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Trail · Westport, Mayo
Croagh Patrick
Mountain of 764 metres overlooking Clew Bay, where tradition says São Patrício fasted for 40 days, with a chapel on the summit and the pilgrimage on the last Sunday of July.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is a 764-metre quartzite mountain that rises alone at the edge of Clew Bay, about 8 km from Westport. It was a sacred place before Christianity, linked to the Celtic festival of Lughnasa, and tradition says that São Patrício climbed to the top in the year 441 and fasted there for 40 days. Since then it has been Ireland's best-known pilgrimage mountain, called by locals The Reek.
On the last Sunday of July, Reek Sunday, thousands of pilgrims climb the mountain, some barefoot, and masses are held in the small chapel on the summit, built in 1905. For the rest of the year the ascent is undertaken by walkers from many parts of the world.
The trail starts at the Murrisk car park at the foot of the mountain, passes a statue of São Patrício and climbs on a stone path to a shoulder of the mountain with views over the bay. The final section, to the summit, is a cone of loose, steep stones, the hardest part of the ascent. Return takes 3 to 4 hours, and the descent over loose stones is usually slower than the ascent.
From the top, on clear days, you can see Clew Bay with its scattered islands, Westport, the island of Achill and the mountains of Connemara. Clouds often shroud the summit. At the Murrisk visitor centre, at the foot of the trail, there is information and a café.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
3 to 4 hours to reach the summit and return; 1 hour to go only as far as the statue of São Patrício.
Best time
On dry days with a forecast of clear skies, setting out in the morning. On the last Sunday of July the mountain is crowded with the pilgrimage. Avoid it in heavy rain, strong wind or fog at the summit.
How to get there
The trail sets off from the Murrisk car park on the R335 road, about 8 km west of Westport. There are buses from Westport at certain times and taxis.
Tip
Wear boots or trail trainers with a good sole and take warm clothing, water and a raincoat: it is cold and windy on the summit even in summer. Walking poles are very helpful on the descent over loose stones.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Croagh Patrick
Is the climb up Croagh Patrick difficult?
It is demanding. The first part is a stone path with a steady ascent, and the final section to the summit is steep with loose stones. A return trip takes 3 to 4 hours.
What is Reek Sunday?
The pilgrimage on the last Sunday in July, when thousands of people climb the mountain and Masses are held in the chapel at the summit.
Can you climb only part of the way?
Yes. Many people climb to the statue of Saint Patrick or to the mountain's shoulder, from where you can already see the bay, and then return.
Where does the trail start?
From the Murrisk car park, about 8 km from Westport, where the visitor centre is located.