On the map above:
blue: places to visit that are not section 482
purple: section 482 properties
red: accommodation
yellow: less expensive accommodation for two
orange: “whole house rental” i.e. those properties that are only for large group accommodations or weddings, e.g. 10 or more people.
green: gardens to visit
grey: ruins
donation
Help me to pay the entrance fee to one of the houses on this website. This site is created purely out of love for the subject and I receive no payment so any donation is appreciated!
€15.00
Places to visit in County Donegal:
1. Cavanacor House, Ballindrait, Lifford, Co. Donegal – section 482
2. Doe Castle, County Donegal – OPW
3. Donegal Castle, County Donegal – OPW
4. Glebe Art Museum, County Donegal – OPW
5. Glenveagh Castle, County Donegal
6. Oakfield Park Garden, Oakfield Demesne, Raphoe, Co. Donegal – section 482, garden only
7. Salthill Garden, Salthill House, Mountcharles, Co. Donegal – section 482, garden only
Places to visit in County Donegal
1. Cavanacor House, Ballindrait, Lifford, Co. Donegal F93 F573 – section 482
Open dates in 2026: Feb 1-20, Aug 14-31, Sept 1-3, 12-30, 1pm-5pm
Fee: adult €10, OAP/student/child €8
2. Doe Castle, County Donegal – OPW
see OPW entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/01/18/office-of-public-works-properties-ulster/
3. Donegal Castle, County Donegal – OPW
see OPW entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/01/18/office-of-public-works-properties-ulster/
4. Glebe Art Museum, County Donegal – OPW
see OPW entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/01/18/office-of-public-works-properties-ulster/
5. Glenveagh Castle, County Donegal
You can take a virtual tour online on the website. And see my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2024/08/01/glenveagh-castle-county-donegal-a-castle-and-garden-open-to-the-public/
The website tells us about the gardens:
“The two major elements of the Garden, the Pleasure Gardens and the Walled Garden were constructed in the late 1880’s. The original Victorian Garden layout remains intact. It was for Mrs. Cornelia Adair that the gardens were constructed. Mrs. Adair had a Gardener’s House constructed at the top of the Walled Garden and employed a Kew trained gardener to lay out the gardens. Some of the planting in the Pleasure Grounds such as the purple maples and the shelter belt of Scots pine trees were planted at this time.…”
“…Glenveagh is well known today for its rich collection of trees and shrubs specialising in southern hemisphere species and a diverse Rhododendron collection. Displays of Rhododendrons are at their best from late March to the end of May. A large collection of old narcissi varieties from Donegal gardens fills the walled garden in March and April. Displays of colour in the Walled Garden are at their best through the summer months. Fine specimens of the white flowered Eucryphia adorn the gardens in late summer. Dramatic autumn colour follows in October.“
6. Oakfield Park Garden, Oakfield Demesne, Raphoe, Co. Donegal – section 482, garden only
Open dates in 2026: Mar 27-29, 12 noon-6pm, Apr 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-30, 12 noon-6pm, May 1, 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-31, 12 noon-6pm, June 1-30, July 1-31, Aug 1-31, 11am-6pm, Sept 2-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-27, 12 noon-6pm
Fee: adult €12, OAP/student €10.80, child €8, Concession – RHSI members free
See my entry https://irishhistorichouses.com/2022/11/03/oakfield-park-oakfield-demesne-raphoe-co-donegal-garden-only/
7. Salthill Garden, Salthill House, Mountcharles, Co. Donegal F94 H524 – section 482, garden only
See my write-up:
https://irishhistorichouses.com/2021/10/06/salthill-garden-salthill-house-mountcharles-county-donegal/
www.donegalgardens.com
Open dates in 2026: May 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, June 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, July 2-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-31, Aug 1, 5-8, 12-23, 26-29, Sept 4, 11, 18, 25, 2pm-6pm
Fee: adult/OAP/student €8, child 10 years and under €2
Irish Historic Houses 