The gate to the now-demolished Lough Veagh House in Tully Beg (Church Hill) was built around 1825. An attractive feature by the roadside, it has cast-iron gate leaves, decorative piers, short sections of railings and gable details with a sunrise motif. The surviving gate stands here as tangible evidence of a former estate; the house itself is gone.

St Colmcille’s Church is located in Church Hill (Glendowan). By the road between Churchill and Glendowan, there is also a flat stone bearing impressions that, according to tradition, were left by St Colmcille while he was praying there. A local story also leads to Mount Cruckcraw in Glendowan: St Columba, who according to tradition was born in 521 in the townland of Lackoo in the parish of Gartan, was there one day and was pursued by enemies.

The history of the buildings can also be read in specific details of the area. Church Hill Post Office is part of a detached, two-storey, nine-bay building block erected around 1830, which also includes a dwelling house and an inn. A tradition from the parish of Glendowan turns the spotlight on craftwork: nearly a century ago, Catherine Long spun flax on a spinning wheel in the townland of Claggan to support her family and her husband.

Culture and activities nearby

Nearby is Glebe House & Gallery, a Regency-style house built in 1828. William Morris textiles adorn the house; its collections include Islamic and Japanese art, as well as works by 20th-century artists including Picasso and Kokoschka. A studio adjoining Glebe House has been converted into a gallery where changing exhibitions are shown. If you are planning a visit, check the latest exhibition and visitor information.

Also nearby, the Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre in Churchill offers courses for schools, adventure holidays for families and training for individuals. It may be necessary to contact the centre in advance about its offerings. Alongside churches, traditions and buildings, there is also a choice of organised activities for different groups.

County Donegal: more travel highlights

For a broader trip around County Donegal, culture, the coast and nature each offer distinct highlights. Donegal Castle was the personal stronghold of Red Hugh O’Donnell, Lord of Tír Conaill. Guided tours tell its story from the time of the Gaelic lords through the Plantation and its long period as a ruin to its recent restoration; children can enjoy illustrated treasure hunts. Check the availability of tours before your trip. Newmills Corn and Flax Mills offers a different perspective on history: there you can see one of Ireland’s largest waterwheels in operation. The oldest surviving building at the site is 400 years old.

For those who want to focus on scenery and wildlife, Glenveagh offers mountains, lakes, waterfalls, valleys, native oak woodlands and a castle with its original interiors. Visitors can see red deer there and look out for reintroduced golden eagles. A Trail Walker Bus runs to some of the best starting points for walking trails; check in advance whether it will be running during your visit.

On the coast, Fanad Lighthouse stands between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay. The tour lasts 45 minutes, and the virtual reality experience “The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha” is also available. Check availability before your trip. Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point, combines striking coastal scenery with beautiful beaches; a loop walk follows the coast to Banba’s Crown. You can hike at the Sliabh Liag sea cliffs; a boat trip from nearby Teelin Harbour reaches the base of the cliffs. As boat services are seasonal, it is advisable to check the latest information.

A seasonal market can also offer a different travel highlight: the weekly Dunfanaghy Country Market features local, wholesome food and fresh produce. Check the latest details before visiting. County Donegal’s options range from historic sites and landscapes to coastal trails and local produce.

Discover more destinations: Lifford, Bun Cranncha, Dunfanaghy, Treantagh, Ballintra, An Charraig, Muff, Loughanure.

For the broader travel overview: County Donegal.