'soft' coasts backed by sand dune and machair systems in varying states of evolution resulting in some of the most magnificent beach and dune systems in Europe. Maram grass (ammophila arenaria) and lymegrass (elymus arenara) are the principle dune builders in the county. Their protection is vital to the well being of the dune systems. | |
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6. Open Farms |
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Deane's Open Farm - Equestrian & Golf CentreDarney, Co. DonegalThis is your chance to capture Irish country lifestyle at its best. Meet the Deane family, feed, nurse and walk the animals, both large and small. Experience an unforgettable farm tour in our ancient landrover,or if this sounds too hectic, relax, unwind and let the world pass you by. Deane's farm facilities include: Tea Rooms, Picnic Area, Toilets, Showers, Wheelchair Friendly, Parking for Coaches and Cars, Livery Service. Show me all the details for Deane's Open Farm - Equestrian & Golf Centre | |
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7. National Parks |
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Glenveagh National ParkChurchill, Co. DonegalSome 14,000ha of mountains, lakes, glens and woodlands with a herd of Red Deer. The visitor centre includes displays explaining the park alone with an audio-visual display in English, Irish, French, German and Italian. Accessible to visitors with disabilities. Glenveagh Castle was built between 1870 and 1873. The castle consists of a four storey rectangular keep. Access is available by tour only. Morning and afternoon teas are served in the castle tearooms. | |
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8. Parks |
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Ards Forest ParkArds, Co. DonegalAs well as being one of the most beautiful, Ards is certainly the most varied of Ireland's forest parks. Bays, rivers, loughs, beaches, salt marshes, valleys, viewing points, deer enclosures and historic monuments are woven together by a series of fascinating nature trails. Largely canopied by splendid deciduous and coniferous trees which clothe the 481 ha former estate of the Stewart family, the park is capable of providing days, rather than hours, of enjoyment . Its appeal embraces the stroller, ornithologist, geologist, botanist, historian, children, and lovers of beauty in all its forms. There is a good map at the car park which indicates the various trails and major attractions. | |
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9. Lakes |
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Lough DergCo. DonegalLough Derg is a large, shallow lough of over 2,000 acres, 4 miles north of Pettigo. This is the lough with the famous island known as St Patrick's Purgatory, with its basilica and penitential exercises, where pilgrims flock every year from June to August. What is less well known is that it holds a stock of nice trout averaging just under a pound and some much better ones too-trout to 4lb have been reported. The fish are pink fleshed and their diet consists mainly of Gammarus-freshwater shrimp. Other forms of fish food and fly life are relatively scarce and consequently the trout are slow to come to the fly. Lough Derg fishes best in May . It has fair hatches of chironomids and sedges and evening fishing gives best results. One favourite area is along by the north east shore where the river flows out. Boats are available for hire from Mr P M Monaghan at the Quay. Private angling boats are not allowed without permission from the Prior. It is worth sounding a note of warning:this lough can blow up very rough and it has many rocky shoals just under the surface. Permission. | |
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10. Caves |
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Maghera Caves and PortCo. DonegalAs you approach Ardara, you will see Maghera Caves signposted Alladdin's Cave with the bald caption 'cave'. It is not so much that the caves are particularly spectacular in themselves, it is that the chemistry of dark sea caves, the wide, dazzling silver beach which leads to them, and the wild, craggy hills above them, gives you an astonishing sense of being transported to a magical wilderness. Man seems to have made very little impression on this strong, vibrant landscape. The road to the caves runs on the southern shore of Loughros Beg, cutting through steep-sided rock faces where streams tumble from their beds and free fall to the base of the cliffs. The most spectacular of these is Assaranca Falls. to your right, the huge beach occupies the inlet, with the sea beyond seemingly held at bay by an invisible hand. You can park at a cottage, right, and walk the signposted track which leads to the dunes, the beach and the caves, frowning under the quartzite rocks which roof them. The walk from your car will take about 15 minutes and you should keep an eye on the tides when visiting the caves. | |
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11. Cliffs |
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Slieve League DetourCo. DonegalFollow the Bunglas sign, where the road winds around the southern slopes of Slieve League. When your reach a farm gate, open it and drive through, ensuring you close the gate behind you. It is recommended however that you leave your car and walk the 2-3 km to th cliffs. If you don't you will miss some of the magic of this remarkable area. The huge panoramas presented to you from this road can look different in every segment. Bright azure skies appear next to blue grey shapts of rain which bolt sea and sky together. Still further across this ever changing canvas, beams of light , diffused by wisps of thin cloud, will gild the sea, warming the cool grey water into pools of liquid gold, The distinctive Sligo mountains stretch across the horizon as far south as Bricklieve with its ancient megalithic cemetery. Donegal Bay majectically swoops towards you, while to your right, there is a lake at eye level as you walk upwards to see the jagged tops of Slieve League cutting the scudding clouds. When you reach the end of the road there is plenty of room to turn a car. A short track will take you to the right of the sheer and awesome cliff face at Bunglas, reputedly the hghest marine cliff in Europe, rising, over 606m above the ocean. One Man's Pass will take you to the summit of Slieve League from here but the climb is not for the faint hearted and should be approached with extreme caution. The ruins of a church with some early Christian hermitages lie near the pass. Most people will be content with the views from the track next to the road. Returing by foot, you wil see a ruin impossible position at the end of Carrigan Head to your right. This was a watchtower and was part of a chain of such towers built to help defend the north west coast during the Napoleonic threat of the early 19th century. Return via the farm gate to the sign for Slieve League walk. This takes you to the top of Slieve League by a less perciptous route than that offered by One Man's Pass. It should be negotiated with caution and is a far longer route by foot to the summit. Walking on the eastern flank of Slieve League, there is a spectacular wilderness of rocks, streams and a deep, rugged valley to your left as you ascend the narrow track. Return to Carrick and relax in one of the friendly pubs before continuing your journey. | |
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12. Woods and Forests |
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Ards Forest ParkArds, Co. DonegalAs well as being one of the most beautiful, Ards is certainly the most varied of Ireland's forest parks. Bays, rivers, loughs, beaches, salt marshes, valleys, viewing points, deer enclosures and historic monuments are woven together by a series of fascinating nature trails. Largely canopied by splendid deciduous and coniferous trees which clothe the 481 ha former estate of the Stewart family, the park is capable of providing days, rather than hours, of enjoyment . Its appeal embraces the stroller, ornithologist, geologist, botanist, historian, children, and lovers of beauty in all its forms. There is a good map at the car park which indicates the various trails and major attractions. | |
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13. Walks |
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Ballyloskey WalkCo. DonegalMagnificent views of Slieve Sneacht and the town seen against the backdrop of Trawbreaga Bay and Malin Head-takes about 1 hour. | |
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14. Gardens |
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Glenveagh Castle & GardensCo. DonegalThe garden was begun in the 1870s by Mrs Adair, a rich American heiress, following the construction of Glenveagh Castle on a bare hillside. After her death in 1929 the property was acquired by Mr. Kingsley Porter, Professor of Art at Harvard, and later in 1937 by another American, Henry P. McIlhenny. Tantalising glimpses of the castle greet the visitor along the winding lough shore road from the heather roofed reception centre. The large tree rhododendrons and Scots pine, planted over a century ago, provide the area with shelter and help to create a microclimate that is suitable for growing a range of tender plants. Colour is all important. One of the border shrubs in the Pleasure Ground, Senecio greyi, was planted by McIlhenny for its lovely grey foliage - he hated its yellow blooms which he had removed each year. Running above the Pleasure Ground to the Walled Garden is the Belgian Walk, laid down in 1915 by Belgian soldiers who were convalescing here during the war. Giant-leaved rhododendrons thrive in this area. The formal Walled Garden beside the castle provides a striking contrast to the informal planting elsewhere. It is divided into squares and contains, in addition to herbaceous borders, a mixture of fruit, vegetables and flowers in the jardin potager style. There is much else to see at Glenveagh and visitors will probably want to spend the whole day here even if it is raining. | |
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15. Bird Watching |
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Horn HeadCo. Donegal | |
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16. Visitors Centre |
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Tullyarvan MillMrs Theresa McBride , Co. DonegalThe mill is within walking distance of the town on the Crana river and houses a textile museum, interpretative centre of the local wildlife, function room, craft shop and coffee shop. Come and experience Buncranas cultural past when you visit the Tullyarvan Mill and enjoy a leisurely stroll in the five acre landscaped park. | |
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