Main Attractions
Donegal's historical and natural attractions, the North West Trail is truly blessed with representations of Irish culture and life all along the route. The visitor will be able to trace the activities of people throughout the history of the island from those better known to celebrations of the lesser known. Interesting early Irish people such as the Celtic kings who held sway from the court at the Hill of Tara in county Meath. Still further back and the very first settlers in Ireland and their way of life, can be seen at the Ulster History Park in Omagh.
Ireland's natural beauty at its best can be seen at Glenveagh National Park, where 16000 hectares of mountains, lakes and glens offer all that has become synonymous with the Irish landscape.
With only a fraction of what awaits the visitor along the North West Trail, in terms of its attractions, use the search menus below to reveal the full extent of each areas' attractions.
Ireland's natural beauty at its best can be seen at Glenveagh National Park, where 16000 hectares of mountains, lakes and glens offer all that has become synonymous with the Irish landscape.
With only a fraction of what awaits the visitor along the North West Trail, in terms of its attractions, use the search menus below to reveal the full extent of each areas' attractions.
within 5km of the North West Trail
The National Trust property at Castle Coole is one of the finest neo-classical houses in Ireland. Castle Coole was designed by James Wyatt for the 1st Earl of Belmore and completed in 1798.
within 5km
Devenish Island contains the substantial remains of Lough Erne's most important island monastery. Visitors can climb the islands most striking feature, the perfect round tower, which is 30 metres tall.
within 2km of the North West Trail
Dun Uladh known as the 'Fort Of Ulster' is the provincial headquarters of Comhaltas Ceoltori Eireann, an organisation founded in 1951 for the purpose of fostering and promoting all aspects of Irish traditional culture.
within 2km of the North West Trail
The Ecclesville Equestrian Centre is situated on 289 square acres of land. Major international, national and regional horse shows are held at the centre where an indoor and outdoor arena may be used for exhibitions, shows or training.
on the North West Trail
Enniskillen Castle, situated beside the River Erne was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires. Guarding one of the few passes into Ulster, it was strategically important throughout its history.
within 5km of the North West Trail
Gortin Glen Forest Park is situated six miles north of Omagh at the western gateway to the Sperrin mountains.
On the North West Trail
Nestling behind a unique Georgian façade on Strabane's Main Street this remarkable National Trust property now houses two excellent visitor facilities- one operated by the National Trust itself, the other operated by Strabane District Council. The museum brings local history to life and features rotating internal and national touring exhibitions along with events and displays of local arts and crafts.
within 5km
The majestic ruins of Harry Avery’s Castle, situated 1 km from Newtownstewart are believed to date from either the 14th or 15th century. The stone castle was named after and was possibly built by Harry Aimbreidh O’Neill, a local Gaelic Chief celebrated for his justice, nobility and hospitality. The former stronghold of the O’Neill clan commands a panoramic view over the Mourne Valley.
on the North West Trail
Stewart Castle in Newtownstewart was built in 1619 by Sir Robert Newcomen and is a fine example of a plantation building.
within 5km of the North West Trail
The Wilson Ancestral Home provides an opportunity to take a step back in time and enter the world of the "White House". Guided tours during the months of July & August give an insight into the history behind the area's rich Ulster American connections and how the fate of the 28th presidency of the United States was to lie in the hands of local man James Wilson.
on the North West Trail
The Ulster American Folk Park includes an open-air museum dedicated to the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th & 19th centuries. It provides visitors with a “living history” experience with costumed demonstrators carrying out their everyday tasks in the traditional manner in authentically furnished Old and New World buildings.
This project is supported by the EU INTERREG IIIA Programme for Ireland/Northern Ireland