Take the scenic route

If you’ve opted to travel via Donegal Airport, you’re in for a rather special touchdown, as it has been voted the world’s most scenic airport. Hire a car and head straight for Glenveagh National Park and Castle, which is located near the Derryveagh Mountain. The setting is breathtaking – 40,000 acres of glens, mountains and woods – and there’s even a herd of deer wandering the grounds. Get tickets for the shuttle bus from the visitor centre and it will take you to the castle where you can soak up the glamour. The gardens are free to enter and open year round. They’re renowned for their diverse collection of trees, shrubs and flowers, which are planted between the 19th century Pleasure Gardens, the Walled Garden, the more modern Gothic Orangery, Italian Terrace and Tuscan Garden. Before you set off, stop for a bite to eat at the Glenveagh Castle Tearooms for delicious scones, cakes, breads, soups and sandwiches. 

Surrounded by over 40 acres of woodland and gardens, Lough Eske Castle is a wonderful mix of the old and new nestled between glassy Lough Eske and the Blue Stack Mountains. Dating back to the 15th century, this luxurious 5-star hotel’s Cedars Grill Restaurant serves up a menu of simple yet exquisite dishes. Wind the evening down in the Oak Bar with a traditional music session/ If you have more time, visit Donegal town, where you can relax around its charming harbour, or explore the 15th century Donegal Abbey and the recently restored Donegal Castle, and snag a unique handcrafted souvenir from the Donegal Craft Village.