Slí An Earagail – Sli Dhun na nGall

Slí an Earagail is a section of the 280km Slí Dhún na nGall that covers a Gaeltacht area of west County Donegal: in Gaeltacht areas Gaelic is the primary language. The circular, relatively flat route is named after Errigal mountain (751m), which rises to the east and whose pyramidic, grey-streaked quartzite cone is a presence frequently visible along the route, even from the coastal stretches. It is a richly varied route through landscapes that represent the best in Donegal scenery, including a promenade through moorland just under Errigal, spectacular island-scattered Atlantic sea coast and stretches beside two beautiful lakes, Lough Nacung and Lough Dunlewy. The terrain consists of coastal paths (some rough), forestry tracks, bog roads and mainly quiet public roads. Total aggregate ascent over the entire route is 720m. There are plenty of accommodation options along the route, including the towns of Falcarragh, Derrybeg, Bunbeg and Gweedore, from which there is a 4.5 km connection to another of the Donegal walks, Sli na Rosann, by way of a link that is partly on a busy road. There are in addition two island €˜spurs’ that are well worth including – 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.