CALLS have been made for one of Co Donegal’s most iconic landmarks to be made more tourist-friendly.
Letterkenny mayor James Pat McDaid said the area around the base of Mount Errigal should be cleaned up while toilets and better car parking should be installed for visitors.
Overlooking the picturesque Poison Glen or Dunlewey, the mountain’s wild and rugged cone shape makes it instantly recognisable.
The 2,464ft peak, which stands close to Gweedore, is often used as a symbol for the entire county.
In 2009 Errigal was voted “Ireland’s most iconic mountain” by Walking and Hiking Ireland. The mountain’s quartzite, which gives off a pinkish glow in the setting sun, makes it particularly popular with artists.
Errigal found international acclaim after it was featured in the music video for Bono and Clannad’s In a Lifetime in 1985. Enya also used it in many of her music videos.
Thousands of people from across Ireland travel to Co Donegal each year to climb Errigal to take in the spectacular views from the summit.
Mr McDaid called for better facilities for visitors. The Fianna Fáil councillor was speaking after climbing the mountain as part of an autism charity event.
“I must say after seeing first-hand the state of the bottom of Errigal and all the muck and bog I think it’s time it was addressed,” he said.
Mr McDaid called for a path to be made through the lower part of the mountain to firmer ground.
He said EU funds are available specifically for such projects and suggested that an application could be made with the Mourne Mountains for funds aimed at addressing conservation in areas of natural beauty.
“There should also be larger car park facilities, maybe something for vans for food and toilets. This is beside Glenveagh and thousands of people go to it every year,” Mr McDaid said.
