Ireland · Donegal · Walking

Errigal Mountain

7.5km · Strenuous · 3-4 hrs

7.5km distance
3-4 hrs duration
Strenuous
200 eco hotels nearby

Walk guide

Errigal Mountain

Errigal (751m) is Donegal's highest mountain and one of Ireland's most distinctive peaks — a perfect quartzite cone visible for miles across the county. The standard route from Dunlewey is steep but direct. The narrow summit ridge connecting the twin tops requires care and some scrambling. On very clear days you can see the mountains of Scotland across the North Channel. Below the mountain, the Poisoned Glen is one of Ireland's most dramatic glacial valleys.

Walk highlights

🏔️

Donegal's highest peak — 751m quartzite cone

🌊

Views to Scotland on very clear days

🦅

Twin summits connected by narrow rocky ridge

🌿

Poisoned Glen glacial valley directly below

Walk details
Distance7.5km
Duration3-4 hrs
DifficultyStrenuous
CountyDonegal
Nearest hotelsLetterkenny
Hotels nearby200
From€65/night

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About Errigal Mountain

Is Errigal dangerous?
The summit ridge is narrow and requires sure-footedness. In wet or icy conditions it becomes genuinely dangerous.
How do I get there?
Errigal Carpark on the R251, 3km from Dunlewey village. Letterkenny is 35km away.
How long does it take?
3-4 hours for the full return. Fit walkers in 2.5 hours.
What is the Poisoned Glen?
The glacial valley below Errigal. The name is a mistranslation from 'An Gleann Neimhe' (heavenly glen). Used for wild swimming and walking.
Where to stay?
Dunlewey hostel nearby. Letterkenny (35km) has 200 Donegal hotels from 65 euros through IMPT.

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