Walking the Remarkable Pilgrims Trail- A Croagh Patrick Hike

Croagh Patrick Hike

For the Irish, the Croagh Patrick hike needs no absolutely introduction. As the holiest mountain in Ireland, it attracts about one million visitors a year. Known as The Reek, over 25,000 pilgrims climb the pilgrimage trail annually on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July. This climb is often completed barefoot by the pilgrims also. Yes barefoot! The pilgrimage finishes at the church on the summit, where mass is then celebrated. Climbing Croagh Patrick differs from most Irish mountains, in that you are likely to come across people of any age, 18 to 80.

But don’t let that lead you to the assumption that it is an easy climb. Despite the large numbers that tackle the mountain, it’s not one to be taken lightly. It’s a constant and difficult climb despite its short length, and the latter half is over loose stone and shingle. That poses a bigger challenge on the way down as even the most goat like are likely to lose their footing on the shingle.

Remember the mountain welcomes you, you don’t conquer the mountain. Every year there are a significant number of mountain rescue callouts. In August of 2020 a climber died on the slopes after a fall. On average around 20 people are treated for falls by mountain rescue every Reek Sunday. On the day I climbed, I witnessed a heavily bandaged climber coming down the mountain, who had sustained a head injury also. It’s highly important to come fit, prepared and with the right gear also.

History of Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick has been a site of pilgrimage for over 3000 years. Pagans would ascend the mountain to light fires during celebratory times. Presumably Halloween would have been a lively place on that hill. However it only really gained real prominence as a pilgrimage site, when St Paddy himself climbed the mountain, and spent the 40 days of lent here. He didn’t even get a reprieve on the 17th March (an Irish tradition where we can forget what we gave up for a day, and all go to the pub). It’s even told that this is how Saint Patrick rid the snakes from Ireland.


Directions to Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick is located in Murrisk on the R335 route which follows the Wild Atlantic Way, which is in fact 8 km from the nearby large town of Westport in County Mayo. It is 230 km from Dublin and 92 from Galway. There is a regional bus service which runs from Westport to Louisburgh. Take bus 450 from Westport bus station. Westport is also serviced by trains from Dublin.


Some Facts about climbing Croagh Patrick

  • There is a large car park at the foot of Croagh Patrick. This is a paid car park, so remember to bring some coins for the machine. Charges are €4 and the gift shop here won’t give coins without a purchase also. This is how I ended up owning some Croagh Patrick postcards
  • There are 3 pilgrimage days in the year, Reek Sunday, Garland Friday, and also the Feast of the Assumption of our Lady on 15th August
  • Croagh Patrick is 765 meters above sea level
  • Croagh Patrick in fact has its own website with a lot of worthwhile information – Croagh Patrick.
  • There is a Croagh Patrick visitor centre called Teach na Miasa near the car park. It was in fact opened by the director of archaeological excavations on the mountain. The centre provides information on the mountain, the local area in Mayo, has a craft shop, and also sells climbing aids, and souvenirs. There is also a café on-site. The centre was closed for much of 2020 due to restrictions and shall remain closed in early ’21.
  • The out and back Pilgrim trail is 7.6 km to the top of Croagh Patrick
  • The elevation gain is around 750 meters, which is in fact considerable for the length
  • Croagh Patrick hike time is around 3 hours 30 minutes altogether
  • The final ascent of the mountain is quite rugged and stoney so caution is recommended. Teens will enjoy it, but it would be too difficult for younger kids
  • Hiking boots are highly recommended due to the rocky terrain and it really shouldn’t be attempted without hiking poles. Walking sticks (staffs) are available for sale at the visitor centre and shop also. They are undoubtedly a godsend for the treacherous way back down
  • Bring water, snacks, a waterproof jacket (it is Ireland), sunscreen, a first aid kit, and a map also
  • The best months to climb Croagh Patrick are March through October. The weather can vary here on any day, so its best to be prepared for sun, fog, or rain.
  • The trail is available on alltrails.com
  • Remember to leave no trace.

Step by Step on the Croagh Patrick hike

Climbing Croagh Patrick was top of my hiking wish list for 2020, and when the opportunity arose in September to travel anywhere in Ireland, I grasped it with both hands. I arrived in Murrisk around 11 am, and was disappointed to see the famous mountain shrouded in a thick veil of fog. Besides the challenge of the climb, Croagh Patrick is known for the panoramic views it gives over Clew Bay, where a scattering of green islands contrast against the sea.

Parking in the large car park, the ascent begins at the statue of St Patrick. This was built in 1928 by a Reverend Father Peterson, who had collected money in America, for the rebuilding of a church in Westport. Obviously, the generosity exceeded that hoped for.

From here the trail begins with a series of stones and rocks, running alongside a rough stream. The trail is always obvious, but if there is ever a doubt, simply follow those in front of you. Immediately it’s a test of fitness because it’s all uphill from here. This section provides the best views of Clew Bay, as the elevation increases. Although it is a pandemic year there was still a good volume of people attempting the climb. The sheer age difference really surprised me. I latched onto a Galway Gal called Deirdre, a marathon runner who had turned to hiking in 2020, and we climbed together.


The Middle Section

The trail then levels off somewhat after about 1.5 km and leads you into a false sense of security. You wonder what all the fuss is about. You even imagine you could probably have done this barefoot! Incidentally it was at this time I witnessed someone barefoot, who I kindly asked if I could take a picture of his feet. For the record, that’s the first time I’ve ever asked a stranger that.

On this level there are public toilets and a stone oratory that is said to date to between the 5th and 9th century.

Croagh Patrick hike
Statue of St Patrick with Croagh Patrick at the rear
Croagh Patrick hike
This should provide good views of Clew Bay. It didn’t due to the weather conditions
Climbing Croagh Patrick
The view across the first crest of Croagh Patrick

Walking Barefoot

The tradition of walking barefoot is a sign of penance and atonement on the trail. Some do it in remembrance of a lost loved one. Walking over the stones is said to be good for the soul. However it has been advised of late to not do it, as the path has significantly degraded over the past few decades due to traffic.

Croagh Patrick hike
Exhibit c – a brave barefoot soul

The Final Ascent of Croagh Patrick

This part presents your real challenge. The scree on the trail is strewn all the way across the path. There are supposedly plans to upgrade the trail with a better path, but perhaps that would take some of the challenge of the pilgrimage away. For now this is the only way to tackle the pilgrims trail. It is arduous over that last kilometer ascent, trying to find stable footing. It can only be imagined that this is where most accidents occur, and notably a considerable distance from the ground for mountain rescue.

The summit is the site of a church from where mass is celebrated on pilgrimage days. The church was built in 1905 by 12 local men, from stones found on the mountain side. When we finally reached the top the fog was still shrouding everything below, and around us. There is a large area atop the mountain, so its easy to relax and take a well deserved break. You can also capture your achievement by taking a photo behind the Croagh Patrick sign.

Fortunately luck was clearly on our side and the fog started to lift below us then. The view over Lough Nacorra was indeed one of the best I’ve seen all year. Proof that its good to keep the faith on the most faithful of Irish walks.

Pilgrims Trail Croagh Patrick
Expect some rough terrain on the steep ascent
Climbing Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick hike
View over the Croagh Patrick hike trail
Church on the summit of Croagh Patrick
The summits church
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Success on the Croagh Patrick hike
Croagh Patrick hike
View of Lough Nacorra

The descent

The descent of the scree filled part was undoubtedly as difficult as the way up. With upward climbers on the clearer paths, we were forced to drift to the rougher stones to give way. Social distancing is also a consideration. I first hand learned how easy it is to slip on the scree. Fortunately my backpack broke the fall. Even mountain goats fall sometimes, don’t they? Take care. Once past this area the descent should be relatively easy. Looking back however, I doubt I will ever attempt this arduous trail again. The Croagh Patrick hike map below is the route on Alltrails that I followed.


Other things to do at Croagh Patrick

Across the road from Croagh Patrick is the National Famine Monument in Murrisk. Dating from 1997, the sculpture by John Behan depicts a coffin ship. Coffin ships, as they became known, were used to transport people to America and Canada, during the Irish famine of 1845-1849. Many died on the crossing, and the Irish famine is regarded as the greatest disaster to befall the world during the 19th century. The sculpture is startling, as ghastly skeletons surround the side of the ship. Nearby are the 15th century ruins of Murrisk Abbey also.


National Famine Monument Murrisk
National Famine Monument Murrisk

Where to stay near Croagh Patrick

Westport is the largest town near Croagh Patrick, and also the perfect local base for exploring the county of Mayo. It’s an incredibly vibrant town, with an excellent nightlife in particular. It’s at home hosting Irish stag and hen parties, as much as tourists. Add a great selection of restaurants and hotels, and there’s no real need to look any further. Guided walking tours of Croagh Patrick can also be booked in Westport.

Disclosure; This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link such as the Booking.com one below, and purchase something that I have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any money, it will help keep this site going and me travelling. Thank you for your continuing support.

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Where to eat near Croagh Patrick

Westport has a vast number of pubs and restaurants all serving quality Irish and international cuisine. As I had a long drive ahead of me, I sought a quick option. Chilli Coffee Shop on Westport’s main street thus fit the bill. A big mug of cappuccino and a carbs and iron stuffed steak sandwich were undoubtedly the perfect antidote for my hike hunger.

Chilli Coffee Shop Westport
Delicious

Other Walks in Ireland

Most of my Irish hiking is on the east coast in Dublin and Wicklow. For some inspiration on hikes there check out the following articles.

30 Best walks in Dublin

The Spinc Glendalough

Djouce Mountain.

For more expert tips on hiking trails in Ireland, you can subscribe to Carpediemeire by simply adding your email address below.


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Have you hiked the Croagh Patrick? Let me know your experiences in the comments below.

Hiking Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick Hike

Welcome to CarpeDiemEire

Hi, I’m John, one half of CarpeDiemEire along with my wife Beata. On the blog, we take you from city breaks, to road trips and hikes. One thing we do along the way, is live the moment. We hope to encourage you to do the same.

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21 Responses

  1. What an incredible experience to hike Croagh Patrick. Love the history of the pilgrimage and awesome the fog lifted for those incredible views of Lough Nacorra. And that coffin ship monument is disturbing, yet intriguing.

  2. Another fantastic hike John. That final ascent looks a real challenge and the thought of doing it barefoot doesn’t bear thinking about! One day I’ll come back to Ireland and try out some of your hikes.

  3. Really enjoyed reading this, John, both for the hiking details and the history. Would love to attempt the hike myself, though like you, I am wary of scree. How on earth do folk manage this barefoot? Sounds a bit like self flagellation! Glad the fog lifted for you. Wonderful views.

  4. We can’t even imagine hiking this barefoot, much less with such rough terrain. Those beautiful views are worth the extra work to get to the top too. Even though that sculpture is really eerie it tells an important story about immigration during the famine.

  5. Wow the view is so stunning! But it seems this hike is pretty difficult for me. I enjoyed this article.

  6. What a hike, I can’t believe people actually do this barefoot. Especially as you said with all the loose rock on parts of the trail. Glad you got proof (and that taking a picture of people’s feet isn’t an everyday occurrence). It sounds like an epic hike for many reasons, and so lucky that the fog cleared a bit for you at the top.

  7. I love your quote “Remember the mountain welcomes you, you don’t conquer the mountain.” I loved your photos of the island in the bay as well as the mountain shrouded in clouds. I’m not sure I would be brave enough to hike barefoot though.

  8. Barefoot? You are such a one upper! 😂What a beautiful way to hike and to connect with history at the same time. I am a sucker for a pilgrimage, so I’m putting this one on the list. Though I don’ think I’ll be spending 40 days up there! (Maybe 40 days near Croagh Patrick, though!)

  9. Absolutely not in bare feet! That just sounds crazy. It’s a shame that the fog had rolled in but you still got some fantastic photos at the top! Love the history of this mountain and the fact that it has been a site of pilgrimages for 3000 years. Impressive!

  10. I am fascinated by the tradition of this hike!! And barefoot?! Beautiful views and the experience sounds like it was definitely worth it. Oh, that sculpture is crazy but cool!

  11. The views over the Croagh Patrick hike trail are majestic and worth the climb. Although I can’t believe anyone would climb it with bare feet. Good job you got proof. Good journalism!

  12. What a hike! The view at the top is still stunning even with the fog. I used to hike a lot in Colorado. Need to find some places in Mexico. Your choice of a steak sandwich and additional french fry carbs is the perfect meal after an arduous climb!

  13. Hiking barefoot?! One word: outch! Other than that, this looks like a stunning walk with some lovely views. It seems like a bit of a tough one though! Definitely not one to underestimate.

  14. So great that you were able to get some travel in when the country opened up for a bit. Too bad the weather was not better for your visit for your Croagh Patrick hike. The clouds do make for interesting views though. I like the tradition of walking barefoot but know I would not make it anywhere without good hiking boots.

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