Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mount Errigal (An Earagail)
The mountain (2,400 feet) dominates the horizon for miles around. Rising from the rel-
atively flat interior bog land, it looks taller from a distance than it is. Beautifully cone-
shaped (but not a volcano), it offers a hearty, non-technical climb with panoramic views
(four hours round-trip, covering five miles). Hikers should get a weather report before set-
ting out (frequent mists squat on the summit).
Donegal or Bust
Part of western County Donegal is in the Gaeltacht, where locals speak the Irish
(Gaelic) language. In the spring of 2005, a controversial law was passed that erased
all English place names from local road signs in Gaeltacht areas. Signs now only
have the Irish-language equivalent, an attempt to protect the region from the further
(and inevitable) encroachment of the English language.
Here's a cheat sheet to help you decipher the signs as you drive the Donegal loop
(parts of which are in the Gaeltacht). There's also a complete translation of all Irish
place names in the recommended
Complete Road Atlas of Ireland
by Ordnance Sur-
vey (€10), in the Gazetteer section in the back.
Gaelic Name
Pronounced
English Name
