Errigal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Errigal |
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A view of Errigal from Gweedore.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 751 m (2,464 ft) |
| Prominence | 688 m (2,257 ft) |
| Listing | County top (Donegal), P600, Marilyn, Hewitt |
| Naming | |
| Native name | An Earagail (Irish) |
| English translation | oratory |
| Geography | |
 Errigal
Location in Ireland
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| Parent range | Derryveagh Mountains |
| OSI/OSNI grid | B928207 |
| Topo map | OSi Discovery 1 |
Errigal (called An Earagail in Irish) is a famous mountain in County Donegal, Ireland. It stands tall at 751 meters (about 2,464 feet). Errigal is the highest point in all of County Donegal. It is also the tallest mountain in the Derryveagh Mountains range. It's known for its unique look and beautiful colors, especially at sunset.
Where is Errigal?
Errigal is the highest and steepest mountain in a group known as the "Seven Sisters." These mountains include Muckish, Crocknalaragagh, Aghla Beg, Ardloughnabrackbaddy, Aghla More, Mackoght, and Errigal itself. The mountain closest to Errigal is Mackoght. It is also called Little Errigal or Wee Errigal.
Errigal is famous for its pinkish glow. This happens when the sun sets and shines on its quartzite rock. Another cool thing about Errigal is how its shape seems to change. It looks different depending on where you are viewing it from. In 2009, people voted Errigal as 'Ireland's Most Iconic Mountain.'
What's in a Name?
Legend says that the Fir Bolg people named Errigal. They came from Greece and worshipped Errigal like they worshipped Mount Olympus. The name might come from the Latin word orare (meaning "to pray"). It could also come from the Greek word ekklesia (meaning "church"). Some experts think it's one of the oldest place names in Ireland.
A simpler idea for the name comes from an old Irish word, airecal. This word means "oratory," which is a small place for prayer. There isn't an old prayer building on the mountain today. So, the name might mean that the whole mountain was seen as a place for prayer.
Sometimes, people mistakenly call it "Mount Errigal." However, the correct name is just Errigal or An Earagail. In 2016, Ireland's tourism group, Fáilte Ireland, even said sorry for using the wrong name in a brochure. There is a hotel called Mount Errigal in Letterkenny, but that's not the mountain's name.
Climbing Errigal Mountain
Many people enjoy climbing Errigal. The most common way to start is from a car park. This car park is located off the R251 road. The path first goes over some wet and muddy ground. Then, you'll find a clear track through shiny loose rocks. This is where the real climb begins.
Once you reach the top, many climbers walk a short path called "One Man's Pass." This path is a bit narrow and open. It leads to the mountain's second, slightly lower peak. You don't need any special climbing gear to go up Errigal. However, it's always a good idea to be careful and watch your step.
Gallery
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Errigal covered in snow, seen from An Chúirt.
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A wide view from the top of Errigal.
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Errigal as seen from Slieve Snaght.
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Climbers making their way up Errigal.
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Errigal as seen from The Rosses area.
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An aerial view of Errigal and Gweedore.
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An old church building at the base of Errigal.
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Errigal as seen from Cloughaneely.
See also
In Spanish: Errigal para niños
