Information
Landmark: Errigal MountainCity: Donegal
Country: Ireland
Continent: Europe
Errigal Mountain, Donegal, Ireland, Europe
Overview
Rising above the Derryveagh range in County Donegal, Errigal Mountain stands as one of Ireland’s most iconic peaks, its pale quartzite glowing pink in the evening sun.Rising to 752 meters (2,464 feet), Errigal towers over the Derryveagh range, its sharp pyramidal peak catching the light above sweeping views of hills and sky.Hikers, climbers, and outdoor lovers flock here for sweeping views of the jagged hills and the blue sweep of Donegal Bay.Number one.Errigal rises in Ireland’s northwest, only a few kilometers from the small village of Gweedore, where the wind smells faintly of peat.It’s part of the Derryveagh Mountains, a range that also holds well-known peaks such as Mullaghderg and Slieve Snacht.You can spot it instantly-its steep slopes rise sharply to a summit shaped like a pyramid.Quartzite forms the peak of Errigal, catching the light so it gleams white or silvery when you spot it from far away.From its peak, you can see Gweedore, the Poisoned Glen, Dunlewey Lake, and the Atlantic coast stretching into the haze.At sunrise or sunset, the quartzite catches the light and blazes with a warm, golden hue locals call “Errigal Gold,” a sight that fills countless Donegal photographs.Thanks to its easy access and the stunning panorama at the top, Errigal draws hikers from near and far.You’ll find several trails here, from steady climbs to tough, rocky paths.Most hikers start at the mountain’s base, just by Glenveagh National Park.The well-marked trail winds up the mountain’s western side, climbing steadily through tall grass and scattered stones.As you near the top, the slope sharpens, and the last stretch forces you to scramble over loose, shifting rock before you can stand on the summit.The climb isn’t especially technical, but you’ll need solid fitness to handle the mountain’s sharp inclines.Most rate the hike to Errigal’s summit as moderate to challenging, with the last stretch rising steep and rocky underfoot.From the summit, you can take in a sweeping 360-degree panorama-crisp outlines of the Derryveagh Mountains, the shimmer of Donegal Bay, and valleys stretching into the distance.Plan your hike between May and September, when the air is softer and daylight lingers well into the evening.Still, seasoned hikers tackle the mountain in every season, crunching over frost in winter and dust in summer.Winter brings sharp winds, slippery ice, and deep snow that can make the climb tough.Local mountain guides know the trails by heart and can lead you safely-perfect for beginners or anyone heading into the mountain’s quieter, wilder corners.From the summit, the land rolls out below in sweeping greens and blues, offering some of Ireland’s finest views.On a clear day, Errigal shimmers in the still water of the Poisoned Glen, with the jagged Derryveagh peaks rising sharp against the sky.From Gweedore, you can see the Atlantic shimmering on the horizon-a view that takes your breath away.Just below Errigal lies the Poisoned Glen, its stark beauty making it one of the most photographed spots in County Donegal.The valley takes its name from an old legend, but these days it’s the breathtaking view from the summit-rolling hills fading into mist-that draws the crowds.Thick fog curls through the glen, and the jagged slopes of Errigal rise above it, shaping a scene that’s eerie yet breathtaking.From the summit, you can spot Dunlewey Lake lying quiet in the valley below.The lake sits amid stunning scenery, with the Dunlewey Centre giving visitors a vivid taste of local heritage and culture.On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Atlantic, where Donegal Bay and its rugged coastline catch the light.Lower down Errigal’s slopes, heather, gorse, and bright wildflowers spill across the hillside in a wash of summer color.Higher up, the slopes turn stony, scattered with thin patches of grass and pale green lichen.Red deer roam here, along with hares and wild goats, while high above, a merlin or peregrine might flash by-and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a distant glimpse of a golden eagle.You’ll also find small creatures here-frogs leaping from damp grass, quick lizards darting over sun-warmed stones, and a buzz of insects in the air.Errigal itself holds deep meaning for the people of Donegal, especially in the Gaeltacht communities where Irish is still spoken every day.Errigal looms large in Irish folklore, woven into tales and legends that still echo in the local Gaelic identity; its pale slopes have sparked songs, stories, and vivid paintings in traditional music and art, and, for centuries, it held deep significance for the powerful O’Donnell family.The family ruled from their stronghold in nearby Glenveagh, a rugged stretch of land, and their influence reached across most of Donegal.The hills and valleys around Errigal hold centuries of stories from the old Gaelic lords, and you can reach the mountain easily by car from nearby towns such as Gweedore or Letterkenny.The main path to the mountain is clearly marked, with a small car park near the Poisoned Glen where hikers set off, boots crunching on gravel.There’s nothing at the summit in the way of facilities, but down in Gweedore you’ll find plenty of places to stay-guesthouses, B&Bs, and hotels.At the nearby Dunlewey Centre, you can explore the area’s rich culture, layered history, and outdoor traditions-maybe pause to run your hand over a handwoven tweed.Visitors can book guided tours to dig deeper into the local past, spot wildlife, and discover the surrounding landscape’s rugged beauty.Rising in the distance, Errigal Mountain stands as one of Ireland’s most dramatic and unforgettable sights.Whether you’re chasing a tough climb or just want to stand still and breathe in Donegal’s wild, wind-swept beauty, Errigal leaves you with a memory you won’t shake.With its towering peak, rolling green hills, and rich history, it’s a spot you can’t miss when you’re in County Donegal.Whether you’re climbing its steep, wind-swept ridge, pausing to drink in the sweeping views, or simply gazing at its pale peak from the valley road, Errigal leaves a mark you won’t forget.
