Staff shortages at one of Donegal’s most popular attractions leading to temporary closures

Glenveagh Castle nestled within Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal is one of the busiest tourist attractions in the county.

During the summer months, guided tours of the castle are offered to visitors. However, due to staff shortages, the castle has been closed on selected days.

The temporary closure will continue on Wednesdays for the coming weeks.

Frustrated Councillor Micheal Choilm MacGiolla Easbuig has visited the caste on a number of occasions but it has been closed to the public.

He said the closure is leaving tourists extremely disappointed.

"I have been out there and met with tourists who are absolutely furious.

"These people have travelled far and wide to come to Donegal and one of the main attractions and bucket lists was the castle at Glenveagh but it was closed.

"There is roughly around 200,000 people who come to visit Glenveagh each year but right now, here we are at the start of July in the peak season and it is closed.

"The hard working staff there are doing their very best and this leaves them under pressure.

"This is not good enough – it is not good enough from the government.

"If you look at the work being done to attract people into the county, it completely undermines all the hard work being done," said Cllr MacGiolla Easbuig.

A spokesperson for National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) said work is ongoing to fill vacancies at the castle but the closures will continue on Wednesday throughout the summer.

"Due to staffing pressures over the past two weeks the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has had to temporarily close Glenveagh Castle on a number of days.

"Health and Safety of our staff and visitors is paramount and always central to our decision making.

"We are doing everything we can to reopen this week but will remain closed today and on Wednesdays for the next while due to staffing issues.

"We are working to get panels in place to fill staff vacancies in our visitor services and return to full opening but this will take time and we ask people to bear with us.

"Glenveagh National Park has a number of new General Operatives and Conservation Rangers.

"Appointment of a Park Manager is also imminent.

"Our committed staff in Glenveagh Castle and National Park continue to provide an invaluable service to the public.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."