It must have been a zillion years since I climbed Errigal Mountain.
It was certainly long before Ireland and the world shut down, we all wore facemasks and took it in turns to go into corner shops.
On Saturday, we decided on a whim to give it a go again. Donegal’s highest peak, all 751 metres or 2,464 feet of it.
It was close to lunchtime as we passed the entrance to Glenveagh National Park and headed towards the Poison Glen in Dunlewey.
As the road straightened and Errigal came into view, we realised that our idea was not an original one given it was a Bank Holiday weekend.
The modest car park at the foot of the mountain was already full with registration plates from as far away as Germany and as near as Termon (the GAA club colours gave it away.)
We followed the crowd and pulled in behind a row of cars parked along the side of the road.
Although it was dry, a heavy mist hung over the peak of the mountain like someone had chopped the heads off a family photo.
The difference between climbing Errigal now compared with my previous attempts is the pathway which takes you to the foot of the mountain.
At a cost of more than €650,000 and a bit of change, climbing Errigal is much more accessible.
Back in the day, getting to just that point was a trek across bog which often left your thighs feeling like they’d run a marathon before you even began the ascent.
These days Errigal is a family affair. Kids, grandparents and even dogs file past us having completed the climb as we begin ours.
To me, the key to an enjoyable climb up Errigal is taking it steady and not trying to reach Mark English PB standards.
Without stating the obvious, there are a number of steep sections to climbing Errigal but the new pathway has certainly made it safer.
That said, good footwear as well warm clothing is vital as it can and does get windy and cold at the top of the mountain.
The top of the mountain can get quite busy as we found out on our Bank Holiday weekend visit.
And you never know who you will meet or pass along the way – after we literally bumped into a certain former Kerry footballer Kieran Donaghy.
On a clear day, words fail to do the view justice.
Even on our misty day, we managed to get a break in the clouds and could see Tory Island and the Back Strand in Falcarragh.
Coming down the mountain has to be treated with even more care than going up it as underfoot conditions and some loose chippings can make it dangerous.
Again caution is the key word for all so not as to put a dampener on such a fulfilling day.
Like watching Michael Murphy play, tasting Football Special, hearing Clannad or visiting Tory Island, climbing Errigal is a box on the Donegal ‘to do’ list that has to be ticked.
Don’t put it off.
Tick the box and give yourself a summer memory that will live with you fondly for many years.
SM
Why you’ll feel better if you tick the ‘Errigal’ box before summer departs was last modified: August 3rd, 2025 by
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