Climb Mount Errigal, Donegal’s highest mountain

Enjoy a heavenly experience and magnificent views

The spectacular quartzite cone summit, 751m above sea level, forms an iconic Donegal and Irish image. Spectacular views of the beautiful 'Poisoned Glen' below and the dramatic Donegal countryside, from Malin Head to Slieve League.

A heavenly experience! That just about sums up a climb to the summit of Mount Errigal, Donegal highest and most distinctive mountain.

Gaze with amazement atop Errigal at the scene around you. You are 751mabove sea level and looking down on a mesmerising sight. All around you is the ravishing beauty of mountains, forests, wild parkland and shimmering lakes.

The beautiful glen below you is known as 'Poisoned Glen'.Let your imagination flow as you hear about the different explanations for how the glen got its name. One Irish myth tells how it originated from the blood that ran from the evil one-eyed Balor after he had been killed by his grandson, Lúgh, the Celtic God of Light. Another, more benign tale says that English cartographers mistook the Irish word for heaven, 'neamh' for that for poison, (nimh)!

As you breath in the clear air on the summit, notice how the bright quartzite cone of Mount Errigal's peak makes for a spectacular contrast with the dark, peat-covered land on the lower slopes. The mountain is a precious treasure which forms part of the Glenveagh National Park. Admire its perfect pyramid shape and see how it completely dominates the surrounding area.

Take some time too to survey the wider spectacular views that are possible from Donegal's highest peak. These embrace a huge sweep of dramatic coastline, from Malin Head in the north to Slieve League in the south. Not forgetting the superb inland panorama that unfolds before you.

Mount Errigal is a reasonably tough but highly satisfying climb which is likely to take about 2.5 hours or so. There is an option of varying your return to take in the neighbouring summit of Mackoght (555m), which will probably add a further hour's walking.

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