There are very few mountains in Ireland that compare to the isolated stature of Errigal Mountain in the Derryveagh Mountains in western Donegal. At 751m high it is Donegal's highest point as it sits in a commanding position above Dunlewey Village. As such it receives a huge amount of walking visitors to its twin pinpoint summits all year round.
Errigal lives at the southern end of the seven Sisters, it is the steepest and highest summit of this famous Irish mountain chain.
The Mountain is known for its unusual ability to completely change its shape as you drive around it, with its classic jagged peak view being from the North.
By far the most popular way to the twin summits of Errigal is by the very popular south face route. This is the least steep route up Errigal and it begins at the roadside car park at the base of the south face of the mountain. For experienced hillwalkers in good weather and light winds, this route is a very leisurely three-hour round trip steep walk from car to car.
The steepest and most dramatic way to climb Errigal is up the steep and skinny north ridge. The north face of Errigal comprises two steep ridges separated by a wide loose and shattered gully. The primary ridge runs directly north and provides an excellent grade 1 scramble on a reasonably well-defined path with lots of excellent views and exposure in a very mountainous setting. The secondary ridge runs about five degrees to the west and is called Tower Ridge, it is a much steeper and much more exposed affair than the north ridge. Most people will require the use of a rope and a small selection of climbing gear for a safe ascent, as this ridge is a very steep but excellent grade 3 scramble.
When Errigal wears its winter coat it turns into a completely different animal mush more details for climbing Errigal in winter conditions CLICK HERE.
From the roadside car park on the R251, simply follow the path out of the car park going directly up the hill. This excellent newly constructed path leads you the best way to the summit. The path has at times lots of loose rock underfoot and higher up there are big drops tumbling down the east face of the mountain. Continue to follow this slightly more rugged path to the twin summits of Errigal. Descend back to the car park by the same path.
The steepest and most dramatic way to climb Errigal is up the steep and skinny north ridge. The north face of Errigal comprises two steep ridges separated by a wide loose and shattered gully. The primary ridge runs directly north and provides an excellent grade 1 scramble on a reasonably well-defined path with lots of excellent views and exposure in a very mountainous setting. The secondary ridge runs about five degrees to the west and is called Tower Ridge, it is a much steeper and much more exposed affair than the north ridge. Most people will require the use of a rope and a small selection of climbing gear for a safe ascent, as this ridge is a very steep but excellent grade 3 scramble.
The easiest way to access the north face of Errigal is to ascend the south face route as above but instead of veering left to climb the south ridge. Continue straight to the col between Errigal and Mac Uchta from here cross the huge basin filled with glacial moraine and deep heaven to gain the base of the north face. This section is pretty much pathless and is very loose underfoot as you navigate your way through the boulders. Once at the base of the north face ascent the very steep scree slope to find and follow the mountain track that takes you up this face to the north summit. This is by far the more interesting and mountainous way up Errigal but does require a good amount of mountain knowledge and some experience of unroped scrambling. When Errigal wears its winter coat it turns into a completely different animal mush more details for climbing Errigal and the rest of the Donegal mountains in winter conditions CLICK HERE.
In general, the quartzite on Errigal is far too shattered and broken to provide any good quality climbing. On the crags scattered about on the north face is a collection of V. Diff climbs that take most of the main features on these cliffs including some short climbs on the Dolorite walls at the top of the west face. By far the best rock climbing on Errigal is found on a perfect 25-meter slab of Quartz found at the top of the west face just below the mountains south summit. The climbing is excellent on small positive holds and good but at times small gear. The base of the crag has a very convenient flat area and the recess at the top of the crag is the perfect place for belays.
Access to the crag is by simply climbing Errigal from the south face car park mentioned above. Just before the final little steepening to the south summit, descend carefully down the very steep and loose ground towards Dunlewey. Carefully make your way down for approximately 50 meters and the crag will appear on your right.
Glantoir Simlear V. Diff
Climb the deep chimney at the left-hand side of the crag.
I. Miller 13/05/19
Briseadh Iomlan Severe *
Climb Glantoir Simlear until above the deep section, pull out right and climb the deep crack in the left side of the main face.
I. Miller 13/05/19
Dunlewey View HS 4b **
Climb direct to the break in the mid crag height overlap just left of the centre of the face. Pull through the overlap and climb to the highest point of the crag.
I. Miller, L. Murdiff 13/05/19
Flying Fox Groove S 4a *
Climb up direct to below the deep groove, From here pull out left and climb up the right side of the main face.
I. Miller, L. Murdiff 22/05/19
Slabtastic S 4a Climb the centre of the slab to the right of the main face.
I. Miller 22/05/19