Croagh Patrick
Cruach Phádraig
Ireland's most sacred mountain. Legend says St. Patrick fasted for 40 days at its summit, and from the top you can see hundreds of islands scattered across Clew Bay.
The mountain stands 764 meters high. On the last Sunday of July, known as Reek Sunday, tens of thousands of pilgrims climb it, and some even go barefoot. The trailhead is at the visitor center in the village of Murrisk. The round trip is about 7 km and takes 3 to 4 hours. The upper section is a steep, loose scree slope, and the descent is especially hard on the legs, so wear hiking boots and bring walking poles and a rain jacket. A small chapel stands at the summit. On clear days you can see the drumlin islands dotted across Clew Bay. The drive from Westport takes about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
All day (do not climb in bad weather)
Nearby sights
- National Famine Memorial & Murrisk Abbey
- Westport House
- Westport Town
- Doolough Valley
- Great Western Greenway
- Wild Nephin National Park
- Kildavnet Castle
- Clare Island