Mackoght

About Mackoght

Often overshadowed by its towering neighbor Errigal, this distinctive quartzite peak is better known to locals as Little Errigal. Its steep, scree-sloped profile offers a short, sharp ascent from the Dunlewey road, providing an intimate perspective of Errigal’s dramatic ridge and the deep, shimmering waters of Altan Lough below.

Key Statistics

Find It

Did You Know?

• •The name Mackoght is derived from the Irish 'Mac Uchta', which translates as 'son of the mountain breast' or 'son of the slope', reflecting its position as a smaller companion to the massive Errigal.
• •While Errigal is the more popular destination, Mackoght is considered the superior vantage point for photographers wanting to capture the iconic, symmetrical shape of Errigal’s summit and its steep scree flanks.
• •The hill is largely composed of white quartzite; this mineral gives the peak its pale, shimmering appearance, which can be mistaken for a dusting of snow from a distance, even in mid-summer.
• •From the summit, walkers gain an exceptional view across the rugged Derryveagh Mountains, including the dark, precipitous cliffs of the Poisoned Glen and the distant peak of Slieve Snaght.
• •It serves as a useful litmus test for hikers: if you find the steep, shifting scree of Mackoght too taxing, you may want to treat its much larger neighbor with a great deal of respect before starting up.