Poisoned Glen


The Poisoned Glen is a glen located near Dunlewey in Gweedore, County Donegal. It is located beside Mount Errigal and extends beyond Glenveagh National Park, facing Loch Altan. The Poisoned Glen is situated approximately 40km from Letterkenny.

Etymology

According to legend, the huge ice-carved hollow of the Poisoned Glen got its name when the ancient one-eyed giant king of Tory, Balor, was killed here by his exiled grandson, Lughaidh, whereupon the poison from his eye split the rock and poisoned the glen. The less interesting truth, however, lies in a cartographic gaffe. Locals were inspired to name it An Gleann Neamhe, but when an English cartographer mapped the area, he carelessly marked it An Gleann Neimhe – The Poisoned Glen.