Your Ultimate Guide to Climbing Croagh Patrick in County Mayo, Ireland

My profound romance with mountains started well before I actually had a chance to climb one, and it was well before I had a chance to see one with my own eyes. Just like with travelling and surfing, it was through the pages of beautifully written mountain books and hair-tingling adventure stories that I introduced myself to all things mountaineering.

Over the years, I stormed through dozens and dozens of books about mountain climbing. First, I combed through the shelves of my local library, excitingly rushing home after each find. Later, I started my own little collection that by now has grown in size and weight.

Some of the books that I read were written with very detailed descriptions of climbing, some of them described remarkable survival experiences yet every single one spoke of deep-rooted determination, mortality, friendship and never-ending love for mountains.

The very first paperback I picked up and read from cover to cover was Into Thin Air, which in my humble opinion is one of the absolute masterpieces of mountaineering, written by my favourite author and mountaineer, Jon Krakauer.

His way of describing and detailing the disastrous 1996 expedition to the Earth’s most prominent peak left me forever in awe of the majestic mountains and the world itself. I was so intrigued by the efforts of determined mountaineers devoted to high-altitude climbing that I was ready to give it a go too!

The first mountain I tackled in Ireland was Croagh Patrick, nicknamed the Reef, and since that day everything changed. I fell in love with the physical challenge as well as with open space, big sky and buzzing insects.

While over the years, my appetite for more impressive summits and challenging hikes grew bigger, I always found time to return to Croagh Patric once a year, often bringing my family and friends along. Given that Ericeira turned six this year and given all the hills and small mountains she’s already been on, we decided to introduce her to a more challenging hike.

As she proudly stood on the summit of Croagh Patric, I realised that walking up mountains with children is easy enough. You just need a fine day, plenty of time, a little patience and a lot of chocolate.

Situated near the town of Westport on the shores of Clew Bay and rising gracefully to a height of 765 meters above sea level, Croagh Patrick is known as Ireland’s Holy Mountain.

Its religious significance dates back to the time of the pagans, and historians believe that people are thought to have climbed the 2,056-foot peak in order to celebrate ancient festivals such as Lughnasadh; the beginning of the harvest season.

When St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, he fasted on the summit for 40 days, which led to the mountain getting its current name. Legend also has it that it was from here that he banished snakes from Ireland forever.

Every year, on the last Sunday of July, also known as Reek Sunday, up to 25,000 pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick, some of them doing it barefoot.

Every holy mountain has its own tradition and to climb Croagh Patrick, pilgrims walk barefoot and many people still do it today, although Mayo Mountain Rescue is now advising pilgrims not to undertake the hike barefoot at all due to the increase in callouts for help and emergency airlifts from the mountain.

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The name ‘Croagh Patrick’ comes from the Irish ‘Cruach Phádraig’, meaning Saint Patrick’s stack.

Weather conditions | the weather is extremely changeable on Croagh Patrick and you should check the weather forecast in the morning before they climb. Try to postpone your climb on days with high winds or when there is cloud cover.

Where to stay | Croagh Patrick Hostel, located at the foot of the mountain, and The Old Mill Holiday Hostel in Westport, which are in high demand during the summer season, are two nearby hostels.

Closest towns | Westport, Leenaun, Louisburgh, Carrownisky and Murrisk are all near Croagh Patrick.

How long does it take | How long does it take to climb Croagh Patrick will depend on your pace and how many times you stop along the way. Generally, it takes around three and half hours to complete an up and down climb of Croagh Patrick

The Stations of the Reek | According to Catholic Ireland, there are several places for reflection and prayers on the route to the top.

The stages include:

At the foot of the mountain.
Along the path – a moment to catch your breath.
At the ridge – a moment to rest.
On the summit – a moment to bow your head.
On the way down – a moment to let go.

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The second part of the trail leading up to the summit

The main pilgrimage route originates at the Carpark and the distance from the parking lot to the summit and back is 4.22 miles. With favourable weather conditions and good steady climbing, an ordinary person should be able to reach the summit in about two hours and an hour and a half descending.

It’s best to do the first part slowly as it consists of a long gradual ascent. The lower part of the mountain is covered with grass and heather and the trail running alongside a stream is scattered with loose pebbles and large rocks. As the elevation steadily increases, make sure to turn around as this section provides some of the best views of Clew Bay.

At the end of the first part of the trail, you’ll find a level stretch of ground that provides an option to rest just before the hardest part of the ascent begins. The final ascent of Croagh Patrick presents a real challenge as the trail is scattered with a loose shingle that slips from under the feet.

The descent is as difficult as the way up – the terrain is mostly loose stones and gravel, and it’s very easy to lose your footing, especially on the way down.

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Even on a cloudy day, the views are spectacular.

Once you reach the conical summit by carefully traversing through the quartzite boulders and slippery shingle, a small, white chapel where masses are usually said every half hour between 8.00 am and 2pm on Reek Sunday, comes into the view.

The chapel known as St Patrick’s Oratory was built in 1905 on the foundation of a stone oratory by 12 local men, from stones found on the mountainside.

On a good day, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Clew Bay which is home to over 300 drumlin islands.

The White chapel at the top of the mountain.

Croagh Patrick is located in Murrisk on the R335 route in County Mayo and the nearest town to the mountain is Westport, a well-established tourist hub with regular train service from Dublin and regular bus service from other regional towns.

The foot of Croagh Patrick is around 5.6 miles west of Westport and the easiest option to get there is either by car or taxi since public transport is sparse.

The nearest airport is Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) providing flights to and from Britain and European airports.

Bus Eireann Route 450 from Westport to Louisburgh passes Croagh Patrick.

If you are arriving by car, you’ll find a spacious pay-and-display car park at the foot of Croagh Patrick.

The stunning views of Clew Bay, County Mayo

Ireland’s weather is unpredictable no matter the season and even more so among the mountains. So pack warm and waterproof layers in your backpack, along with the usual essentials for crushing a long day on the trail.

To make your hiking experience to the summit of Croagh Patrick comfortable, start by packing smart. Start by picking up a comfortable backpack which fits and then put heavier things like a second bottle of water or a bulky jacket and keep lighter stuff like snacks near the top where they can be easily accessible.

I would usually line the inside of my backpack with a dry bag for waterproof protection. If your backpack has exterior pockets, use them for smaller accessories, such as maps, sun cream and any personal items.

Clothing and rain protection | don’t be fooled by the good weather forecast, especially if you’re exploring Ireland’s West coast and heading somewhere remote where the weather can quickly change. You cannot always predict a sudden storm or rain shower, but you can prepare for surprises.

Food and drink | Hiking burns a lot of calories and if you want the hiking experience to be as fun as possible, don’t let yourself get dehydrated and bring plenty of water as well as plenty of healthy snacks so you and your hiking companions can enjoy a moment near a mountain stream.

Sun Protection | Bring along sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and ultraviolet (UV) radiation and don’t forget sunglasses to shield your eyes.

Croagh Patrick is surrounded by many beautiful coastal towns and beaches. If you have spare time, make sure you visit New Port and Westport if travelling north and Clare Island and Louisburgh if travelling south.

You can also continue driving along the R335 and look out for signposts that lead to lovely beaches such as Silver Strand, Carrownisky and Carrowmore.

The Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre is located near the National Famine Monument in Murrisk. The beautiful sculpture was unveiled by President Mary Robinson in 1997.