Ireland · Mayo · Walking

Croagh Patrick

7.5km · Strenuous · 3-4 hrs

7.5km distance
3-4 hrs duration
Strenuous
240 eco hotels nearby

Walk guide

Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick (764m) is Ireland's holy mountain. St Patrick fasted on the summit for 40 days in 441 AD according to tradition. An estimated 100,000 people make the climb annually, with 30,000 pilgrims on Reek Sunday (last Sunday of July), some barefoot. The quartzite scree upper section is steep and loose. The white summit oratory (1905) and panorama over Clew Bay's 365 islands make the effort worthwhile on any clear day.

Walk highlights

🏔️

Ireland's holy mountain — 764m summit oratory

🌊

Clew Bay panorama — 365 islands on clear days

🦅

30,000 pilgrims on Reek Sunday (last July Sunday)

🌿

Murrisk — statue of St Patrick at the trailhead

Walk details
Distance7.5km
Duration3-4 hrs
DifficultyStrenuous
CountyMayo
Nearest hotelsWestport
Hotels nearby240
From€63/night

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About Croagh Patrick

Do I need to be religious to climb Croagh Patrick?
Not at all. Walkers and pilgrims use the same path. The views alone justify the climb.
Is Croagh Patrick dangerous?
The upper loose quartzite scree is slippery when wet. More accidents happen on descent than ascent.
What time should I start?
Early morning — by 9am. The path gets very busy from midday in summer.
Where do I start?
Murrisk village carpark, 10km west of Westport. Facilities and a café at the base.
Where to stay?
Westport (10km) — 240 Mayo hotels from 63 euros/night through IMPT.

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