Croagh Patrick

The mountain

Croagh Patrick stands as the most famous peak in County Mayo. It rises to 764 metres, topping out on a broad, windswept plateau instead of a sharp point. At the center sits a small shrine and the "Reck," known locally as the Leaba Phadraig or St Patrick's Bed. People have climbed this mountain for over a thousand years. It is one of the few spots in the country where religious pilgrimage and recreational hiking are so visibly tangled together.

Local tradition holds that St Patrick fasted here for forty days in the fifth century. That story turned the mountain into a permanent place of pilgrimage. Every year, on Croagh Patrick Sunday—the last Sunday in July—thousands of people make the ascent. Some fast; many climb through the night to catch the sunrise on the summit.

The walks

Two main routes lead you up. The first is the summit path, a marked trail starting from the Murrisk car park. It climbs to the plateau, getting rough and steep in places. The final stretch is exposed. The second option is the "round the mountain," a circular walk along the hillside below the summit. This route offers a wide view of Lough Corrib, the Nephin range, and, on a clear day, the Sligo coast. The round is the gentler of the two and works well as a half-day walk.

Spend an hour or two at the summit, not all day. The wind is constant, the ground is wet, and there is no shelter.

When to go

Early morning light is best. The sun comes up over Lough Corrib, putting the mountain in full view from the round. A moving summer cloud makes the summit most dramatic. The July pilgrimage is a different experience again: loud, crowded, and full of feeling.

Practical

Climbing is free. The summit path stays open in most weather, but it is a climb, not a stroll. The weather on the summit is quick and cold, even in summer. There are no facilities on the mountain. The village of Murrisk serves as the base for most visitors.