Errigal
749 m
Ireland
Also known as mont Errigal, An Earagail, +1Also known as
mont Errigal · An Earagail · Errigal Mountain
- Elevation
- 749 m
- Prominence
- 688 m
- Difficulty
- 3/10
- Mountain hike
- Best Season
- May–Sep
- Routes
- 1
AdvisoryReported 22 May 2024
Heavy rain on 20 May 2024 badly damaged sections of the new summit path, and the Errigal Mountain Project asked walkers not to climb the mountain while repairs were planned. Repairs were carried out in summer 2024; no official reopening date was found, but the path was reported in use again by 2025.
donegaldaily.com
Routes
1The standard way up Donegal's highest mountain: from a small car park on the R251 east of Dunlewey, a built path and stone steps cross the bog to the foot of the east-south-east ridge, then a steep path on quartzite scree climbs to a tiny summit linked by a narrow crest to a slightly lower north top. About 5 km return, 525 m of ascent, 3–4 hours.
Elevation Profile
approximate line- Distance
- 2.6 km
- one way
- Ascent
- +522 m
- start → summit
- High Point
- 749 m
- Time Up
- 2h 04m
- DIN 33466
- Time Down
- 1h 22m
- DIN 33466 · same way back
Start from the Errigal car park on the R251, about 2 km east of Dunlewey (grid ref. B 942 197; room for about 20 cars, with extra lay-bys nearby, and it fills early in summer). A path built in 2022–23 leaves the back of the car park and crosses the formerly very boggy lower ground towards the mountain; stone steps continue up the lower slopes. At the foot of the east-south-east ridge grass and bog give way to quartzite scree. The path climbs steeply through it, with several worn lines, until the angle eases and a clearer path follows the narrowing crest to the small summit area (751 m on most maps). There is no cairn or trig point. A short, narrow ridge with drops on both sides continues to the slightly lower north top, which has the better coastal views. Descend the same way, taking care on the loose scree, which is more awkward going down than up. The line is distinct enough that navigation in mist is usually straightforward, but the summit ridge is exposed to strong Atlantic winds; turn back if gusts make the narrow crest unsafe.
Start
Errigal car park227 m
- No public transport to the car park was verified; a car is normally needed.
- Parking at the trailhead
Stages
| Day | Stage | km | m ascent | m descent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Errigal car park → Errigal | 2.6 | 522 | 0 | 2h 04m |
Waypoints
- Parking: Errigal car park227 m
Grid ref. B 942 197 converted to WGS84; about 20 spaces
- Summit: Errigal749 m
Key Passages
- Steep scree path on the east-south-east ridge
- Narrow crest between the summit and the north top
Equipment
0/5 packedDownloads
Route confidence 80%Overview
Donegal's highest mountain (751 m on most maps), a steep quartzite cone above Dunlewey that is the tallest of the 'Seven Sisters'. A short, steep path and scree climb from the R251 reaches a tiny summit and a narrow crest to its twin north top.
Errigal (An Earagail) is the highest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains in north-west Donegal and the southernmost and steepest of the 'Seven Sisters', the chain of hills that runs north-east to Muckish. Built of pale quartzite, it rises as a sharp, scree-skirted cone above the Poisoned Glen and Dunlewey Lough, and glows pink at sunset. From the north it looks like a pyramid; from the side, a ridge with two tops.
The normal route is short: about 5 km return and 525 m of ascent from a roadside car park on the R251. A built path and steps (2022–23) now cross the bog and lower slopes, but the upper ridge is a steep path on loose scree and the summit is a small perch with a narrow crest to the north top. In clear weather the view takes in Slieve Snaght, Dooish, Muckish and the Atlantic coast and islands.
The mountain's popularity has caused serious erosion, which led to the path project. Heavy rain badly damaged the new path in May 2024 and repairs followed that summer. Expect a busy hill on fine summer weekends and a car park that fills early.
Climbing Notes
Fitness for a steep 3–4 hour outing with 525 m of ascent is enough; the main demands are sure-footedness on loose scree and a head for the narrow summit crest. Good boots, full waterproofs and a warm layer are essential, as the summit catches strong Atlantic winds and is often in cloud. Arrive early to find space in the small car park, and take extra care descending the scree. It is not recommended for young children. In winter, snow or ice on the upper ridge calls for microspikes or crampons and an ice axe.
History
The Irish name An Earagail comes from Old Irish airecal, 'oratory'; no oratory remains have been found, so the name may refer to the mountain itself as a place of prayer. The magazine Walking & Hiking Ireland named Errigal Ireland's most iconic mountain in 2009. A €630,000 upland path, funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, was completed in October 2023 to tackle erosion.
Season
Best May–Sep- January: Possible
- February: Possible
- March: Good
- April: Good
- May: Best (best window)
- June: Best (best window)
- July: Best (best window)
- August: Best (best window)
- September: Best (best window)
- October: Good
- November: Possible
- December: Possible
- Jan
- Short days; snow or ice possible on the upper scree
- Feb
- Short days; winter gales
- May
- Often the driest month; long days
- Jun
- Long days; busy at weekends
- Jul
- Busiest month; car park fills early
- Aug
- Busy; arrive early
- Oct
- Shortening days; autumn storms
- Nov
- Wet and windy; short days
- Dec
- Short days; snow or ice possible
Access & Permits
- Rules
- Stay on the built path to limit erosion; the mountain has been the subject of a major path-restoration project
- Parking is limited to the small R251 car park (about 20 cars) and nearby lay-bys; do not block the road
- Getting There
Dunlewey (village); Gweedore and Letterkenny for services
Donegal Airport (CFN, Carrickfinn); City of Derry Airport (LDY)
- Car: R251 from Letterkenny (via Churchill) or from Gweedore/Bunbeg; the car park is about 2 km east of Dunlewey
- Public transport to the trailhead was not verified; a car or taxi is normally needed
Hazards
- Weather
- Exposure
- Rockfall