ErrigalAbout Errigal
Errigal is a prominent mountain in County Donegal, Ireland, and the highest of the Derryveagh Mountains at 751 metres. Its steep, smooth quartzite slopes create a sharply defined conical profile that is a familiar landmark across the region.
The mountain is popular with walkers and scramblers; established paths lead to the summit from the lower valleys and the climb is commonly completed in a few hours for fit walkers. The summit provides wide-ranging views over nearby glens, coastal bays and the surrounding Donegal landscape on clear days.
Errigal’s name comes from the Irish language and the peak has long been a local landmark in Donegal, frequently used for outdoor recreation and mountain walking.
The mountain stands in northwest County Donegal, near the small villages and glens of the Derryveagh range and visible from parts of the surrounding coastal region.
- Height and composition: The highest peak in County Donegal at 751 metres, noted for its distinctive quartzite summit and cone-like profile.
- Climbing note: Routes from the populated side provide a well-trodden path to the summit, but weather can change rapidly so standard mountain precautions are advisable year round.
Nearby Attractions to Errigal
Best Time to Visit Errigal
Late spring through summer (June-August) is the best time for safer, more reliable conditions for hiking Errigal.
Weather & Climate near Errigal
Errigal's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2412 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 6° | -2° | 271 mm | overcast | 90% | 10.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 6° | -2° | 195 mm | overcast | 89% | 9.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.4h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 208 mm | overcast | 88% | 9.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 3° - 9° | 1° | 142 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Poor | 5° - 11° | 5° | 134 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.0h |
| June | Poor | 8° - 13° | 11° | 133 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.1h |
| July | Poor | 10° - 15° | 12° | 158 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.6h |
| August | Poor | 10° - 15° | 12° | 179 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.8h |
| September | Poor | 8° - 13° | 11° | 211 mm | overcast | 88% | 7.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 6° - 10° | 4° | 261 mm | overcast | 89% | 8.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 258 mm | overcast | 89% | 9.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 7° | -1° | 262 mm | overcast | 90% | 9.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
How to Get to Errigal
Mount Errigal (County Donegal) - the usual access is by car from Letterkenny. Drive roughly 25-30 km west from Letterkenny along the N56 and then local roads (approx 30-40 minutes) to the small villages at the mountain’s base (Dunlewey/Creeslough area) where parking and the main trailheads are located.
There is limited public transport directly to the trailhead; local buses run from Letterkenny toward Gweedore and nearby villages, but most visitors use a taxi or private car. From the parking/trailhead expect a short walk (1-2 km) to reach the lower slopes before beginning the climb.
Tips for Visiting Errigal
- Errigal is exposed and weather can change quickly; start your ascent early in the day to avoid afternoon cloud and stronger winds that commonly reduce visibility.
- Use the well‑used route from the commonly used parking/starting area at the mountain's base and allow extra time for slower walkers-the upper slopes are steep and pathfinding can be tricky in poor visibility.