Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park, located in the Derryveargh Mountains to the north-west of Letterkenny, is an area of over 16,000 hectares. The park can be divided into three main areas:

1. Former Glenveagh Estate, which includes most of the Derryveagh Mountians
   

2. Quartzite hills at Crocknafarragh in the west

3. Peatlands around Lough Barra bog, Meenachullion and Crockastoller

Salmon Smolt

Copyright The Irish Marine Institute

Salmon Smolt
Copyright The Irish Marine Institute

Salmon Smolt

Copyright The Irish Marine Institute

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It was Henry McIlhenny from Philadelphia that created gardens at Glenveagh, which include features such as an Italian terrace with antique sculpture.

There are many small lakes in the park, with Lough Veagh being the main one. As all the water that collects into the lakes comes from areas within the park, it is easier to keep them clean and free from pollution. The main fish species that inhabit the lakes are salmon, eel and brown trout. Lough Veagh is a haven for many species of waterbirds, such as the red-throated diver.