On the Shores of Lough Swilly in Donegal

The Sunday Show

Sunday, 29 June 2025 - 36 minutes

In this episode, Ed chats with Karoline Sweeney from the beautiful and historic Castle Grove Country House near Letterkenny, County Donegal. This Georgian house, built in 1695 is a true hidden gem steeped in local history and offering timeless Irish hospitality with a modern twist. We also explore the surrounding Inishowen Peninsula – from golden beaches and wild coastlines to the Donegal Camino, Muff Liquor Distillery, and flights from Donegal Airport that make this unspoilt corner of Ireland more accessible than ever. Listen back to the podcast and let Donegal surprise you.

Donegal - A walkers paradise - The Donegal Camino – a 7‑day walking festival starting 31 August, heading from Inishowen Head to Slieve League, over stunning headlands and historical Fort Dunree. And for a true taste of local craft, visit The Muff Liquor Company in Muff village for guided tastings of their award‑winning potato gin, vodka, peat‑smoked whiskey—and enjoy live events in their bar.

Only a three and a half hour drive from Dublin or To top it off, Aer Lingus Regional now flies from Donegal Airport to Dublin—around 40 weekly flights, with fares from ~ €29 one‑way—and making it easier than ever to reach this undiscovered corner of Ireland.

A House Steeped in History

Castle Grove Country House Hotel is one of the few remaining family run private estates in the North West of Ireland. Located six miles north of Letterkenny, it provides the perfect base to explore the beautiful scenery of Donegal and the Wild Atlantic way. This near-original Georgian house was built in 1695 and is situated at the end of a mile-long avenue on the shores of Lough Swilly. The 250 acre grounds are made up of farmland and extensive gardens that were designed by Capability Brown.

The Grove family estate dates to 1656 when William Grove resided at Castle Shanaghan, approximately 1 mile from the current location. During the ‘Siege of Derry’, James II lauded William Grove for his military knowledge, which led to the family house being burnt down after the siege.
After the ‘Siege of Derry’ in 1690, Castle Grove House was built in 1695 nearer Lough Swilly and was later added to between 1750 and 1780.

The ownership of Castle Grove throughout the years is as significant as the history of the house. It remained in the Grove family until 1970 when the last of the family died. The Grove/Boyton family played a pivotal role in the election of Daniel O’Connell to Parliament in 1828. Another famous son who left Castle Grove to achieve greatness was General Richard Montgomery who left the British Army in 1772 and emigrated to America where he later led the cavalry in the Battle of Quebec where he was slain in 1775. His bravery was later honoured by having his remains interred at St. Pauls cathedral in New York City. In 1970 Castle Grove passed to a relative who used it as a private home until 1989 when it was sold to the current owners, The Sweeneys. Castle Grove Gallery

The Sunday Show in association with Ireland's Blue Book