Seven Sisters Mountain Range – Peaks Overview

Overview

The Seven Sisters is a locally‑named chain of seven peaks that runs through the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in County Donegal. From north to south the line comprises Muckish, Crocknalaragagh, Aghla Beg, Ardloughnabrackbaddy, Aghla More, Mackoght (often called Wee Errigal), and the iconic Errigal. The range showcases a mix of granite tors, blanket bog, heather‑clad slopes and dramatic quartzite ridges. Aghla Beg (602 m) is the third‑most‑northern and fifth‑highest of the group, while Aghla More (581 m) sits just to its south, Crocknalaragagh (471 m) marks the northern edge, and Mackoght (555 m) offers a lower‑lying but striking counterpart to Errigal.

History & Background

• Aghla Beg – The Irish Achadh Leath (or Aghlas) translates to “hill” or “mountain”, a name that reflects its long use as a shepherd’s waypoint. Early‑20th‑century surveyors erected a trig point on its twin summits, marking the peak on the national map. The stone cairn that now sits beside the trig point is a later addition by hill‑walkers.
• Aghla More – An Eachla Mhór means “great lookout point”, a fitting description for a summit that has acted as a natural beacon for locals navigating the rugged interior. It is listed among Ireland’s Arderins, confirming its prominence of over 30 m.
• Crocknalaragagh – Sometimes rendered Na Leargacha, the name hints at ancient Gaelic landscape features. Though it lacks built monuments, the mountain has long guided fishermen and shepherds moving between inland townlands and the Atlantic coast.
• Mackoght – Mac Uchta (“son of the mountain‑breast”) earned the affectionate nickname “Wee Errigal” because of its visual relationship to the towering quartzite of Errigal. Its prominence of 150 m makes it a noticeable summit despite its modest height.
• The Seven Sisters have woven themselves into Donegal folklore, serving as navigation aids and grazing routes for generations of locals.

Trail Improvements & Facilities

Recent conservation work has upgraded sections of the Seven Sisters ridge, most notably on Errigal where a 1.4 km gravel path now bypasses a formerly boggy stretch and a series of steps have been installed to the summit, mirroring the improvements on Croagh Patrick. While Aghla Beg and Aghla More retain their classic, un‑paved character, the new way‑marked sections on neighbouring peaks make the whole ridge more accessible for walkers of varying ability. Trig points, cairns and updated OSI map references (Sheet 11) aid navigation, and the Errigal Mountain Hike car‑park on the R251 provides a clearly sign‑posted, free parking area for 10‑12 vehicles.

Getting There

By Car

• Aghla Beg & Aghla More circuit – The most common start is the lay‑by on the R256 near the village of Ardara. Parking is limited (a few spaces beside the road), so arrive early in the summer. The village is home to the Ardara Heritage Centre, which offers local history displays and a small café.
• Mackoght & Errigal loop – Use the Errigal Mountain Hike car‑park on the R251 (just off the N56). The car‑park holds around 10‑12 cars, is free and is the official meet‑up point for the Ireland 7 Summits Challenge.
• Crocknalaragagh – A small, unmarked car‑park a few kilometres east of Falcarragh serves walkers heading north.

Public Transport

The nearest town with regular bus services is Letterkenny (about 30 km south). From Letterkenny you can catch a local Bus Éireann service to Ardara or Falcarragh and then arrange a short taxi ride to the trailheads.

Accommodation

• Glenveagh National Park (near Letterkenny) offers a range of B&Bs and guesthouses in the villages of Dunlewey and Dunfanaghy. Both provide easy access to the Seven Sisters and have facilities such as cafés and visitor information.
• Camping – Designated campsites exist at the Glenveagh Castle grounds and at the Errigal car‑park (wild‑camping is permitted in accordance with the Irish Mountaineering Club’s Leave‑No‑Trace guidelines).

Guided Hikes & Training Courses

Local outfitters such as Black Mountaineering and Outsider.ie run day‑trip guided hikes covering the Aghla Beg & Aghla More circuit, often combined with a visit to Glenveagh. These walks include navigation tips, weather briefings and a short history of the ridge. For those wanting to sharpen their mountain‑skills, Black Mountaineering also offers accredited Mountaineering Ireland courses (Mountain Skills 1 & 2) during the summer season, covering map reading, route planning, weather assessment and emergency procedures.

Flora & Fauna

The ridge is typical of Donegal’s upland ecology: winter‑green heather, low‑lying blanket bog and occasional patches of alpine‑type saxifrages in late spring. Birdwatchers can spot golden‑eagles, merlins and meadow pipits, while the bogs are home to red‑winged black‑birds and occasional otters in the nearby streams.

Seasonal Highlights

• Late spring (May‑June) – Wildflowers such as mountain avens and alpine lady‑fern carpet the higher ground, making for excellent photography.
• Summer (July‑August) – Long daylight hours allow for full‑day circuits; the quartzite of Errigal glows pink at sunset, a view that can be enjoyed from Aghla Beg’s western ridge.
• Autumn (September‑October) – The heather turns gold‑brown and the sky often brings dramatic Atlantic light; be aware of increased rain making bog sections slippery.
• Winter – Snow can linger on the higher cols, turning the ridge into a challenging winter hike; proper equipment and experience are essential.

What to See & Do

• Aghla Beg – Hikers encounter rocky outcrops, heather patches and occasional boggy sections after rain. The twin summits are marked by a trig point and a modest stone cairn, providing an ideal photo backdrop.
• Aghla More – The summit rewards walkers with uninterrupted panoramas of the Donegal Highlands, the Atlantic coastline and neighbouring peaks such as Errigal and Muckish. The popular Aghla More & Aghla Beg circuit is a 12.4 km loop that starts from a lay‑by on the R256.
• Crocknalaragagh – A 12.8 km ascent (≈2,050 m total climb) offers sweeping views over Donegal Bay and the surrounding peaks. The route begins at a small car‑park east of Falcarragh and is favoured by photographers chasing the Atlantic light.
• Mackoght (Wee Errigal) – Despite its lower height, the peak delivers 360° panoramas of Lough Altan, the surrounding Seven Sisters and, on clear days, the Atlantic horizon. The Mackoght & Errigal loop starts at the Errigal Mountain Hike car‑park on the R251 and can be tackled in two main variations, catering to both moderate walkers and more ambitious hikers.
• Overall experience – Traversing the Seven Sisters provides a varied terrain of granite tors, blanket bog, and grassy ridges, punctuated by historic trig points and natural cairns. The range is especially photogenic in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon when the Atlantic haze paints the quartzite peaks in muted blues.

Nearby Attractions

• Glenveagh National Park – Home to the iconic Errigal summit, Glenveagh Castle and the Poisoned Glen. The park’s visitor centre offers maps and information on the Seven Sisters.
• Ards Forest Park – A short 25‑minute drive north, offering forest walks that link to coastal beaches.
• Ballymastocker Bay – A Blue Flag beach with spectacular sea cliffs, ideal for a post‑hike dip.
• Dunlewey Church (Poisoned Glen) – A small 19th‑century church set in a dramatic glen, reachable via a short side‑track from the Aghla Beg circuit.

Events & Guided Walks

• Ireland 7 Summits Challenge® – Seven Sisters – The annual challenge runs from March to September. In 2026 the Seven Sisters leg is scheduled for 5 September, meeting at the Errigal car‑park. Participants can choose standard, intermediate or advanced routes and receive a guidebook and safety briefing. For registration and the latest details see the Black Mountaineering event page.
• Local guided walks – Companies such as Black Mountaineering and Outsider.ie run day‑trip guided hikes covering the Aghla Beg & Aghla More circuit, often combined with a visit to Glenveagh. These walks include navigation tips, weather briefings and a brief history of the ridge.

Contact & Booking for the 7 Summits Challenge

• Meet‑up point: Errigal Mountain Hike car‑park (R251, near Dunlewey).
• Date (2026): 5 September.
• Host accommodation: Errigal Hostel – An Óige (contact: errigal@anoige.ie, phone 074 953 1180).
• Registration fee: €59 (standard route) – see the Black Mountaineering booking page for the full price list and discount options.

Practical Information

• Access points:
  • Aghla Beg & Aghla More circuit: Parking at the R256 lay‑by (small lay‑by with limited spaces).
  • Mackoght & Errigal loop: Errigal Mountain Hike car‑park on the R251 (well‑signposted, free parking for about 10‑12 cars).
  • Crocknalaragagh: Small car‑park a few kilometres east of Falcarragh; suitable for short‑term stops.
• Distances & elevation: Loops range from 12 km (Aghla circuit) to 13 km (Crocknalaragagh route) with total ascents between 1,900 m and 2,050 m. Expect moderate to strenuous effort depending on weather.
• Navigation: Trig points on Aghla Beg and Aghla More, as well as grid references (e.g., Crocknalaragagh at 55°04’60”N, 8°01’60”W) aid orientation. A detailed OSI Discovery Series map (Sheet 11) is recommended.
• Season & conditions: The best walking window is late spring to early autumn. Autumn storms can make boggy sections treacherous; waterproof boots and gaiters are advisable.
• Safety: The terrain can become slippery after rain; carry a map, compass and a fully charged phone. Inform someone of your intended route and expected return time.
• Facilities: No permanent facilities exist on the summits. Pack out all litter and respect the fragile upland environment.

Whether tackling a single summit or looping the entire Seven Sisters, hikers are treated to some of the most dramatic scenery in the Republic of Ireland—an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, Gaelic heritage and rugged adventure.