Overview
Aghla Beg has two summits, which catches a lot of walkers out. The northern top stands at 564 m, the higher southern top at 603 m, and the Irish name An Eachla Bheag means ‘the small lookout’. It is the third peak from the north in the Seven Sisters, a locally named chain of seven tops running through the Derryveagh Mountains in County Donegal. From north to south the line is Muckish, Crocknalaragagh, Aghla Beg, Ardloughnabrackbaddy, Aghla More, Mackoght and the quartzite cone of Errigal. Aghla Beg is the fifth-highest of the group, a mix of heather, blanket bog and rocky outcrop with long views over Lough Feeane and the Atlantic.
There is a trig point on the ridge from an early 20th-century survey and a small cairn added by walkers since. That is about it for built features, which is rather the point of the place.
The other sisters
- Aghla More – An Eachla Mhór, ‘the great lookout point’, at 581 m. It is listed among Ireland’s Arderins.
- Crocknalaragagh – sometimes given as Na Leargacha, 471 m, marking the northern end of the ridge.
- Mackoght – Mac Uchta, ‘son of the mountain-breast’, nicknamed ‘Wee Errigal’ for the way it sits in Errigal’s shadow. Its 150 m prominence makes it a striking, easily reached top.
The Seven Sisters worked as navigation aids and grazing routes long before they were walking routes, and they later became the backbone of hillwalking in this corner of Donegal.
The walking
The ridge has been left largely as it is. There are no boardwalks or paved paths on Aghla Beg, though recent conservation work on Errigal has improved access across the wider Derryveagh area. Be honest with yourself about navigation before you set out: this is open mountain, and in mist the twin tops are exactly the sort of feature that sends people down the wrong spur.
Circuits
- Aghla Beg and Aghla More – a 12–13 km loop from a lay-by on the R256, moderate to strenuous, with around 1,900 m of total ascent over heather moorland, shallow bog and rock before both summits.
- Mackoght and Errigal – from the signposted Errigal Mountain Hike car park on the R251, popular with day-walkers and challenge events, with two variations depending on time and fitness.
- Crocknalaragagh – a 12.8 km route, about 2,050 m of climbing, from a small car park east of Falcarragh, with sweeping Atlantic light and views over Lough Altan.
Maps and navigation
The trig points on Aghla Beg and Aghla More and the cairns help, but bring an Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series map (Sheet 2 or Sheet 11 depending on the edition). Treat a GPS or phone app as backup, not your main tool, especially in mist or winter.
When to go
- Late spring (May–June): mountain avens, alpine lady’s fern and early wildflowers on the higher ground, mild temperatures and lengthening days.
- Summer (July–August): long enough days for full circuits. Errigal’s quartzite often glows pink at sunset, best seen from Aghla Beg’s western ridge.
- Autumn (September–October): heather turns gold-brown and Atlantic storms bring moody light, but the bog gets slippery, so waterproof boots and gaiters earn their place.
- Winter: snow and ice can linger on the higher cols. This is for experienced walkers with crampons, an ice axe and winter navigation skills only.
Pack waterproof boots, layers with a windproof and waterproof outer, map and compass, a charged phone, snacks and at least 1.5 litres of water. Weather in the Derryveagh changes quickly, so check a reliable forecast before you head out.
Getting there
- Aghla Beg and More: park at the R256 lay-by. Spaces are limited, so arrive early in peak season.
- Mackoght and Errigal: the free Errigal Mountain Hike car park on the R251, around 10–12 spaces.
- Crocknalaragagh: a small unmarked pull-in east of Falcarragh.
The nearest town with regular buses is Letterkenny, with local Bus Éireann routes onward, but you will usually still need a short taxi to the trailheads. For a bed, B&Bs and guesthouses in Dunlewey and Dunfanaghy put you close to the ridge and Glenveagh National Park. Afterwards, the drive through the Glengesh Pass, the Assaranca Waterfall or the Ardara Heritage Centre are all within reach.
Practical information
- Access: free parking at all trailheads, no fees or permits.
- Facilities: none on the summits. Pack out all litter and respect the fragile upland.
- Safety: the terrain gets treacherous after rain. Tell someone your route and expected return, and carry a whistle, a basic first-aid kit and a power bank.
- Challenge events: the Ireland 7 Summits Challenge includes a Seven Sisters leg each year, usually in September, with registration, route guides and briefings handled by local outfitters such as Black Mountaineering. Check their website for dates and prices.