Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick is a 764 metre (2,506 foot) mountain in County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland, regarded as one of Ireland’s major pilgrimage sites. The peak is associated with Saint Patrick and with annual religious pilgrimages.

The summit offers panoramic views across Clew Bay and the Atlantic and is reached by several marked routes that vary in steepness; the most popular route is a tarmacked pilgrim path on the eastern side. The mountain is the focus of the annual pilgrimage on the last Sunday in July when large numbers of people climb barefoot or in regular footwear.

The mountain has been associated with Christian pilgrimage since the early medieval period and is traditionally linked to Saint Patrick, who is said to have fasted there. Over centuries the site has retained its religious significance and established footpaths and pilgrimage traditions.

Located about 8 kilometres south of the town of Westport in County Mayo, Croagh Patrick rises from the coastal landscape of Clew Bay and dominates the surrounding lowlands.

• Reek Sunday: The final Sunday in July, known locally as Reek Sunday, is the busiest time and can draw thousands of pilgrims on a single day.
• Safety: Weather can change quickly and exposed sections near the summit remain hazardous outside summer months, so sturdy footwear and caution are advised.

What to See#

• Summit: The summit sits at 764 metres above sea level and is the end point of the main pilgrimage routes.
• Pilgrim routes: Routes up the mountain include a tarmacked pilgrim path from the east and steeper stone paths from the west used during the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage.

Croagh Patrick sits above the village of Murrisk near Westport in County Mayo. From Westport it is a short drive (about 8-12 km, roughly 15-20 minutes) west on local roads (via the N59/R335 toward Louisburgh/Murrisk) to the car parks at the base of the mountain; paid parking and the National Famine Memorial are near the usual trailhead. There are local bus and shuttle services from Westport at times of high visitor demand, and the trailhead is a short walk from the main car park.

• Start the climb from the main Murrisk car park (near Murrisk village) early in the morning to avoid coach parties and to get clearer views across Clew Bay before clouds build.
• Follow the marked pilgrim route from Murrisk rather than attempting unmarked shortcuts-official paths are better maintained and reduce erosion and overcrowding at bottlenecks.
• To avoid the busiest times, choose a weekday outside bank-holiday weekends and plan your descent well before late afternoon when visibility and weather on the summit can change quickly.