Three Classic Outings

If you had only three days in Donegal, these are the things we think you might do...

1. Glenveagh Castle: tours of the house, short and long walks, tea rooms, gardens.

2.  Grianan Aileach, currently being restored -- on a good day, great views in all directions. And Raphoe, for the stone circle and tea in Friel's.

3. Glebe Gallery and tour of St Columba's sites in Gartan: the Heritage Centre, the Cross, and the Oratory:

From Church Hill, take the road down the hill towards Glenveagh. Turn left at the bottom of the hill signed for the (1) Heritage Centre and then right about 200 yards along. (walks, views, tea-room)

Leaving the Heritage Centre, go back to the road from Church Hill, turn left, over the bridge with exquisite views of Gartan Lake (below), and left again -- you will find the (2) Glebe Gallery on your left about a mile further on. (Derek Hill's house tours, tea-room, art gallery)

Continue on round the lake and take left turn for (3) St Columba's Birthplace (a car park signed for the cross, start of the walk up to the deer fence and across to Glenveagh).

Continue around the lake, and (4) St Columba's oratory is marked on the left about a mile further on. (wonderful views of Gartan, the oratory and local graveyard).