Poison Glen
Poison Glen
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
84 reviews
Excellent
61
Very good
19
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Robert B
Philadelphia, PA195 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
I, like the millions of travelers before me, cannot seem to stop waxing poetic about Ireland. Each of us have our favorite province, each of us drawn to some aspect or character that binds it to our soul and resonates. I am, by ancestory and personality, an Ulsterman.
It is not a soft place. It is hard and desolate, almost stern and certainly unbending. One needs to find beauty in rock and sky, in featureless plains and dangerous places.
Nowhere are these aspects made more plain than in the trip south from Malin, where the landscape is incredibly reminiscent of the American west; Wyoming, and the Dakotas. One comes slowly to Errigal out of the slow nowhere, with no expectation of change.
And suddenly, to your left as you cling to the mountain, opens God's oasis on Earth.
I did not know, as I stopped my car dead on this winding, narrow mountain road, that THIS was the storied Poison Glen. All I knew was that if I could die and stand eternally a sentry anywhere on the planet, this was the place I was created to serve.
Over the next few days, I explored that hollow, still unaware of its name, transfixed. The full weight of what my forefathers lost in the famine crashed down on me; the plaintive homesick Gaelic ballads tore at me with an understanding of their reality.
And that is waxing poetic. But there is the truth of it.
It is not a soft place. It is hard and desolate, almost stern and certainly unbending. One needs to find beauty in rock and sky, in featureless plains and dangerous places.
Nowhere are these aspects made more plain than in the trip south from Malin, where the landscape is incredibly reminiscent of the American west; Wyoming, and the Dakotas. One comes slowly to Errigal out of the slow nowhere, with no expectation of change.
And suddenly, to your left as you cling to the mountain, opens God's oasis on Earth.
I did not know, as I stopped my car dead on this winding, narrow mountain road, that THIS was the storied Poison Glen. All I knew was that if I could die and stand eternally a sentry anywhere on the planet, this was the place I was created to serve.
Over the next few days, I explored that hollow, still unaware of its name, transfixed. The full weight of what my forefathers lost in the famine crashed down on me; the plaintive homesick Gaelic ballads tore at me with an understanding of their reality.
And that is waxing poetic. But there is the truth of it.
Written 16 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
preglad
New York3,506 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Day drive tours spent seeking wonders such as the The Poison Glen, Mount Errigal's imposing dominance and Gleanveagh National Park's varied charms speak both to Donegal's natural aura while generating uplifting spirituality.
It's little wonder that the Irish character is rooted most formidably in a culture vastly different than that of stifling religiosity more commonly associated with its "latter" history.
Nowhere in Ireland is this chain more primordially and wistfully tugged. Whether in walking or driving about, the whole area is hypnotically atmospheric for those allowing the time and attention required for such delightfully folly.
It's little wonder that the Irish character is rooted most formidably in a culture vastly different than that of stifling religiosity more commonly associated with its "latter" history.
Nowhere in Ireland is this chain more primordially and wistfully tugged. Whether in walking or driving about, the whole area is hypnotically atmospheric for those allowing the time and attention required for such delightfully folly.
Written 2 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JElliot32
New South Wales, Australia3,971 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
If you have a little time, the Poison Glen is well worth seeking out. Lucky for us, one of the rangers at Glenveagh NP provided excellent road directions - as we would never have found if we had relied on the road signs. There is a fairly rough walking track of maybe 1.5 km that takes you up to the Glen. It is very quiet, very stark, and - as long as you like your landscape stark - very beautiful.
Written 23 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tyrone088
Omagh, UK18 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Park your car near the church and head into the glen. Wild and quiet save the sound of birds and the stream. Take your time to soak up your surroundings and look up at a rock face as it glitters in the sun. This volcanic and ice age carved scenery will make you smile.
Written 19 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan W
Ireland554 contributions
Sept 2020
Very picturesque area. Even when visited in misty weather. Well worth a visit and don't forget Dunlewey Church.
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mick c
Sydney, Australia175 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
This is a lovely small valley abutting a lake
It is just a picture postcard in the making
Climbed Mt Errigal before viewing this little gem
It is just a picture postcard in the making
Climbed Mt Errigal before viewing this little gem
Written 30 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fidi I
Staffordshire, UK129 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Amazing views, this place needs to be visited to appreciate what a amazing spot. If in the area just go, before you climb Errigal.
Written 16 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SFNM28
Sierra Vista, AZ193 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
You take the same road to the Poison Glen as you do to the Old Church. There is a stony track across from the church that leads to the Glen. It is a short, easy hike to the Glen. What can I say except that it "feels" exactly as it looks in the photo. I am so glad I found it.
Written 23 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hubert A
Belfast, UK139 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
On our way from Glenveagh Country park and castle we came across the "poison glen and being the curious sorts we decided to have a peek and made a small detour down into the glen. Towards the bottom there is the ruins of an old Church of Ireland church that has been preserved with funds from the European union and local fundraising. The roof has been removed for safety and it is hard to believe that there was a thriving community down in this glen back in the 1840's
Written 20 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Purple Pelican
Shreveport, LA80 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
The Poisoned Glen is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been - and we went on a misty, cloudy day. It's close to Dunlewey but feels so much more remote. We were the only people there. The ground is EXTREMELY boggy. Proper footwear is a must. Even with waterproof hiking boots, expect your feet to get wet. You'll need an extra pair of shoes for a few days. But it's totally worth it.
Written 18 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loreto M
can you walk here from Letterkenny town?
Written 3 May 2019
No, unfortunately it would be about an eight hour walk, or about a 45 minute drive.
Written 3 May 2019
None whatsoever, enjoy your stay
Written 13 December 2015
Aaron B
Skokie, Illinois
If I were to stay in Gweedore, would I be able to get to Poisoned Glen without the use of a car?
Written 6 October 2015
Yes I would think it best to have your own transport there is a large area to cover , maybe a hired car for a few days . There might be coach tours in the area but I didn't see any public transport . You could contact the Irish tourist board they would be able to let you know ...
Written 9 October 2015
John I
Lisburn, United Kingdom
Hi where is "Mountjoy" rock climb in the poison glen?
Written 5 February 2015
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