Full disclosure, I’m a 52-year-old overweight guy from the U.S., but I still made it to the first plateau in about 2 hours. There are toilets in the car park also, which may be worth using as I heard the toilets up the mountain are primitive and best avoided. Climbed Croagh Patrick in the 70's as a young lad but at the top the clouds came in and could see nothing. Be prepared for the weather. The big day of the year is 'Reek Sunday' - the last Sunday of July every year, weather permitting. Croagh Patrick is a tourist destination and then again, it is not. Good walk on well defined path. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is a 60 kilometre walk from Balla to Murrisk, in County Mayo. The main pilgrimage route originates at the Carpark/Visitor Centre in the village of Murrisk, 8km outside Westport, Co. Mayo. It's a Other size geocache, with difficulty of 2, terrain of 5. Croagh Patrick is not quite a hill. The slippery shale proved a challenge from the beginning, watching each step with care (didn’t want to ruin the rest of our holiday with a fall or sprain). Historic Sites, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Scenic Walking Areas. Although the mountain is just 2,500 feet high, even seasoned hikers are surprised by its steepness and difficulty… Croagh Patrick is situated near the town of Westport in County Mayo, Ireland. Well worth the effort. We didn’t, but are okay with that. Quite busy mountain with lots of tourists. Just outside the Wild Atlantic Way town of Westport in County Mayo stands the scree-covered peak of Croagh Patrick. Visited Croag Patrick last week on a good clear day. From the clew bay side, the walk is excellent but tough in parts. It is 8 kilometers (5 mi) from Westport, above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. Croagh Patrick (Irish: Cruach Phádraig, meaning "(Saint) Patrick's Stack"), nicknamed the Reek, is a 764 m (2,507 ft) mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in Mayo, Ireland.It is 8 km (5 mi) from Westport, above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey.It is the fourth highest mountain in Mayo on the international P600 listing after Mweelrea, Nephin and Barrclashcame. On nice day views are just amazing ! Croagh Patrick: Difficult hike - See 769 traveller reviews, 775 candid photos, and great deals for County Mayo, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. My recommendation: Go for it!! Good hiking boots make it a lot safer and more doable. It is quite long with nearly 19 miles of footpath starting at Ballintubber Abbey. If the ascent/descent wasn't so dodgy I would say that it was well worth it. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail extends from Balla to the village of Murrisk. There is a good sized car park at the base which costs 4 euros for the day, which is pretty good.........a small kiosk for tea and snacks is at one side of the car park , and there are several nearby pubs for more substantial food. Climbing Croagh Patrick (or 'The Reek' as the locals call it) is not for the faint-hearted or unfit. Explore the most popular trails near Croaghpatrick with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Today, the mountain still attracts about one million pilgrims annually. It is reckoned that more than … Sometimes a little sport is to be had in the tidal part of the river. It's not an easy climb for those not used to it due to the constant rocks and slippery dust surface but it is well worth it. But the views were incredible best that I have ever seen the photos do not do it justice. We did it with a large group of people as part of the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival, in aid of Croi, the heart disease and stroke charity. Otherwise the nature and the view is really beautiful.They say it takes 3 hours to climb. Apparently, around 30,000 people over the whole day. As the saying goes, "You pays your money, you takes your chance!" Reek Sunday (Irish: Domhnach na Cruaiche) or Garland Sunday is an annual day of pilgrimage in Ireland. My advice: 1) Rent the stick, 2) Wear great shoes and layers, 3) Rent the stick, 4) Bring water and a snack, and 5) Rent the stick! Funds raised go towards providing increased Specialist Care. And not easy coming down either. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Using walking poles is a significant help; less so is the 'stick' that can be hired/purchased at the start - nothing more than a brush shaft. Not a long walk, only around 3.5km, but uphill ALL the way. Length 4.4 miElevation gain 2457 ftRoute type Out & back Climbing Croagh Patrick, the Magic Mountain. It is a place of pilgrimage for Christians to follow in the path of St Patrick who is reputated to have spent time here. On the last Sunday in July, over 25,000 pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick and celebrate mass … Pagans walked this road to reach the ancient pilgrimage at Cruachan Aille, later named Croagh Patrick in honor of Ireland’s patron saint. one of highest peaks in Ireland and a pilgrimage site, Hotels near Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, Hotels near The Pirate Adventure Park at Westport House, Hotels near National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Hotels near National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, Hotels near Statue of John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, Clew Bay Bike Hire and Outdoor Adventures, Observation Decks & Towers in County Mayo, Points of Interest & Landmarks in County Mayo, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in County Mayo, Historical & Heritage Tours in County Mayo, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in County Mayo, Game & Entertainment Centers in County Mayo, Atlantic Drive on Achill Island: Tickets & Tours‎, Westport House & Gardens: Tickets & Tours‎, National Museum of Ireland - Country Life: Tickets & Tours‎, Rockfleet / Carraigahowley Castle: Tickets & Tours‎, National Famine Monument: Tickets & Tours‎. The climb is a great experience. there was one point I was slightly worried! Climbing Croagh Patrick (or 'The Reek' as the locals call it) is not for the faint-hearted or unfit. By Mary Catherine Fitzsimmons The idea of climbing Croagh Patrick has drawn two different flocks of believers, going all the way back to St. Patrick’s own time. At a total distance of 61k, it’s one to be done in stages or over a weekend. Not as bad as I though it’s going to be ! On the trail of St Patrick. It is possible in 1 hour if you really hurry but this can be dangerous as mentioned earlier. Up to 20,000 pilgrims have continued a 1,500-year-old tradition by climbing Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo. The view from the top is amazing of course and it is set in beautiful county side but the issue is the weather and that it is often cloudy and the top of the hill cannot be seen or bad view from the top due to this. If you want to make the climb, get ready for a real workout. Also called St. Patrick’s Causeway, this pilgrim route bears great importance in Ireland’s history. Total Ascent 1205m.. Terrain: Woodland, Bog, Forestry, Fields, Boreens & Minor Roads.Mountain Tracks & Open Bog. Not comfortable and could be very dangerous for small or elderly or even clumsy people. Specially with a 4year old! A relatively stiff hike good running shoes or hiking boots recommended - but I did see two pilgrims make the hike barefooted. The trail is 61km in length and mainly at low level, but the walker should note that the trail does reach a high point of 310 metres around the foothills of Croagh Patrick. Take a hiking stick with you for the trip down, you will be glad you did as it can be very dangerous if you're not careful. Trail Description Linear Trail: Balla (N60) – Clogher – Ballintubber -Killavally – Aughagower – Murrisk (Croagh Patrick). Accidents happen when you rush , so on this mountain you have to take time and be more careful with all stones! Theme: National Waymarked Way (Yellow Walk)Overall Total Distance: 63 km. Please be warned that although my partner carried our son up in the hiking back pack it is not for the faint hearted and it is not an easy trek! By any measure, it is a steep climb. Croagh Patrick is believed to have held significance, even before Christian times, as a pagan pilgrimage route. Can you make it to the top? There is a nice visitors center with small gift show and place to have tea/coffe and sandwich. Very steep in parts and stony. Historic Sites, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Scenic Walking Areas. This is tougher than I expected as the path is like scree in large parts , probably because vast numbers go up here every year. Concern over casualty rate among Croagh Patrick climbers ... “There is a lack of understanding by many users of the mountain of the level of difficulty it poses,” she stated. The legend of St. Patrick and Croagh Patrick is well documented, so I won’t rehash anything here. What can I say about this climb, other than absolutely incredible! At 764 meters (2,507 feet) of elevation above sea level, and just under half a mile of elevation gain, its more like a mountain. We started early on a cool, cloudy day in May. Trekked as far as the statue plus a little higher for an absolutely stunning view of Clew Bay. The dedicated pilgrims will walk up and down barefoot! 12-Day Giant Irish Adventure Small-Group Tour... National Museum of Ireland - Country Life. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The views of the bay and the scenery on the opposite side are fantastic. 12-Day Giant Irish Adventure Small-Group Tour... National Museum of Ireland - Country Life. Knowing this place is very important for the Irish history and for the religion it must be indeed interesting but there several facts to take into consideration before visiting. I have now climbed it once - no intention of repeating it; others climb it every year. ... For sea fishing and cruising, a stout boat can usually be obtained without much difficulty. Known locally as “the Reek”, it’s scaled by thousands each year on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, with some of the more devout tackling the 7km pilgrim trail and 2,500 foot climb barefoot. Thousands of people have taken part in the annual pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick on Co Mayo. Knowing this place is very important for the Irish history and for the religion it must be indeed interesting but there several facts to take into consideration before visiting. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. St. Patrick allegedly banished all of the snakes from Ireland after they bothered him while he was fasting atop Croagh Patrick. It is designated as a National Waymarked Trail by the National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council and is managed by the Tóchar Valley Rural Community Network. As many as 25,000 people converge near Clew Bay in County Mayo, on the west coast of Ireland, to hike the rocky slopes of Croagh Patrick, a mountain associated with St. Patrick. Add to that the terrain - loose stones and fine gravel all the way, except for the first 500m or so. Mayo Mountain rescue assist woman in difficulty on Croagh Patrick. Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. A lot of the mountain is very steep and rocky! So went up again in June with my kids and got the stunning views I was waiting for. Answer 1 of 10: Looking for a comparison of hiking difficulty for Carrauntoohill in relation to Croagh Patrick or Slieve League? Taxi back to town is €15. Croagh Patrick: Difficult hike - See 769 traveler reviews, 779 candid photos, and great deals for County Mayo, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. This occasion we were determined. Given that Ireland has always been far too cold for any sort of snake, it’s thought that these ‘snakes’ were merely metaphorical. Another mountain climbed! It is the third highest mountain in County Mayo after Mweelrea and Nephin. In spite of that , it was a fun day , it was not crowded when I went and the views before the weather closed in were fantastic over Clew Bay and it's myriad islands. Croagh Patrick (Irish: Cruach Phádraig, meaning '(Saint) Patrick's Stack'), nicknamed the Reek is a 764 meters (2,507 ft) mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo, Ireland. Would love to go again and get a view! Croagh Patrick: Difficult hike - See 769 traveler reviews, 775 candid photos, and great deals for County Mayo, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. The final section is very steep. Given my description, this seems unlikely, except that I passed one on descent. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation. For that very same reason it can be described as a tourist destination. I did not make it to the top as the weather turned v nasty and it was hard to see anything at all near the top, so I plan to return on a better weather day , hopefully. Masses are held at the summit, where there is a small chapel. The tricky upper slopes require good fitness and flexibility (and a head for heights!). “Sunrise Up Croagh Patrick” is an annual get-together of friends who climb Croagh Patrick or walk nearby, have a super time & raise funds for worthwhile charities fighting Neurological Diseases. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Not a long walk, only around 3.5km, but uphill ALL the way. Official Length : 61km What we walked : On the last Sunday in July, pilgrims climb Ireland's holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick (764 metres) in County Mayo.It is held in honour of Saint Patrick who, in the year 441, spent 40 days fasting on the mountain. Details Published: Friday, 14 August 2020 09:54 Mayo Mountain Rescue Team were tasked by An Garda Siochana on Wednesday afternoon to assist a female casualty who had sustained a lower leg injury while descending Croagh Patrick. Would recommend good footwear. As a public path (not actually sure if it is) it really does not pass any test from a safety point of view. more. 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It's a challenge and worth it.Fantastic views.I reached the summit having walked over two days from the Abbey.Pub and tea shop at the start. On balance, a good day , but be prepared for 3 hours plus of hard walking and of course the ever changeable weather. The surface does not get any better but even worse but this is only the practical part of it. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Croagh Patrick Pilgrim Trail is a 4.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Newport, County Mayo, Ireland that features a river and is rated as difficult. By any measure, it is a steep climb. It is opened for Mass on specific occasions or opened by the Spiritual Director of organised pilgrimages. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. On a clear day would be spectacular but still worth it in the mists. We stopped to gab with school teens climbing, made sure we remembered each view, and took in ample amounts of fresh sea air. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail (Irish: Siúlóid Oidhreachta) is a long-distance trail in County Mayo, Ireland.It is 61 kilometres (38 miles) long and begins in Balla and ends in Murrisk.It is typically completed in three days. Climbers on the slopes of Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, Ireland. I read of a helicopter rescue from Croagh Patrick the week before I climbed it and there was another helicopter evacuation on the day. Book your tickets online for Croagh Patrick, County Mayo: See 768 reviews, articles, and 781 photos of Croagh Patrick, ranked No.15 on Tripadvisor among 189 attractions in County Mayo. It's located in Connacht, Ireland.Croagh Patrick is situated in South County Mayo and stands 764 metres tall. Review is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the States. 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