Treasured Ireland

Glenveagh Castle, located in the scenic Glenveagh National Park in the highlands, is a must-see, featuring 27 beautifully landscaped acres surrounding Lough Veagh, set against a mountainous backdrop. Black and green thumbs alike will get lost in the splendor of the multi-varieties of rhododendrons, dogwoods, herbs and hundreds of other shrubs, trees and plants. The castle itself is a four-story granite structure designed after Balmoral, the Scottish residence of Queen Victoria. As an aside, the population of Donegal speaks with a brogue that sounds more Scottish than Irish. The castle was built in 1870 by John George Adair, an Irish born businessman, who made a fortune in the United States. After his sudden death, Adair's New York-born wife, Cornelia Wadsworth, softened the interior décor, which was dominated by images of large animals. She also worked the grounds. Her fabulously maintained gardens and homestead are popular daily tours.

Donegal Castle was built overlooking the River Esque in 1505 by the O'Donnell Clan, which ruled the area for one thousand years. Sir Basil Brooks moved in later, adding turrets, fireplaces and windows for viewing - once considered a liability, as windows in high-rent residences were designed to accommodate weaponry. The river, which once flowed along both sides of the castle, but has since ebbed away from the fortress, created a water-tight defense at high tide. The Republic now owns the castle and has been busily renovating it to look like the active household that the Brooks clan kept. Tours are offered daily. They are quick, no more than half an hour, and rather enjoyable.

While in Donegal, visit Magee's Tweed factory, which features the scent of quality garments made of fine tweed, produced since 1866. Though much of the wool is imported from Down Under, the processing technique of cleaning it by hand in the River Esque, remains the same. Good buys on fine apparel can be had in the factory's store. You may even find yourself fighting with Sarah Jessica Parker for a one-of-a-kind herringbone sheath. The acclaimed actress, better known for her sexy silks than gabardine garb, shops here while staying at her Donegal home. (The staff says she is lovely, very unassuming and is often accompanied by her child.) But no need to worry if you can't shop with the stars at this clearance rack this week. You will find this superior cloth in garments made by Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Burberry, just to name a few.

For more information:
Tourism Ireland
www.tourismireland.com

Yeats Dinners
www.brochouse.com

Carrymore Megalithic Cemetery Sligo:
http://62.73.177.39/en/HistoricSites/West/CarrymoreMegalithicCemeterySligo/

Sandhouse Hotel
www.sandhouse-hotel.ie

Golfing and horseback riding on the beach
www.arnoldshotel.com

Celtic Seaweed Bath
www.celticseaweedbaths.com

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