The best cycling routes around Lough Barra

Mount Errigal dominates the landscape of West Donegal with its 751-meter-high quartzite pyramid. From the road around Dunlewy and Gweedore, you'll see the mountain constantly change shape: first broad and massive, then sharp and almost symmetrical as you get closer. The light grey scree slopes and the open moorland valleys around it give Errigal an almost alpine appearance, unique to this region. For cyclists, Errigal is primarily a visual anchor point: a constant presence above the Derryveagh Mountains, visible for miles ahead and behind you. In clear weather, the summit reflects in Dunlewy Lough, making this one of Donegal's most impressive panoramas. The surroundings are open, rugged, and vast — precisely the kind of landscape that makes a ride here so special.

Mount Errigal (751 m) is the highest mountain in Donegal and one of Ireland's most iconic peaks. The mountain is immediately striking with its sharp, pyramid-shaped silhouette and its quartz summit that shines almost white in sunlight. Errigal stands apart from the surrounding hills, giving it a dominant presence from all directions — especially when driving inland from Dungloe, Doochary, or Dunlewey.

Langs Lough Craghy the road follows a beautiful, quiet stretch through the open moorland, where water, rock and sky merge. The asphalt winds gently between the granite boulders and the dark peatlands, while the deep blue of the lake reappears between the undulations. This is cycling to the rhythm of Donegal: short, playful climbs, unexpected bends, and the occasional rougher stretch of road, but always with an overwhelming silence around you. The slight ascents open up the view ever further. Behind you, the contours of the Atlantic coast fade, while in front of you, the shadow of Errigal slowly grows on the horizon.

Leave the beaten track and opt for the tranquility of Craghy. This narrow, winding road takes you through an almost alien landscape of peatlands, scattered granite boulders, and deep blue lakes like Lough Craghy. It feels like pure Donegal cycling: the road follows the natural undulations of the terrain, giving you a playful rhythm of short climbs, unexpected turns, and the odd bit of rougher tarmac, but always with an overwhelming silence around you. Because you're riding a little higher here, the landscape opens up completely. On clear days, you see the contours of the Atlantic coast behind you and, in front of you, the impressive shadow of Errigal growing above the horizon. While most travellers follow the coast road, you discover the heart of the Gaeltacht here — a hidden gem and the ideal inland route from Dungloe towards Doochary or the Gweebarra Valley.

Here the cycle path still runs completely separate from the N56: a wide, quiet strip in its own bed that takes you completely away from traffic for a while. The route here winds gently through the hilly landscape, with an open view of the valley and the river below.

"Where the mountains rise to the oft-changing skies, And the castle stands stately and gray; Where the still lake still lies, beneath that wild, rugged hill, In the vale of lovely Glenveagh..." By Herbert W.K. Sterritt

The route out of the valley is not recommended with heavy equipment, but it is possible, but it is extremely strenuous and only possible if you push the bike. With lighter luggage and the right bike, it is more likely to be possible.

Towering above all else in the Derryveagh Mountains, Errigal is one of Ireland's most photogenic mountains. From this direction, it looks every bit the classic peak, its scree slopes tumbling from an arrowed quartzite summit. The ascent options from this direction are as exciting as its appearance would suggest. The North Ridge is a superb grade one scramble, while the neighbouring Tower Ridge is a steeper, more committing grade three scramble.