Discover Ulster: Fanad Head and Glenveagh National Park

Ulster can be explored through its natural places and their different focal points. In County Donegal, Fanad Head and Glenveagh National Park offer two distinct perspectives: at Fanad Head, several protected-area designations meet a great diversity of flora and fauna. Glenveagh is characterised by a wild, rugged landscape as well as rare and protected habitats and species. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Ulster, these themes can provide a starting point as you consider which aspects of nature you want to shape your stay.

Fanad Head: protected areas and biodiversity

Fanad Head is one of County Donegal’s three Signature Discovery Points on the Wild Atlantic Way. It is also designated as a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area; it has been proposed as a Proposed Natural Heritage Area. The proposed status of this third designation is therefore explicitly retained. The great diversity of flora and fauna adds a tangible connection with nature to these protected-area designations. Together with its place on the Wild Atlantic Way, this makes Fanad Head a destination where an interest in landscapes and nature can come together. If current protected-area boundaries or management information are important for your plans, check the guidance from the relevant authority.

Glenveagh National Park: a rugged landscape

Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal offers a different focus. Its wild, rugged landscape is home to rare and protected habitats and species. Thus, both the landscape and its habitats and species are an explicit part of its natural profile. If you are interested in the relationship between landscapes and protected nature, you can consider this focus alongside Fanad Head as a distinct perspective on Ulster. Information about species and habitats may develop as management evolves. If these details are important for your plans, check the latest guidance from the relevant authority.

Two nature themes for planning your trip

The two places differ in their focus: Fanad Head combines its connection with the Wild Atlantic Way with protected-area designations and the diversity of flora and fauna. At Glenveagh National Park, the emphasis is on the rugged landscape and rare, protected habitats and species. This comparison can make it easier to narrow down your interests. If either place is central to your trip, you can use County Donegal as a regional guide when looking for a holiday rental in Ulster. Which other interests shape your trip is up to you.

More to explore in the wider destination of Ireland

In the wider destination of Ireland, Brú na Bóinne adds an archaeological focus. Brú na Bóinne is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape; its prehistoric passage tombs contain the largest collection of megalithic art in western Europe. The visitor centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth. From there, a shuttle bus takes visitors to the monuments. The Rock of Cashel offers another distinct cultural focus in the wider destination of Ireland: the group of medieval buildings includes a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel and a Gothic cathedral. If you would like to include archaeology or medieval architecture in your holiday plans alongside nature, these offer further themes to explore Ireland as a whole.

Explore Ulster’s subregions

To get your bearings within Ulster, you can explore the subregions County Cavan, County Donegal and County Monaghan.

Discover more destinations: Connacht, Munster, Leinster.

Back to the wider travel overview: Ireland.