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
Beltany Stone Circle, 2 miles south of Raphoe recalls the Celtic springtime festival of Beltane (the ancient equivalent of May Day), traditionally associated with the lighting of hill-top fires to regenerate the sun. The wreckage of great stones on this well chosen site belong to an earlier period than the Celtic Iron Age.
within 5km of the North West Trail
Cavanacor Gallery is located in the grounds of Cavanacor House, a seventeenth century house with considerable history.
Established in 1999 as a professional venue for exhibiting emerging and established national and international artistsCavanacor Gallery has since achieved a significant reputation nationally.
within 5km of the North West Trail
Take a one and a half hour cruise aboard a luxurious 64-seater cruiser taking in one of the most historical and scenic areas of Ireland.
On the North West Trail
Built by the O’Donnell chieftains in the 15th century on the River Eske , Donegal Castle or O’Donnell’s Castle is situated in the centre of Donegal Town.
within 5km of the North West Trail
Donegal Craft Village is situated just outside the historic town Donegal on the road to Ballyshannon and Sligo. Established in 1985 the village has become a showcase for contemporary arts and crafts on the county.
On the North West Trail
Visit the Donegal Railway Heritage Centre and find out just what it was like to travel on the narrow gauge railways of County Donegal. Stretching from Derry and Strabane to Glenties and Ballyshannon, the County Donegal Railway provided the essential transport for farmers and fishermen, businessmen and builder’s housewives and schoolchildren.
on the North West Trail
Music and dance are great unifying and highly popular art forms throughout the locality and constitute the core theme interpreted by their creator Maurice Harron in the millenium sculpture 'Let the Dance Begin'.
on the North West Trail
The Old Courthouse in Lifford, Co. Donegal is one of the finest examples of a purpose built courthouse in Ireland. The Courthouse has a long history dating back to 1743 when the Grand Jury approached the architect Michael Priestley to draw up plans for a Courthouse to be built in Lifford, the administrative capital of Donegal.
within 5km of the North West Trail
Winner of Irish Garden Magazine Best Garden for 2006, Oakfield Park Gardens in Raphoe are of great significance to Donegal’s horticultural history. One hundred acres of formal parkland & woodland provide a variety of scenic walk, a walled garden & kitchen garden, flower meadows, lakes, a nature reserve & garden railway surround the 18th century house
within 5km of the North West Trail
Ros Ban Garden in Raphoe is a garden given over to wildlife friendly activities featuring displays of medicinal plants and wildlife posters.
Good walking shoes are recommended, due to a pond, a stream and poisonous plants children should be supervised at all times.
This project is supported by the EU INTERREG IIIA Programme for Ireland/Northern Ireland