Day 11: Glenveagh National Park and Castle

On our final day we slept in late and had a leisurely Irish breakfast of eggs, rasters (back bacon) and toast.  For our final  day trip we have chosen Glenveagh National Park.  Although the park is only 35 km away it took almost an hour to get there.  We had to travel across the mountains and moors to get there.  Funny how roads that frightened the life out of us a week ago barely register a reaction now.  In fact, even Liz is calmer in the back seat now.

The hills near Lough Barra

Lough Barra

The view from the high pass

Mount Errigal in the clouds

The national park has a colourful history.  In the mid 1800's John George Adair, a rich Irish businessman, bought several smaller land holdings to form the estate.  He was a cruel man who evicted 244 starving tenants in 1861.  This was right after the great potato famine.  He then built a castle mansion on Lough Beagh.  After George's death in 1885, his widow made additions to the castle and began the creation of gardens.  When she died in 1916 the estate was owned in successon by two rich Americans who held ownership until the 1980's.  The castle was modernized in the 50's and 60's and the gardens were expanded as well.  The final owner, Mr Henry McIlhenny of Philadelphia, left the castle and estate to the Irish people.  After some renovations to the estate, the national park was opened to the public in 1986.

A guided tour of the castle showed the elegance of the decor.  A hunting motif was evidentthroughout.  Plenty of pictures of deers.  Stag heads and dogs were also on many pillars on the grounds.  We could not take any photos inside so you will have to imagine what it looked like based on the pictures of the exterior.

The main entrance

The round tower

The courtyard which is now a tea room

The swimming pool next to Lough Beagh

After the tour, we visited the extensive gardens.  Despite drizzle and light rain, they were impressive.  See for yourself...

Flowers in the greenhouse next to Conservatory

The kitchen garden behind the castle

Marilyn examining plants

Quiet pathway leading to the Tuscan Terrace

The Tuscan Terrace

Dog sculpture on pillar

Exotic pants in the Victorian Pleasure Garden

Statue of Bacchus in the Italian Garden

After driving back we stopped for a drink in the pub in Doochary.  The bar keep and locals in the pub were very friendly and answered our many questions.  Dinner was in the neighbouring town of Dungloe at the Bayview Bar and Restaurant where we each shared highlights of the trip.  For dinner Liz and I had lamb, Jim had chicken and Marilyn enjoyed a roast duck.  The pub was recently redecorated and featured a great men's room.  For the most part, men's rooms in pubs are very seedy here.

We have completed our packing and are getting ready for a good night's sleep.  Tomorrow will be a long day with a 4 hour drive to Dublin, 3 hour wait at the airport and finally a 7 hour flight home.  I long for my own bed tomorrow night.