Discover one of the gems of Ireland’s wild western coast on a Croagh Patrick pilgrimage. Ireland offers many areas of outstanding natural beauty. The Atlantic Coast, with its many inlets and islands, is the ideal place for a walking holiday in Ireland. Croagh Patrick mountain stands proudly on the edge of Country Mayo, and offers scenic views of Clew Bay and the Drumlin Islands in the majestic Atlantic Ocean.
Here are the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage facts and helpful tips to help you make the most of your experience!
What is Croagh Patrick?
Croagh Patrick Mountain is nicknamed the ‘the Reek’, and is an important site of Catholic pilgrimage in County Mayo in Ireland. It is a destination for followers of all faiths, although it is one of the world’s most well-know Christian pilgrimages (much like the Camino de Santiago routes).
‘Croagh’ means ‘Hill’ or ‘Mountain’ in the Irish language and it is a truly dominant feature of the local landscape. The summit of the mountain offers panoramic views for kilometres around.
The mountain got its name from Saint Patrick who is the patron saint of Ireland. According to legend, in 441AD, St Patrick travelled on his missionary expedition through Ireland to County Mayo.
There, he spent the 40 days of Lent (a period of self-reflection for Catholics) on the mountain fasting and praying. Historians credit Saint Patrick with driving snakes and demons out of Ireland from here. It is said he threw them all into Demon’s Hollow or Log na nDeamhan, a lake at the north base of Croagh Patrick.
That is why Croagh Patrick is as a place of pilgrimage to this day, and indeed has been for hundreds of years. Archaeologists have found evidence there has been a stone chapel or oratory on the top of the mountain since at least the 5th Century!
Every year, thousands of people go on a pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick on ‘Reek Sunday’ (the last Sunday in July) in honour of Saint Patrick. Believers climb the in their thousands, with many attempting the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage barefoot to atone for their sins. People now refer to Croagh Patrick as Ireland’s ‘Holy Mountain’.
Where is Croagh Patrick?
Croagh Patrick mountain is located about 10km (6.2 miles) outside the picturesque tourist town of Westport just off the Wild Atlantic Way.
Westport is a lovely spot to spend a few days and a great place to base yourself to explore this part of the Emerald Isle.
Usually, you will find very few tourists here, but it can get a little busier at the weekends. During the week and weekend of Reek Sunday, however, the mountain is packed with thousands of pilgrims! In 2019, more than 25,000 people completed the pilgrimage on Reek Sunday.
How to Get there by Car
It is about a 10-15 minute drive from Westport town via the town of Murrisk. There is a car park at the bottom of the mountain. Many people go to the Tavern Bar for a much-needed meal after their climb.
How to Get there by Public Transport
You can catch a bus or a train from Dublin and Galway to Westport. There are local buses from Westport that can then bring you to the mountain.
How to Get there by Bicycle – Cycle the Great Western Greenway!
When you arrive in Westport, you can decide to cycle all or part of the Great Western Greenway. It is the longest off-road walking and cycling route in Ireland.
It follows the path of the closed railway line from Westport to Achill Island.
The trail will bring you past Croagh Patrick and if you are feeling energetic, you could take a detour to hike this Holy Mountain. We do not recommend cycling up this mountain, so make sure to bring your walking shoes.
How high is Croagh Patrick?
Croagh Patrick is 764 meters high (2,500 feet), which makes it the 4th highest mountain in Ireland.
The halfway point is about 40 minutes to one hour from the start of the journey. You will recognise the halfway point because the ground levels out a bit here.
Croagh Patrick’s trail is around 7km to the peak and back and you can reach the top in about 1.5 hours. The whole climb takes around 3-4 hours.
As you climb the mountain, you are greeted with spectacular views from all angles.
Remember to pack your camera and hope for a clear day!
Where Do You Start the Climb Up Croagh Patrick?
The most popular starting point to Croagh Patrick is in the village of Murrisk. It is located roughly 8 km west of Westport and the path leads up the side of the mountain.
There is also a visitor centre at Murrisk with a coffee and craft shop, secure lockers, information service, toilets and shower facilities (with a charge).
You will find a statue of St. Patrick along the way and on the top, you will find a small church that was built in 1905.
Mass is celebrated at the small church – called Temple Phádraig – during the week of Reek Sunday in July each year.
The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is a suggested route on the Celtic Camino network, which includes many historic Irish starting points linked to the Camino de Santiago. The Heritage trail is 63km in length starting in the Mayo village of Balla and continuing westwards to Murrisk at the foot of Croagh Patrick.
When is the best time to climb the Croagh Patrick?
The best time to climb this mountain is between April and September when the weather is warmer. Ireland is known for wet, cloudy, and changeable weather, and it can surprise you even if you set out on a nice sunny day.
The views can be hampered if there is excessive cloud cover which can happen quite often in the West of Ireland. It is best to attempt a hike on a clear cloud-free day.
Always bring a raincoat and check the weather forecast before starting any hikes in Ireland.
If the weather is not permitting, there is always an option to put off your hiking plans for another day and spend a rainy afternoon exploring the numerous sights of Dublin or other charming cities of Ireland
The temperature can be lower at the top and the wind can be quite strong, so always carry extra layers and rainwear with you. Raincoats and waterproof trousers also do a good job at stopping the wind!
Is Croagh Patrick Difficult to Climb?
It is a challenging climb to the summit as a result of some steep terrain. It can also depend on the climber’s fitness levels.
Check out our five must know hiking techniques to help make your climb easier.
There is an uneven and rocky terrain with slippery scree, which can make your climb quite difficult. It is important to be careful with each step you make and be aware of the loose rocks.
An important factor to consider is your own and your group’s level of fitness. This is a mountain that is quite steep in places and requires a decent fitness level. Prior to undertaking the hike, you could look at strength and stability training to get your body ready.
Equipment You Should Bring on Croagh Patrick
The equipment you should consider bringing with you on the hike is some solid hiking shoes or boots. Some pilgrims have been known to walk the route barefoot to increase their suffering – but there are a lot of stones so this is very painful.
Walking poles are great to make your hike more steady and comfortable.
Bring waterproof gear – no matter the weather – and test that it is really waterproof before you set off.
Bring an extra layer of warm clothing. The wind chill at the top can drop the temperature by several degrees, even on a sunny day! A fleece jumper or wool hiking jersey are great options.
Sunglasses can be handy, as the rocks are light coloured and reflect the sun back at you. They also protect your eyes from the wind.
Of course, remember to bring some food like sandwiches, snacks and at least a litre of water per person.
Staying Safe While Hiking in Ireland
Please be aware of safety on the mountain.
Always let someone know when and where you are going and when you hope to be back. If you are visiting Ireland from abroad, let your accommodation know when you will be back.
Voluntary groups like the Mayo Mountain Rescue are there to rescue climbers in emergencies (and do every year). But, it is better to be prepared than to take any unnecessary risks.
Check the weather forecast and do not climb if it is cloudy or windy. Not only do these make the climb more dangerous, but they also make it much less enjoyable and spoil the views. If the weather does get bad suddenly – turn back. The tracks are relatively clear in most places, but visibility on the mountain can decrease very fast.
Always stay on the tracks. This is for your safety as well as to protect the natural surroundings.
Take a Walking Pilgrimage with Follow the Camino
The Croagh Patrick pilgrimage is a walking holiday experience much like the Camino de Santiago in Spain, France, and Portugal. Follow the Camino has been offering customised Camino walking pilgrimage holidays since 2006. We would love to help you plan your Camino pilgrimage so let us know what you are dreaming of and we will make it a reality!
Get your free quote for your next walking holiday adventure now!
