Exploring the area

Mountains

Mount Errigal

3 minutes

It stands as the highest peak in County Donegal, featuring a distinct quartzite cone visible from miles around. The hike up Errigal is moderately challenging, with some steep and rocky sections. The views from the summit, overlooking the surrounding countryside and coastline, are truly breathtaking.

  • It stands as the highest peak in County Donegal, featuring a distinct quartzite cone visible from miles around. The hike up Errigal is moderately challenging, with some steep and rocky sections. The views from the summit, overlooking the surrounding countryside and coastline, are truly breathtaking.

    Getting There from Seoidin: From Seoidin, head towards the R251 road and follow signs to Dunlewey. Once in Dunlewey, continue along the road until you reach the car park at the base of Errigal. It's a short drive, approximately 15-20 minutes.

    Parking and Trailhead: There's a designated car park at the foot of Errigal, offering ample space for vehicles. This is the starting point for the ascent.

    Staying Safe: Hiking Errigal is generally safe, but it's crucial to respect the mountain and be aware of your limits. If the weather worsens or visibility decreases, consider turning back. Inform someone about your hiking plans and estimated return time.

    Taking on Mount Errigal is a rewarding experience, offering stunning panoramas and a chance to immerse oneself in Donegal's natural beauty.

Mount Mackoght

4 minutes

Aghla More is a part of the Derryveagh range and provides fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Poison Glen and Mount Errigal. The climb involves rough and rocky terrain, making it a moderately challenging but rewarding hike.

  • About Mount Mackoght: Aghla More is a part of the Derryveagh range and provides fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Poison Glen and Mount Errigal. The climb involves rough and rocky terrain, making it a moderately challenging but rewarding hike.

    Getting There from Seoidin: Head towards the R251 road and follow directions towards Dunlewey. You'll find access points to the Derryveagh Mountains in this area. The hike to Mount Mackoght typically starts from the Poison Glen or the Errigal-Mackoght col.

    Parking and Trailhead: There might not be designated parking specifically for Mount Mackoght, but you can park at nearby lots for the Poison Glen or the base of Mount Errigal, depending on your chosen route.

Slieve League (Sliabh Liag)

1 hour 40 minutes

Slieve League or Slieve Liag meaning 'mountain of stone pillars’ is a mountain on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal, Ireland. At 601 metres (1,972 ft), it has the second-highest sea cliffs in Ireland ,and some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

  • About Slieve League: Belfast naturalist Robert Lloyd Praeger wrote in 1939 A tall mountain of nearly 2000 feet, precipitous on its northern side, has been devoured by the sea till the southern face forms a precipice likewise, descending on this side right into the Atlantic from the long knife-edge which forms the summit. The traverse of this ridge, the "One Man's Path", is one of the most remarkable walks to be found in Ireland - not actually dangerous, but needing a good head and careful progress on a stormy day....The northern precipice, which drops 1500 feet into the coomb surrounding the Little Lough Agh, harbours the majority of the alpine plants of Slieve League, the most varied group of alpines to be found anywhere in Donegal.

    Slieve League is often photographed from a viewpoint known as Bunglass. It can be reached by means of a narrow road that departs from Teelin. The final few kilometers of this route are built along a precipice and include several places where the road turns at the crest of a rise.

    Getting There from Seoidin:

    * Head northwest on the R257.

    * At Dunlewey, take the N56 road toward Donegal Town.

    * Continue on the N56 until you reach Carrick and follow signs for Slieve League.

    Safety and Precautions: When exploring Slieve League, be cautious near the cliffs as they can be steep and rugged. Stick to marked trails, and if hiking, ensure you have suitable gear and are mindful of changing weather conditions.

Muckish Mountain

45 minutes

Muckish (Irish: Mucais / an Mhucais, meaning '[the] pig's back') is a distinctive flat-topped mountain in the Derryveagh Mountains of County Donegal, Ireland. At 667.1 metres (2,189 ft), it is the third-highest peak in the Derryveagh Mountains and the 163rd highest in Ireland. Muckish is also the most northern and second highest of the mountain chain called the "Seven Sisters" by locals. The Seven Sisters are Muckish, Crocknalaragagh, Aghla Beg, Ardloughnabrackbaddy, Aghla More, Mackoght, and Errigal.

  • About Muckish: High-grade quartz sand was mined on the flanks of the mountain; the remains of the quarry workings can be seen on its northern side. The "Miner's Path" is a route to the summit up the northern side of the mountain. Part of this route follows the path used by the workers to reach the quarry. The sand was exported and was mainly used in the manufacture of optical glass. A less difficult route to the summit begins from the Muckish Gap on the southern side of the mountain.

    A large cairn (man-made mound of stones), visible from sea level, can be found on the summit plateau. This marks a Bronze Age court tomb. In 2000, a large metal cross was placed on the summit, replacing a wooden one that had been destroyed in a storm. The new cross was placed much closer to the northern end of the mountain, while the cairn is towards the south.

    Falcarragh, Moyra, Dunfanaghy, and Creeslough are the villages nearest to Muckish. On the Falcarragh side lies Mám na Mucaise ("gap of Muckish") in which one finds Droichead na nDeor ("bridge of tears"). It was from this bridge that many thousands of Cloughaneely emigrants bade farewell to family members. Percy French, the famous poet, visited the district at the beginning of the 20th century and while in Falcarragh Hotel he wrote a poem called "An Irish Mother".

    Getting There from Seoidin:

    From Seoidin, head northwest on the R257 towards Falcarragh.

    Continue on the R256 towards Creeslough, then take the R251 towards Muckish.

    Parking: There's parking available at the Muckish Mountain trailhead, providing access to various hiking routes. Be cautious while hiking, especially in wet weather, and it's advisable to check the weather forecast before your hike.

    Safety and Precautions:

    Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast before the hike. Errigal's summit can be mist-covered, so ensure good visibility.

    Clothing and Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. Dress in layers, as conditions can change quickly.

    Navigation: Stick to the defined trail and be cautious on the steep sections. Pay attention to markers and follow the path.

    Hiking Time: The round trip usually takes around 3-4 hours, but this can vary based on fitness and weather conditions. Tell someone before you go and your expected return time so they can call for help on your behalf, if needed.

    Water and Supplies: Carry enough water and snacks for the hike. It's essential to stay hydrated.