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National Geographic Traveller recently awarded Donegal the accolade of ‘coolest place on the planet’ describing it as a ‘warm hearted place’ with ‘world class wilderness’. Here at Castle Grove, we certainly agree! Donegal is the ideal destination for those wanting to explore the great outdoors and Castle Grove is perfectly located within easy reach of some spectacular world class scenery.
If you’re interested in walking, we recommend the mystical surroundings of nearby Glenveagh National Park. There are 16,000 hectares of remote wilderness to explore, featuring a stunning collection of mountains, lakes and glens.
Donegal also has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to beaches. There’s a total of 13 world class Blue Flag beaches to choose from, all of which are popular for swimming, surfing, walking, exploring and kite flying.
Several local experts regularly organise guided hunts of wild game birds such as pheasant, woodcock, snipe and duck. If you fancy a fishing trip, you can discover over 30 different species ranging from cod to blue shark in the sheltered waters of Lough Swilly (nestled at the mouth of the North Atlantic Ocean).
Mount Errigle is perfect for hiking – its 751-metre summit is the tallest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains – known collectively by locals as the ‘Seven Sisters’. Speaking of heights, the 601m high Sliabh Liag cliffs offer incredible vistas over the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal Bay and the Sligo Mountains. The area is also steeped in centuries old Celtic Christianity, details of which are available at the nearby visitors’ centre.
History buffs will also enjoy the Fanad Peninsula, famous as the setting for the ‘Flight of the Earls’ when the Irish chieftains were defeated by the British at the Battle of Kinsale in 1607. Fanad Head Lighthouse, located between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay, has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, offering spectacular views and a backstory rich in maritime history.
Star Wars fans will recognise Malin Head – recognised as the most northerly point on the island of Ireland and one of the filming locations for Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Last Jedi’. During filming, Mark Hammill (AKA Luke Skywalker) and many of the crew were known to drop in to the local watering holes to enjoy the unique warmth and hospitality of the Malin Head community.
If the world-famous Irish hospitality appeals, nearby Letterkenny and Donegal Town are perfect choices. Both towns feature a selection of restaurants serving authentic Irish fayre and a smattering of cosy pubs – perfect for enjoying a traditional Irish music session and a few pints of the black stuff.
We’re happy to share our love and local knowledge of County Donegal with our guests so feel free to chat with us during your stay and we’ll be delighted to make some recommendations.
