Errigal

A hiking path up to the top of Donegal.

Errigal is an impressive peak that always attracts visitors and locals to climb and enjoy the fantastic view from the top. As it is the highest mountain in Donegal, its attraction is even bigger. If you want to climb it, your journey starts from the car park on R251, which is on the map above. Usually, this car park is very busy, so you may need to park your car beside the road. The best time to arrive is early in the morning, especially during the tourist season when it is extremely busy. If you arrive earlier, you will have space in the car park, and it won't be too crowded.

A gravelly path leads you through the bog, and some wooden bridges cross the streams up the hill to the rocky path of the journey.

Once you reach the rocky path of the way, the views become more and more beautiful, but the wind becomes stronger, and you have to watch on your feet. Although the path is wide enough, you better be careful and not understate the risk of injury.

With a slow tempo and lots of breaks on a clear day, you are on the top for about an hour and a half - two hours.

Now you enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, Tory Island, Gweedore, Gola, and Aranmore islands, and even Benbulben in Sligo. Then, towards the East, you see the other from the seven sisters: the little Errigal and Muckish mountain, Lough Altan, and the beautiful Magheroarty beach.

The climbing is worth it and is much easier than it looks from below. Just take a wind&wet proof coat, a hat, and enough water, a nice company to enjoy the views.

Pictures by Elena T.