News

European funding to protect Donegal's Mount Errigal

A snow-capped Mount Errigal
A snow-capped Mount Errigal A snow-capped Mount Errigal

MORE than €500,000 has been secured in EU funding to protect Donegal’s Mount Errigal.

The spectacular cone-shaped mountain draws thousands of visitors from all over the world each year keen to take in the spectacular views from the top of the 2,464 ft mountain. With its shale slopes and “one man’s pass” at the summit, Mount Errigal is accessible to tourists with caution.

Standing over Gweedore, the breath-taking Poison Glen and Dunlewey, Mount Errigal is often used as a symbol for the entire county of Donegal. In 2009, leading hiking magazine, “Walking and Hiking in Ireland” voted the landmark Ireland’s most iconic mountain.

Errigal has featured in many films and in literature about Donegal. Singer Enya brought it to world-wide acclaim when she included the mountain in the video for her “How Can I Keep From Singing?” hit.

The work to be carried out with the EU funding will include signage and crucial preservation work. A research design team will also be established to oversee the work.

Donegal independent councillor, Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig said it was fantastic news and a major step forward for the people of Dunlewey who had been campaigning for the work.

Sinn Féin councillor, John Shéamais Ó Fearraigh said the work on the mountain and on the surrounding terrain would help ensure the future of the landmark feature.

“Mount Errigal is an iconic landmark and is a symbol for this county. Today’s funding announcement will enable the landmark to receive the recognition which it so thoroughly deserves as one of Ireland’s most beautiful natural land feature,” he said.