Glebe House and Gallery

Overview

Perched on a hill overlooking Lough Gartan, with the Derryveagh Mountains and Glenveagh National Park as a dramatic backdrop, Glebe House and Gallery is one of Donegal’s most compelling cultural attractions. The 1828 Regency house, originally the Church of Ireland rectory known as St Columb’s, was bought by the English portraitist Derek Hill in the early 1950s. Hill turned the property into an artist’s haven, filling the rooms with William Morris textiles, Islamic tiles, Japanese screens and a personal collection of more than 300 works by leading 20th‑century artists such as Pablo Picasso, Oskar Kokoshka, Louis le Brocquy and Jack B. Yeats.

The adjoining gallery, housed in Hill’s former studio, presents rotating exhibitions and showcases the Derek Hill Collection. The surrounding 20‑acre estate is a garden of contrasts – formal planting interwoven with wildflower meadows, an extensive tree collection and herbaceous borders that reflect Hill’s collaboration with garden designer James Russell.

History

• 1828 – The building was erected as St Columb’s Rectory, a fine example of Regency architecture with a symmetrical façade and elegant proportions.
• 1954 – Derek Hill purchased the house and, over the next three decades, used it as his home, studio and collecting space. He worked closely with the eminent garden designer James Russell, sourcing plants from Sunningdale Nurseries to create a landscape that would complement the wild Donegal setting.
• 1981 – Hill presented the house, its contents and the gardens to the Irish state, ensuring public access.
• 2025 – A major conservation programme began, temporarily closing the house and gallery to visitors. The work is scheduled to finish ahead of the bicentenary celebrations in 2028.

Managed today by the Office of Public Works (OPW) Historic Properties Division, Glebe House retains the intimate atmosphere of a lived‑in home, allowing visitors to experience the collection in the context Hill created.

Gardens & Landscape

The 20‑acre Glebe Gardens are open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and are free to explore. Highlights include:

• Wildflower meadow – at its most vibrant in late spring and early summer, attracting bees and butterflies.
• Tree collection – mature beech, chestnut and a variety of ornamental species, many planted under Russell’s direction.
• Herbaceous borders – seasonal colour that frames views of Lough Gartan.
• Formal planting – architectural groups of shrubs and perennials that echo the house’s Regency symmetry.

The garden often hosts summer fetes and occasional art‑in‑the‑garden events, making it a lively spot for families and photographers.

Art Collection Highlights

Derek Hill’s eclectic taste is evident throughout the house. The permanent collection includes:

• Over 300 works by international modern masters – notably Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Oskar Kokoshka, Louis le Brocquy, Graham Sutherland, Auguste Renoir, Jack Butler Yeats and Patrick Swift.
• A selection of Irish artists, including the naïve Tory Island painter James Dixon.
• Decorative arts such as William Morris wallpapers, Islamic tiles, and Japanese screens, alongside European and Oriental furniture.

The collection is displayed informally, as though Hill were still at home, allowing visitors to view masterpieces in a domestic setting.

Gallery & Exhibitions

Hill’s former studio now operates as a contemporary gallery space. It hosts changing exhibitions that explore both local and international art trends. Admission to the gallery is free, and the ground floor is wheelchair‑accessible.

Events & Activities

• Garden fetes – held throughout the summer months, featuring local crafts, food stalls and live music.
• Art‑in‑the‑garden installations – seasonal sculptures and site‑specific works displayed among the meadow and trees.
• Rotating gallery shows – curated exhibitions that change every few months, often highlighting emerging Irish artists.
• Tear‑room – run by Glenveagh Tear‑rooms, offering tea, coffee, homemade cakes and light lunches.
• Family‑friendly walks – marked trails weave through the woodland, providing safe routes for children and buggy‑friendly paths.

Accessibility & Facilities

Practical Information

Getting there – From Letterkenny, follow the N13 eastward toward Churchill, then turn onto the R251. The drive (≈18 km, 10‑minute) offers scenic countryside views. Signage to Glebe House is clear.

Public transport

• Bus – TFI Local Link route 971 from Letterkenny to Church Hill (stop a short walk from the gate). Single fare ≈ €4.
• Taxi – Services such as Churchill Cabs & Minibus Hire or McHugh Travel; fare from Letterkenny ≈ €25‑€30.

Nearby towns – The nearby town of Ballybofey provides additional dining and accommodation options.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring (April‑June) – Wildflower meadow at peak, ideal for photography and gentle walks.
• Summer (July‑August) – Garden fetes, outdoor art installations, and longer daylight for lake‑side picnics.
• Autumn (September‑October) – Colourful canopy over the tree collection; note that the house and gallery are closed on Fridays during these months.

Nearby Attractions

Combine a visit to Glebe House with other Donegal highlights such as:

• Doe Castle – a waterside citadel about 15 km away.
• Donegal Castle – historic Gaelic castle near Donegal Town.
• Newmills Corn and Flax Mills – an industrial heritage site roughly 10 km from Glebe House.

Enjoy a day of art, history and natural beauty at one of Donegal’s most cherished cultural sites.