Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick, near Murrisk in County Mayo, is Ireland's best-known pilgrimage mountain at 764 m. According to tradition, Saint Patrick fasted here for 40 days; the writer Tírechán recorded this in the 7th century. On the summit, archaeologists found the remains of a stone chapel from the 5th century; the small modern chapel was dedicated on 20 July 1905. On “Reek Sunday”, the last Sunday in July, thousands of pilgrims climb the mountain, some barefoot as penance; one travel guide puts the number of participants at over 25,000.

The route from the car park in Murrisk is about 7 km there and back and takes three to four hours. It starts on tarmac, followed by steps; the path is rocky, often muddy and uneven, and the final section is steep. Wear sturdy footwear and pick a clear day, since low cloud can hide the view. There are toilets at the car park and halfway up (not always open); you can rent or buy walking sticks at the car park. On pilgrimage Sunday expect large crowds; a weekday is quieter.