Public asked not to climb Errigal as heavy rain displaces parts of new path

Heavy rain has washed away part of the new path on Errigal – and the public have been asked not to climb the mountain while the damage is assessed.

Last year, work on the new 3km pathway, costing €630,000, was completed having got underway in April, 2022.

However, heavy rain this week saw part of the path washed away.

An estimated 40,000 people climb Errigal, Donegals largest mountain and one of the Seven Sisters of the Derryveagh mountains, every year.

A spokesperson for the Errigal Mountain Project said: “We have assessed the situation and see no option but to close the path until we decide on a course of action on how to repair the damage.

“This is extremely unfortunate as there has been a huge investment by the local community and Donegal County Council both in terms of time, effort and finances.

“We respectfully ask that you do not climb the mountain at this time.”

The Donegal Mountain Rescue Team reiterated the plea. DMRT said: “We're sorry to see that the Errigal path has been closed due to rain damage.

“Until repairs are conducted, we would strongly recommend that everyone head the advice released and avoid Errigal Mountain altogether.”