Lakes shimmer like dew in the mountainous valley of Glenveagh National Park. Alternating between great knuckles of rock, green-gold swaths of bog and scatterings of oak and birch forest, the 170-sq-km protected area is magnificent walking country. Its wealth of wildlife includes the golden eagle, which was hunted to extinction here in the 19th century but was reintroduced in 2000. There are several fascinating walking trails on the website. Cyclists are also welcome: Grass Routes hires electric and hybrids bikes.

© David Díez Barrio/Getty Images
Glenveagh National Park
County Donegal
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
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Nearby County Donegal attractions
1. Glenveagh Castle
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