I have approached Croaghgorm from both E and W as part of routes over the central Bluestacks. It is a rugged mountain with fairly complex terrain approaching from neighbouring Ardnageer/Knockgorm on the eastern side (see here for previous part of a circuit). This ascent is south west from Ardnageer over firm but rough ground into a col. I kept close to the northern slopes, avoiding more complex ground running off south which could be difficult in poor visibility. The climb ahead arched around northwards with the summit hidden in mist. There is not a great height to be climbed going by the map but this is deceptive as have to climb in and out of a series of gullies.

I came across a 3x3 section of riveted aluminium, which i presume is part of the Sunderland aircraft which crashed here during the war (as described in Walk Guide West of Ireland by P. Simms & T. Whilde). This was in a gulley just before a perfectly formed little lough prior to the final climb to the summit area. If the gully is followed N it will reveal more parts of the aircraft, including two engine blocks, with further wreckage strewn over the hillside. There is also a poignant memorial on a rock further down the hill, including several rememberance wreaths placed over the years.
There is a cairn on climb to the summit - the true summit is about 5 minutes off to the N.W., past the end of a newly constructed fenceline, marked by the remains of a stone shelter. The mist was beginning to lift by this time and i got glimpses SW to Donegal Bay and NW to Lavagh More. Descend NW taking a bearing to point 597 on the map, skirting around this and the neighbouring loughs to descend steeply over grassy ground into Struell Gap.
The approach from the W was also from the Struell Gap, but in better weather and allowed me to fully appreciate the monster views from the hill, down into the deep Struell valley and further afield to the other high peaks of Donegal. Bathed in sunlight the hill and those surrounding it can take on a magical persona, rugged, rocky, wild, beuatiful, isolated and even warm (just about). Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/150/comment/1015/