Slí an Earagail is an easy, looped section of the longer Slí Dhún na nGall, which covers the Gaeltacht area of west County Donegal.
This circular, relatively flat route is named after An Earagail, or Mount Errigal (751m), which rises to the east, The mountain’s pyramidic, grey-streaked quartzite cone is frequently visible along this pleasant trail, even from the salt-aired coastal stretches.
A 77km loop, Slí an Earagail’s terrain consists of sometimes rough coastal paths, forestry tracks, bog roads and relatively quiet public roads. The total aggregate ascent over the entire route is 720m.
Rich in famed Donegal scenery, including a promenade through moorland just under An Earagail, walkers will also enjoy spectacular island-scattered Atlantic views and stretches beside two beautiful lakes.
Accommodation options and rest stops for welcome pots of tea are plentiful along the route, particularly in the towns of Falcarragh, Derrybeg, Bunbeg and Gweedore.
Trail details
- Type:
- Long Distance Waymarked Way
- Location:
- Falcarragh
- Grade:
- Moderate
- Format:
- Loop
- Length:
- 76.20km
At Start - in Visitor Centre car park at Dunlewy
At End - in Visitor Centre car park in Dunlewy
- Walkers will encounter two idyllic lakes on this trail, Lough Nacung and Lough Dunlewy.
- The walking trail is located in the Donegal Gaeltacht. Irish is the primary language here so why not try out your cúpla focail.
- The Slí an Earagail trail is a short drive from Glenveagh National Park - one of Ireland’s six stunning National Parks.
- If you’re taking this trail in the summer months, there are two island ‘spurs’ you could add to your walk – one on the rugged and rocky, legend-rich island of Tory, and the other on the tiny green island of Gola. Both islands are accessible by ferry during the summer months.
