Overview
Raghtin More (Irish: Reachtain Mhór), also known locally as Slieve Keeroge, rises to 502 metres (1,647 ft) on the western fringe of the Inishowen Peninsula. As the highest point in the Urris Hills, it holds the 33rd position by height and 6th by prominence among County Donegal’s summits. The climb delivers a straightforward but satisfying reward: a stone megalithic cairn and a classic triangulation pillar sitting above a sweeping panorama that stretches across Lough Swilly, down the Atlantic coast to Malin Head, and inland toward the Mourne and Sperrin ranges on clear days.
The Summit Walk
The standard route is an 8.5 km loop that typically takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. It begins at the small, signposted lay-by at Glenevin Waterfall on the R238. From the car park, the trail climbs steadily through a mix of open heather, peat bog, and occasional rocky outcrops before cresting Raghtin More and dipping down to its lower neighbour, Raghtin Beag (416 m), before looping back to the start.
The path is well-trodden but unmarked by formal trail signs beyond the initial car park. Walkers should follow the natural contours and use the cairn and trig point as clear navigation markers. The terrain shifts from grassy tracks to soft boggy ground, so waterproof walking boots with good grip are essential. While the elevation gain is moderate, the exposure on the ridge can make the climb feel more strenuous in windy or wet conditions.
Landscape & Wildlife
Geologically, Raghtin More is built from metamorphic schist and quartzite, bedrock that has shaped the thin, acidic soils supporting a classic blanket bog ecosystem. In late summer, the upper slopes turn a deep purple as common heather blooms alongside cotton-grass and bog-bean.
The upland habitat supports a range of resident and migratory birds. Golden plovers and meadow pipits are common across the heath, while red-breasted mergansers frequent the nearby waterways. Keep an eye out for mountain hares blending into the peat, and occasional red deer moving through the lower wooded valleys. The open ridge also offers excellent conditions for landscape photography, particularly in the late afternoon when the light catches the coastal headlands of Leenan Bay and Dunaff Head.
Practical Details
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 502 m (1,647 ft) |
| Route Length | 8.5 km loop |
| Estimated Time | 3–4 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate – suitable for walkers with reasonable fitness and sturdy footwear |
| Parking | Free lay-by at Glenevin Waterfall (R238) |
| Admission | Free |
| Dog Policy | Dogs welcome; keep on a lead in boggy sections and during nesting season |
| Facilities | None on trail. Toilets and refreshments available in Buncrana |
The mountain is accessible year-round, but Donegal’s weather demands preparation. Late spring through early autumn offers the longest daylight and highest chance of clear coastal views. Winter visits bring snow, ice, and rapidly shifting visibility; experienced walkers should carry microspikes, a headtorch, and a reliable navigation device. Rain is frequent regardless of season, so a waterproof shell and insulated layers are non-negotiable.
Getting There & Local Base
Raghtin More sits roughly 30 km north of Derry and 45 km from Letterkenny. The most straightforward approach is by car via the R238, which runs directly past the Glenevin Waterfall trailhead. Public transport does not serve the mountain directly, but the Buncrana bus stop is the nearest stop, with local taxis able to cover the short distance to the car park. For flyers, Donegal Airport offers seasonal regional connections, while City of Derry Airport provides year-round domestic and European routes.
After the hike, Buncrana serves as the ideal recovery point. The town’s harbourfront and main street host a range of cafés, pubs, and guesthouses, plus a golf club if you want to extend your day. For those planning a broader Donegal itinerary, the mountain’s central Inishowen location makes it an easy staging post for coastal drives or a trip further south to the Bluestack Mountains.
Maps and route guidance are available through the Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series (Sheets 2 & 3), while digital hikers often rely on the PeakVisor app for 3D terrain previews. Start early to catch the morning light over Lough Swilly, and pack a packed lunch – there are no facilities on the trail, but the payoff is a quiet summit with uninterrupted views and a reliable descent back to the valley.