Nature spot · County Donegal
St. Columb's Gardens
Under the care of the OPW, St Columb's Garden overlooks the shores of Lough Gartan, near Churchill, County Donegal. The gardens, which include many rare and unusual plants, surround Glebe House and Gallery.
St Columb’s Gardens are found near Churchill, County Donegal. The gardens surround Regency House, which was originally built in the early 19th century as a Church of Ireland rectory. It is now home to Glebe House and Gallery.
The extensive gardens feature notable specimens of beech and chestnut, and lead down to beautiful Lough Gartan. The house, meanwhile, is decorated with William Morris textiles as well as Islamic, Irish, Italian and Japanese art. There are more than 300 works by leading 20th century artists, including Picasso and Kokoshka. Exhibitions are shown in the adjoining gallery.
The house and grounds were transformed into a haven of artistic beauty by the late Derek Hill, who planted many rare and unusual trees and shrubs. The property is now under the care of the OPW.
Outdoors in County Donegal this week
Best day outdoors: Sun, 11 Oct — dry by day, breezy, up to 13°C
Status Yellow - Rain warning for Donegal
From Thu, 8 Oct, 09:00 until Fri, 9 Oct, 04:00
Heavy spells of rain.
Be aware of potential impacts:
- Difficult travelling conditions
- Localised flooding possible
Issued by Met Éireann · met.ie/warnings
- Fri, 9 Oct12° / 10°Medium rain showers
- Sat, 10 Oct12° / 9°Medium rain showers
- Sun, 11 Oct13° / 11°Sun with grey cloud
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 5.4 km awayGlenveagh Castle GardensGardenWith all year round access and free entry, the Glenveagh Castle Gardens are a wonderful day out. Situated in Glenveagh National Park in north west County Donegal, the gardens date back to the 1880s. They still feature their original Victorian layout.
Nature spot · 11 km awayBallymacool Town ParkParkLetterkennyChildren’s play areas, multi-use games area, public toilets, sculptures, picnic areas, seating and walking trails situated in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
Nature spot · 12 km awayBernard McGlinchey Town ParkParkLetterkennyBernard McGlinchey Town Park, also known as Letterkenny Town Park, is a public park located in Letterkenny, County Donegal. It is at the University Hospital Roundabout, adjacent to St Conal’s Hospital. The park spans an area of just over 4 hectares.