Discover Glendowan

Glendowan: Buildings and Local History

Glendowan can be explored through its buildings and local traditions. The gate of the former Lough Veagh House, which has since been demolished, stands in Tully Beg (Church Hill). Built around 1825, the gate features cast-iron gates, decorated piers and short sections of railing. A sunrise motif can be seen in the pediment details. As an attractive roadside feature, it draws attention to the design of the entrance and to a house that no longer exists.

Church Hill also offers different examples of local architectural history. St Colmcille’s Church is located in Church Hill (Glendowan). The Church Hill Post Office is part of a detached building block built around 1830. The block has nine bays and two storeys; it also includes a dwelling and an inn. The gate, dating from around 1825, and the building block, dating from around 1830, are two separate structures from a similar period. Their forms and features invite you to consider each one’s details in turn.

Colmcille Traditions

On the road between Churchill and Glendowan is a flat stone bearing impressions said to have been left by St Colmcille as he prayed there. Another local tradition tells of Mount Cruckcraw in Glendowan: St Columba is said to have been born in 521 in the townland of Lackoo, in the parish of Gartan. According to the story, he was on the mountain one day while enemies pursued him. At these places, you encounter religious traditions in different forms—one associated with a stone, the other with a story about a mountain.

Arts and Activities Nearby

Nearby, Glebe House & Gallery offers a cultural highlight. Built in 1828, the Regency-style house is decorated with William Morris textiles. Its collections include Islamic and Japanese art, as well as works by 20th-century artists such as Picasso and Kokoshka. The studio adjoining Glebe House has been converted into a gallery, where changing exhibitions are shown. The house’s collections and the studio’s changing displays therefore represent different aspects of the arts on offer.

Also nearby, in Churchill, the Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre offers courses for schools, adventure holidays for families and training for individuals. Some activities may require you to contact the centre in advance; check beforehand if you want to include a particular format in your travel plans.

County Donegal in a Wider Context

Further afield in County Donegal, Glenveagh National Park offers a different perspective on landscape and nature. The park includes mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys, native oak woodlands and a castle with its original interiors. The national park lies within the Cloghernagore Bog & Glenveagh National Park SAC and the Derryveagh & Glendowan Mountains SPA. Visitors may see red deer and look out for reintroduced golden eagles. A Trail Walker Bus runs to some of the best starting points for walking trails. Check whether the bus is running before your trip.

Donegal Castle also forms part of the wider County Donegal context: it was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Guided tours explore the castle’s history, from the time of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration. Check the availability of tours before your visit. Illustrated treasure hunts are offered for children. This gives you a chance to explore the region’s attractions according to different interests: Glendowan’s buildings and traditions are the local focus, while destinations elsewhere in County Donegal add further nature and history themes.

Discover more destinations: Gweedore, Milford, Carrickart, Baylet, Figary, Dungloe, Rathmullan, Termon.

For the wider travel overview: County Donegal.