Errigal Mountain Walk
A walk to the top of Mount Errigal in County Donegal, Ireland, is a challenging but rewarding climb to the highest peak in the Derryveagh Mountains. The route begins from a car park just off the R251 road, where you'll start your journey heading north.
The initial part of the trail is a straightforward walk along a gravel path that runs from the car park to the base of the mountain. This section is an easy start, allowing you to enjoy the views before the ascent begins. Once you reach the base, the climb becomes much steeper, with stone steps offering assistance on the lower slopes. As you continue your ascent, you'll encounter a considerable amount of loose scree on the steep incline, so it's essential to take your time and be cautious, especially on your descent.
The final push to the main summit is a memorable experience. You'll navigate a narrow and rocky ridge known as One Man's Path, which connects the two summits of Errigal. From the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Donegal landscape, including the Derryveagh Mountains, the Poisoned Glen, and a sweeping vista of the coastline.
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Errigal is the tallest and most iconic peak in County Donegal, known for its distinctive conical shape and pinkish glow in the setting sun. This striking colour comes from its quartzite rock composition. The surrounding area has a complex geology of schist, quartzite, and limestone, with features left behind by ancient glaciation, such as deep valleys and erratic granite boulders. The lower slopes and foothills are primarily covered in blanket bog and heathland, which are of significant ecological value.
The diverse habitats on and around Errigal—including blanket bog, wet heath, and exposed rock—support a range of plant and animal species. The area is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and its relatively untouched habitats make it important for biodiversity. You can spot a variety of birds, and in the summer, the Fen nearby is home to Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler
The mountain's name, "An Earagail" in Irish, is believed to derive from the Latin word for "oratory" or "hermitage," suggesting it was once a place of worship. The mountain is also the most southern and highest of a chain of peaks known locally as the "Seven Sisters." Located within the Donegal Gaeltacht, an area where the Irish language is spoken, Errigal is deeply woven into local folklore and oral traditions, adding to its unique sense of place.
The summit of Errigal