Donegal & Glenveagh National Park – Neil Hannon, Cathy Davey & Eve Belle – July 7th

Make An Escape to County Donegal.

Situated in the remote northwest of the island of Ireland, and further isolated by wild landscape, country roads and a coastline that twists and turns, the word “escape” doesn’t even begin to do it justice.

And as all visitors to Ireland know, there are rewards to venturing off the beaten track. Take Glenveagh National Park, where the Derryveagh Mountains frame a valley that wouldn’t look out of place in J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. So wild is the landscape here, golden eagles have successfully been reintroduced to the skies overlooking Lough Veagh.

Other Voices “Courage 2020”, a new initiative of live streamed performances continues this week, on Tuesday July 7th, with Neil Hannon, Cathy Davey and Eve Belle performing songs for live from Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal. 

Veteran chamber pop musician Neil Hannon who’s been making music under the moniker The Divine Comedy since the early 90’s will be performing from Glenveagh National Park in Donegal with singer-songwriter Cathy Davey and up and coming alt pop musician Eve Belle.

This concert will be made available worldwide, free of charge, thanks to the support of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the OPW, IMRO and RTÉ. Watch the concert live on You Tube  or Other Voices Facebook 

Welcome to Donegal in the Wild Northwest of Ireland.

Donegal is a spectacular County on the Wild Atlantic Way – packed full of culture, heritage, spectacular beaches, mountains and lakes. Donegal’s coastline has miles of twists and turns with some deserted white sandy beaches scattered along the way. There’s lots of great places to explore in Donegal.

Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal

Glenveagh (Gleann Bheatha, “glen of life”, in Irish) — covering 110 square kilometres of hillside above Glenveagh Castle on the shore of Lough Veagh, some 20 km from Gweedore in County Donegal, Ireland — forms the heart of the Glenveagh National Park, the largest in Ireland. With its magnificent mountains, pristine lakes, waterfalls, glens, native oak woods, and a picturesque castle with all its original furnishings, Glenveagh National Park and Castle is one of the most magical places to visit in Donegal.

Glenveagh Castle, Co. Donegal

Glenveagh Castle, 24km north west of Letterkenny, was styled as a romantic highland retreat and completed in 1873. It hosted many famous guests over the years including Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne.

Glenveagh Castle Gardens, County Donegal. 

Donegal is a County blessed with such a diverse range of public and private parks and gardens. From carefully tended intimate cottage gardens to public parks and woodlands, Donegal has a wealth of peaceful havens for lovers of flowers and trees.

The original Victorian garden at Glenveagh Castle Gardens was first laid out for Mrs Adair from 1885. The gardens were further developed by Henry P McIlhenny assisted by Jim Russell and Lanning Roper in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s with extensive new planting and the addition of classical elements that include a Tuscan garden, Italian Terrace and the famous 67 Steps. The Walled Garden is packed with color from March to October with fine displays of fruit, vegetables and herbs grown for ornamental effect. At Glenveagh one has the sense that the true artistic potential of horticulture is realized.

Grianán of Aileach, Co. Donegal. 

In Donegal you’ll also find the ancient stone fort Grianán of Aileach, high above the Inishowen Peninsula; its origins date back to 1700BC.

The Slieve League Cliffs, County Donegal.

Fanad Head Lighthouse, County Donegal.

Fanad Head is a wildly exposed headland. It’s also the most northerly point of the beautiful Fanad Peninsula, known for the iconic Fanad Head Lighthouse, as well as stunning scenery and incredible beaches. Watch out for grey seals bobbing in the sea, pretty coves and powerful waves crashing across the rocks, maybe even a breaching whale in the distance.

The Northern Lights on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal. 

Just imagine you’re sitting in the dark on a quiet beach on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal and then it happens… the night sky comes alive with rolling waves of pink, green and blue. The Northern Lights is putting on a show just for you.

To see this amazing natural phenomenon, you need three things: the right solar conditions, clear skies to the north and no light pollution. That’s why the Inishowen Peninsula has such a reputation as a great place to spot them. This remote and unspoiled landscape is Ireland’s most northerly point (next stop – the Arctic Circle) and is well known for its dark skies.

Experience the Wild Atlantic Way on a private chauffeur drive tour with Specialized Travel Services. We can arrange a private tour from 3 days up to 7 days (or longer) and we can customize any of our tour packages to suit your specific needs and requirements for your vacation of a lifetime in Ireland.

For more information contact us here at Specialized Travel Services by email newyork@jeremyd50.sg-host.com or complete the Contact form

There is something for everyone on this Wild Atlantic Way adventure…… You just need to make a break for it.

Note: Featured image at the top of the blog is of Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal. © Photographer/Creator: Chris hill © Tourism Ireland/Failte Ireland.