Errigal [An Earagail]

Errigal [An Earagail]

Errigal is the highpoint of County Donegal and the Derryveagh Mountains, rising above Dunlewey in the Donegal Gaeltacht. Its pale quartzite cone is the southernmost and highest of the Seven Sisters. The current DoBIH record gives 747 m; 751 m remains common in guidebooks and tourism material.

Summit and geology

The summit is a rock highpoint at B928207, with a precise recorded reference of B 92825 20773. The top about 60 m north-northwest is lower. The narrow ridge linking the tops is exposed and crossing it is optional. There is no need to continue beyond the main summit to reach the highpoint.

Precambrian quartzite forms the mountain, while its scree and lower debris accumulations are much younger. Geological Survey Ireland describes fossil rock glaciers and protalus ramparts around the base, evidence of cold-climate slope processes. The constructed path helps protect the sensitive bog and heath below the rocky upper slopes.

Routes

R251 car park to Errigal and back

Start at Errigal car park on the R251 near Dunlewey (B943197). Follow the constructed path across the lower bog and beside the stream, then climb the uneven stone steps onto the quartzite shoulder and narrow upper ridge. Reach the rock highpoint at B928207 and return by the same path all the way to the original car park. The standard return outing is approximately 5.2 km; allow two to three hours, longer for stops or difficult conditions. Crossing the narrow ridge to the lower twin top is optional and requires a return to the main summit before descending. Keep to the built path and keep dogs on leads. Groups of 10 or more must register with Cairde na hEaragaile in advance.

Mackoght and Errigal circuit

From Errigal car park, walk east along the R251 for just over a kilometre to the Altan Farm track. Follow the track north, then take the upland path towards Mackoght (Wee Errigal, 557 m). Descend southwest from its rocky summit into the saddle between the mountains and join the constructed Errigal path. Climb to Errigal’s rock highpoint, then retrace the upper path; at the earlier junction continue down the constructed path beside the stream to the same R251 car park. This is the 8.25 km circuit described by Wild Irish Walks, whose party took just under four hours including a stop. It includes road traffic, rough ground, another ascent and the exposed Errigal summit ridge; allow more time in slow conditions. Follow Altan Farm access signs, leave gates as found and keep dogs on leads. Groups of 10 or more must register with Cairde na hEaragaile before the outing.

The long-distance Slí An Earagail is a separate low-level and coastal trail, not the mountain summit route.

Access, transport and facilities

Use the Errigal mountain car park beside the R251 near Dunlewey, at Irish Grid B943197. It is a small roadside trailhead and can fill quickly. Leave gateways, the road and emergency access clear. Glenveagh National Park visitor parking is a separate destination, not the standard Errigal starting point.

TFI Local Link route 971 connects Letterkenny and Burtonport via Dunlewey (Dún Lúiche); it replaced route number 271 in October 2024. Check the current TFI timetable and arrange the final transfer to the R251 trailhead and the return journey. Do not assume the mountain car park is a scheduled stop.

Plan food, water and toilet stops before reaching the R251 mountain car park. Dunlewey and the wider Gweedore area provide local services; the visitor facilities at Glenveagh National Park are a separate destination. Carry what you need for the full ascent and descent.

Stay on the constructed path, follow temporary work or closure signs and check Cairde na hEaragaile’s guidance before travelling. Dogs must stay on leads. Guides, clubs and groups of ten or more need to register the outing in advance; access may be denied if they do not notify the mountain organisation.

Safety

Errigal remains a steep mountain walk with an exposed upper ridge. Uneven steps and loose quartzite demand particular care on descent. Wind, cold rain and low cloud can arrive quickly; snow or ice require winter equipment and experience. Carry navigation equipment, warm and waterproof clothing, food, water and a charged phone, and allow time to descend in daylight. Turn back if wind, footing or visibility makes the ridge unsuitable. In an emergency dial 112 or 999, ask for the Gardaí and request Mountain Rescue.

Name and local heritage

An Earagail may refer to an oratory or a secluded place. Paul Tempan’s placename research records the uncertainty and notes that no oratory remains are known. The mountain is an important landmark in the Donegal Gaeltacht. Cairde na hEaragaile was formed in 2022 to help protect it; path restoration addresses the erosion caused by concentrated footfall.

Views and nearby summits

Clear-weather views take in Dunlewey and its lakes, the Poisoned Glen, the Derryveagh Mountains and the Atlantic coast. Nearby summits include Mackoght (557 m), Aghla More (581.2 m) and Muckish (667.1 m). Visibility, rather than a particular season, determines what can be seen.