Discover Glenties: Culture and Trails

Glenties can be explored through its architectural history, literature and trails. St. Connell’s Church, with its design, points to the meeting of Big Glen and Wee Glen; the Courthouse retains parts of its original furnishings almost unchanged. Other highlights include the Bridewell cells in the museum, the MacGill Summer School and trails along the Owenea River. This gives you the chance to choose a focus for your trip, whether local history, cultural events or outdoor activities.

Church and Courthouse

St. Connell’s Church in Glenties was designed by the late architect Liam Mc Cormick from Derry. It was officially opened on Sunday, 19 May 1974, by the Bishop of Raphoe, the late Bishop Anthony Mac Feely. The way the church reflects the meeting of the two valleys, Big Glen and Wee Glen, makes this connection to the landscape part of its significance. If you are interested in architecture and local history, it offers a tangible starting point for exploring Glenties.

The Courthouse was completed in 1843. The original furnishings in the courtroom, including high box pews, have been preserved almost unchanged. These details give the building a particular historical significance: rather than focusing only on its year of construction, you can also take a closer look at the courtroom’s furnishings. Another cultural stop is the Bridewell cells at St. Connell’s Museum & Heritage Centre, where they are among the visitor attractions.

Literature and annual events

Glenties’ literary connections also extend beyond individual buildings. The MacGill Summer School was founded in Glenties, County Donegal, in 1981 in memory of local writer Patrick MacGill, and is held there annually. Glenties was also the place that inspired Brian Friel’s short stories and plays. If you are interested in literature, the connection between these two writers and the town offers a distinct perspective on your stay.

The annual events calendar also includes the Glenties Harvest Fair. It takes place around Fair Day on 12 September. The MacGill Summer School and the fair have different focuses: one centres on commemorating a writer, while the other centres on Fair Day. When planning your trip, it is therefore helpful to consider these annual events as distinct themes rather than interchangeable occasions.

Trails by the river and in the surrounding area

The Bluestack Way includes a visit to the local museum in Glenties. After Glenties, the route follows the banks of the Owenea River to Ardara. Its described route therefore links a museum visit in town with a subsequent stretch along the riverbank. If you like to spend your time both at cultural sites and on a walking route, this combination is a useful point of reference.

Another option in the area is the Gap Trail: it crosses the Ownea River and ends at Lough McHugh. These details distinguish it from the described stretch of the Bluestack Way, which follows the Owenea River to Ardara. The river names are spelled differently here: the Bluestack Way follows the Owenea River, while the Gap Trail crosses the Ownea River. The endpoint at Lough McHugh gives the Gap Trail a different, specific point of reference as you consider trails around Glenties.

When choosing a holiday rental in Glenties, you can consider whether you are most interested in discovering local history and literature or including a hike in your trip. The church, Courthouse and museum represent cultural interests; the Bluestack Way and Gap Trail offer two differently described routes. This makes it easy to shape your stay around the experiences that interest you most.

More destinations to choose from: Killybegs, Ballygorman, Greencastle, Rathmullan, Castlecooley, Bridge End, Inishowen and Killygordon.

For the broader travel overview: County Donegal.