Croagh Patrick (Irish: Cruach Phádraig, meaning "(Saint) Patrick's Stack"), nicknamed the Reek, is a 764 m (2,507 ft) mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in Mayo, Ireland.It is 8 km (5 mi) from Westport, above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey.It is the fourth highest mountain in Mayo on the international P600 listing after Mweelrea, Nephin and Barrclashcame. The winning time is usually around 46/47 min. The mountain’s popularity among religious pilgrims dates to the time of St. Patrick, who is said to have completed a forty-day Lenten ritual of fasting and penance here. Croagh Patrick is the legendary mountain St. Patrick is said to have climbed barefoot and where he fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. Donations See top. The only thing I hoped to do on this trip, besides seeing a few special people, was to climb Croagh Patrick. Known locally as “the Reek”, it’s scaled by thousands each year on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, with some of the more devout tackling the 7km pilgrim trail and 750m climb barefoot. If anyone ever told you it was a walk in the park, they were telling spoofs. How can I get there? Croagh Patrick’s history as a place of worship reaches back in time as far as 3,000 BC. Around 20,000 to 25,000 pilgrims still climb the mountain each year on the last Sunday in July (the nearest Sunday to the original pagan festival of Lughnasa). As a priest from the local parish in Murrisk who … This year I am visiting with a friend who really wants to climb Croagh Patrick on reek/garland sunday. My brother & a group of people did a charity cycle from Galway to Croagh Patrick, climbed Croagh Patrick & then cycled back to Galway... would love to do it but get dizzy if am up too high .. Answer Save. One Woman's Mission To Climb Croagh Patrick Like A Goat. The air gets a little lighter, crisper and fresher and coats came on as we all felt a little tingle of excitement as we neared the top. An hour in, you begin to leave the beautiful views of Clew Bay as you move into the clouds. On the last Sunday in July, over 25,000 pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick and celebrate mass at the summit where a modern chapel as been built. You might work up a serious hunger climbing Croagh Patrick, but (mercifully) you won’t find any fast-food joints on these slopes. Sunscreen should be an essential part of your daily routine especially if your taking part in outdoor activities. On the trail of St Patrick. There are no shops on the way up the mountain so a bottle of water or two goes without saying. Favourite answer. The second is from the Mountain Rescue base at Taobhnacroibhe off the Leenane rd (Turn right at the sign for Knappagh). Lüt from Germany! The tricky upper slopes require good fitness and flexibility (and a head for heights!). Instead, it was late morning under fair blue skies… only the very peak of Croagh Patrick was covered in clouds. The history as a place of worship dates back as far as 3,000 BC. However, regardless of fitness level, climbing Croagh Patrick is pretty difficult in places. Section 2, the shortest and easiest of the climb, provides some pleasant walking along the shoulder of the mountain. Any amount is greatly appreciated. I was going to keep mine as a souvenir but I ended up giving it to my Dad for his fire. Well think again This is a tough climb and I mean tough. It was on September 3rd, when we got to Ireland, and the weather was rainy and windy, not the most ideal time to climb, it being the beginning of the fall weather in Ireland. Croagh Patrick has been on Irish people's minds this past weekend as yesterday was Reek Sunday - the day when pilgrims typically gather in their thousands to climb Mayo's holy mountain. Be Careful What you Read on the Internet. Get Hot & Healthy in Westport this Winter, Why I Gave up my 6-Digit Salary, Moved to Westport and Joined the Middle Way Project. Looking for more travel inspiration in Ireland? How long does it take to climb Croagh Patrick? My ascent did not begin at 5am as the new tradition dictates. Read more. Climbing Croagh Patrick (or 'The Reek' as the locals call it) is not for the faint-hearted or unfit. Since we were planning to be in Westport town, it was the perfect time to climb the Holiest Mountain in Ireland. Follow us on our year long journey to open Ireland’s best hostel! Legend also has it that Croagh Patrick is the mount from which he banished snakes from Ireland forever! You’d be dying of thirst. Although it is now associated with St Patrick, archaeological evidence suggests that the mountain was… Reek Sunday usually brings thousands of pilgrims - many of them barefoot - to climb Croagh Patrick each year. Getting to Croagh Patrick from Westport. With a high-vis and hiking boots she means business! A hard 10 minutes of climbing can result in moving very little and you can begin to feel like you’re going nowhere. The hike, as you can imagine, is steep – your legs will be burning, but you expect this with a mountain like Croagh Patrick. Welcome to the West! Get in touch. As we drove back toward the mountain, we all had a slight moment of optimism as we thought we could see a glimpse of a clearing sky in the grey sky. Climbing the mountain was very challenging, but also very rewarding. Many people who attempt the climb need to be rescued, and Mayo Mountain Rescue (MMR), a group that is part of the Reek Sunday Organising Forum, have warned that help will be hard to come by after the event was cancelled due to the pandemic. Unbelievably, the weather stayed clear and we were awaiting the rain to come back at any moment. The Croagh Patrick … Other hikers were taking out sandwiches, fruit and other snacks while we looked on and drooled. Croagh Patrick: A tough beginner climb - See 768 traveler reviews, 781 candid photos, and great deals for County Mayo, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. Copyright © 2014. If you return your stick you get €1 back. Croagh Patrick. Some of the girls were wearing long sleeve sports tops as their base so they were roasting. It is one of the highest peaks in the West of Ireland. Episode 01. Hard to climb but worth it. Just outside the Wild Atlantic Way town of Westport in County Mayo stands the scree-covered peak of Croagh Patrick. Full DVD available at amazon... http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Ireland-Trek-Irish-Mountains/dp/B001TOE804/A guide to walking up Croagh Patrick in Mayo. It’s around now I think we all found a new gear as we pushed passed physical exhaustion into excitement as we thought we were near the top. Unlike Indiana Jones, the guys decided that they would climb the mountain, but that they needed raincoats, so in we went to Westport town to try and find some cheap rain gear to tackle the torrential rain of the day that my weather App was telling me was fast approaching. Out of eight girls only one brought a pair of sunglasses. According to Ordinance Survey Ireland, it takes about three and a half hours. The Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) use Croagh Patrick every year for one of their Hill runs. As with all mountain climbs, it’s the first 30 minutes to an hour where it gets difficult. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. There’s some things you should know before taking on this hike. The climb was actually on my Irish Bucket List for 2017 so I was excited to tick it off the list during the trip to Mayo. Thankfully I had a tank top on as my base layer and I was able to strip off and cool down. if you’re travelling from Westport, it’s a handy 13-minute drive, a kind of handy 32-minute cycle and a definitely not handy 3-hour walk. Croagh Patrick: How difficult is it? Croagh Patrick: Croagh Patrick. The famous Croagh Patrick Sign Exhausted but excited, hangovers were truly sweated out as we all took a photo together at the famous Croagh Patrick … Turning upward again, we found the mosses disappearing. Much to our surprise, the clouds seemed to part more, and the day started to warm up. Monter au sommet de Croagh Patrick afin de soutenir la recherche contre le cancer du sein. We being a gang of 7 girls and me! If like me u think it must b ok if they have a pilgrimage up it. A hard 10 minutes of climbing can result in moving very little and you can begin to feel like you’re going nowhere. It’s difficult enough to navigate in the daylight, so I can’t imagine what it would be like with poor lighting. Every year there is a national pilgrimage that thousands attend and climb Croagh Patrick. Judge tells man to climb holy mountain Croagh Patrick. The weather was changing quickly and it was very chilly and windy on top, the loose rocks were somewhat difficult to navigate. Croagh Patrick. The famous Croagh Patrick Sign With covid there are a few restrictions. A good pair of hiking boots or walking shoes with good grip are a must for this trek. There’s some things you should know before taking on this hike. Croagh Patrick has been on Irish people's minds this past weekend as yesterday was Reek Sunday - the day when pilgrims typically gather in their thousands to climb Mayo's holy mountain. (We weren’t). There are plenty of rocks and boulders to sit on and you’ll notice lots of hikers taking a moment to regenerate. Our biggest regret was not bringing a packed lunch. Croagh Patrick is the perfect spot to experience a sense of the inclusive, exultant form of early Irish Christianity when it was still infused with the innate love of nature – the Pagan biophilia - of the Irish people. Created by Meks. 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. Eva from Croatia. Answer 1 of 10: I spend time in Ireland every year and love it. I’m not going to lie, the morning we woke to tackle the Holy Mountain of Croagh Patrick the sky was not looking good. Book your tickets online for Croagh Patrick, County Mayo: See 769 reviews, articles, and 775 photos of Croagh Patrick, ranked No.15 on Tripadvisor among 190 attractions in County Mayo. Avec le don du sang, ce sont deux causes que je soutiens particulièrement. 8 Answers. The trail is rocky and requires proper footwear. The hike can take quite some time so it’s advised to start early. Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain, is located in County Mayo, on the west coast of the country. (enfin avec un arrêt pour un café faut pas déconner!) That was the finding of an expert report on the condition of the path from Murrisk village to the top of Croagh Patrick. Go on! You can climb Mount Elbrus in May and October in short, we do not recommend it. The climb has two stages. Croagh Patrick is situated near the town of Westport in County Mayo, Ireland. Relevance. You should stick to the better months to climb. Val Dempsey (73) who has been climbing Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday for more than 30 years. By the time we were reaching the base of the mountain it was 5pm and the breeze was getting very cold. The main pilgrimage route originates at the Carpark/Visitor Centre in the village of Murrisk, 8km outside Westport, Co. Mayo. the walk up to before you officially climb the mountain is the … Usually when you plan an outdoor activity in Ireland it rains, we just got very lucky on this occasion. Stories, banter and conversation flowed as we climbed. The official pilgrimage was cancelled due to ongoing public health restrictions.. Reek Sunday: people advised to attend local Masses and not climb Croagh Patrick. But it is for a great cause. Croagh Patrick is just under 800 metres high. The views from the top are spectacular. This section starts off gradually, but gets very steep in places . Welcome to the West! This is going to completely depend on the person. Moving to the edge of the mountain, we all took a few moments to enjoy being on top of the mountain, and just at that moment, the clouds parted to give us a brief view of the entirety of Clew Bay and all 100 islands. You can buy poles on site. We headed from Belfast in the early hours and landed to Croagh Patrick early to get stuck into the climb. Brian M. 1 decade ago. Also it’s gets colder in the evening. Welcome to The Middle Way Hostel! To keep the belly rumbles to a minimum, bring snacks or a packed lunch, and have a good breakfast wherever you’re staying. This allowed me a lovely little opportunity to regale my English friends with tales of history and legend around the iconic figure that is Saint Patrick and of the relationship of him as a saint to the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick. Croagh Patrick is believed to have held significance, even before Christian times, as a pagan pilgrimage route. In honour of St. Patrick we climbed Croagh Patrick – we also celebrated my friend’s birthday in Westport. ... “It is outside, it is not hard to stay two metres apart,” he said. Croagh Patrick is one Ireland’s most famous pilgrimage locations. There's a pay and display car park for a few euro. County Mayo’s 3rd Highest mountain, Croagh Patrick is known by some as … Factor up or pay the consequences. If anyone ever told you it was a walk in the park, they were telling spoofs. As we reached the bottom, no one had to say anything. Westport is served by both bus and train from Dublin and Galway. Is there a statue on top of Croagh Patrick? Welcome to the West! Finally, after 30 minutes of hard climbing, the ground finally flattens out and through the clouds you see the famous church of Saint Patrick. Here are my top tips for climbing Croagh Patrick. Getting to Croagh Patrick from Westport. Magnificent views of Clew Bay and the surrounding south Mayo countryside are spectacular from all stages of the ascent of the mountain. While it is true that some people do the climb barefoot, we would advise you to wear sturdy footwear, preferably good hiking boots. Not a long walk, only around 3.5km, but uphill ALL the way. It is approximately 92 km from Galway City and 230 km from Dublin City. Take it at your own pace and use your stick to aid you. As you find a rhythm and become more surefooted you start enjoying that outdoor feeling of a physical challenge awakening your body, mind and soul while having the craic with your friends. There's a pay and display car park for a few euro. Climbing Croagh Patrick mountain takes a couple of hours, and is quite arduous towards the top as you have to scramble over a giant cone of rocks before arriving at the small church on the summit. This is a well signposted path. The 764m high conical peak dominates the southern shores of Clew Bay in Co. Mayo. The weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and be prepared for cloudy conditions. Rain Gear is definitely advisable. Read My Irish Bucket List: 20 Things I Want to Do in Ireland! Willie McLoughlin from Castlebar on Croagh Patrick … Walking up Croagh Patrick is fairly difficult in places, as it’s steep, there are uneven rocks to get over and the upper slopes are slippery with loose scree. Ellen and her boyfriend are heading to Westport this weekend for a romantic getaway but she's swapping roses for rocks...the granite type. It actually added an adventurous energy to the day and made the hike ahead seem more challenging. We had to take little pit stops every 20 minutes or so to recoup. I marched passed the statue of Saint Patrick and the random concrete benches that looked out over Clew Bay. The wooden sticks only cost €3 and are well worth it. With covid there are a few restrictions. Good hiking boots make it a lot safer and more doable. C’est donc ultra motivé que je pars pour 2h de route. Oh and bring a selfie stick for the group shot. … The larger stones, boulders and rocks of the lower part of the mountain change into smaller stones and scree which can be quite difficult to climb. The hardship endured during the climb is a public demonstration of their remorse, and they hope that they might merit, as a result of such suffering and self … The journey tends to take around three and a half hours – two hours to reach the summit and an hour and a half to descend. Hard but worth it.. Im writing this review for the ppl that would like to climb Croagh Patrick but are unsure if they r fit for it. Elfyn Jones of the British Mountaineering Council carried out a survey of the mountain when he visited there at … This is an old pilgrim route and popular with all kinds of walkers. “We were lucky, to be honest, we were lucky. There is no statue. Firstly, it’s bloody tough. The centre and cafe aren't open but there is a small kiosk shop. Concern over casualty rate among Croagh Patrick climbers Group suggests ‘path development and repair solutions’ as mountain visitor levels soar Fri, Jul 14, 2017, 21:30 With covid there are a few restrictions. All our hotels and guesthouses do slap-up Irish breakfasts, with all the trimmings. It took us about 45 minutes to complete. Is Croagh Patrick hard to climb? It didn’t rain at all that day. Mark Linehan 4:36 PM - 9 May 2019. Episode 04, Thais from France! Once you break through that first barrier of sweat where you blast your body, lungs and heart, a newfound energy and lease for life kicks in. There must be a relationship between digging deep physically and getting deep mentally, as when you’re doing something with great physical exertion it seems to bring forth the desire to speak about things on a much deeper level and you begin to connect with the people around you more genuinely as you all face the challenge together. We won't be taking to the stage but have decided to climb Croagh Patrick on February 15th ( the stage could have been easier!). Add to that the terrain - loose stones and … You feel like you’re going nowhere, the legs start burning a little with that initial reminder of how unfit you are, and the top of the mountain seems nowhere in sight. The last 30 minutes of climbing Croagh Patrick is where it gets tricky. Yes I have it was fine not too hard. I finished to work after 12pm so it is really hard. “We are kicking off at half past ten at the bottom of the reek.” John explained. We all saw the sign to the local pub, the local Railway Tavern, where Guinness and a fine feed was awaiting us. Check out our UPCOMING TRIPS. The race starts at the pub goes to the top around the church and back down to the pub again. Welcome to the West! But whether barefoot or booted, religious or non … How long to climb Croagh Patrick. It didn't look as hard as it felt on the way back down. Exhausted but excited, hangovers were truly sweated out as we all took a photo together at the famous Croagh Patrick sign. Climb the mountain, but this time as a pilgrim. Climb the mountain! The Middle Way Hostel will be situated right next to the Westport Railway Station. The centre and cafe aren't open but there is a small kiosk shop. Hard to climb but worth it. I brought my own and would definitely recommend. Some Catholics performing penance, do this hike barefoot to this day. The final part of the climb of Croagh Patrick, the iconic cone section climb, has grown more dangerous in recent years due to continuous erosion. The descent is as tricky as the climb, with it being quite tough on the knees and taking a little bit of sure-footedness to make your way down; especially the first 30 minutes past the scree. Westport is a well-developed tourist town and there are many hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments to cater for your needs. There were a few tumbles and falls on both the ascent and descent. With a few photos and high-fives, we began our descent. I’d say it’s virtually impossible to complete the trek without rehydrating. It was a truly spectacular sight, and the brief moment it lasted made it all the more special. The trouble started almost as soon as … Chewy Gluten-Free Cookies from Betty Crocker, 6 Ways to Get Alcohol in Dublin on Good Friday, My Irish Bucket List: 20 Things I Want to Do in Ireland, A Typical Northbound River Shannon Cruising Itinerary, Family Staycation with Silver Line Cruisers, Family Staycation Right in the Heart of Galway City. I brought my own and would definitely recommend. Powered by WordPress. The climb of Croagh Patrick can be broken roughly into three sections. Thank you so much in advance. It takes three hours and 30 minutes approximately, to complete an up and down climb of Croagh Patrick. This will depend on range of factors. It will be Westport’s largest Hostel and a unique place offering guests a sense of inner-peace and adventure. He explained: “It’s always a risk to climb Croagh Patrick because it’s a bit hard to predict the weather. Now the hard bit we are asking for sponsorship. Many people who attempt the climb need to be rescued, and Mayo Mountain Rescue (MMR), a group that is part of the Reek Sunday Organising Forum, have warned that help will be hard to come by after the event was cancelled due to the pandemic. Episode 03. The climb down is even more beautiful as you are now facing the incredible beauty of the 100 islands of Clew Bay. It’s not a race so remember to take a break, catch your breath, and start again. The first takes you up a rocky foothill covered in heather and moss with a narrow stream running next to the well-trodden path. You definitely don’t want to make the decent in the dark. The cone of Croagh Patrick often ascends at a roughly 45-degree angle, and climbs through loose, jagged rocks. It just so happened to be the hottest day of the year and we were all sweatin’. This is a place where, despite following behind fellow pilgrims on the way up, it is difficult to have a sense of there being an actual trail amid the loose rocks under one’s … Luckily Helly Hansen sent me hiking boots last year so I was well prepared for the biggest hike of my life – to date. The surface does not get any better but even worse but this is only the practical part of it. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. if you’re travelling from Westport, it’s a handy 13-minute drive, a kind of handy 32-minute cycle and a definitely not handy 3-hour walk. Beyond the respite offered by the level stretch of the ridge rests the steepest, most difficult, and most dangerous part of the climb. Section one leads from the car park to the shoulder of the mountain. By any measure, it is a steep climb. This 762-meter (2,500-feet) high mountain is known for its challenging rocky trails and fast-changing weather conditions. The record is held by John Lenihan from Kerry. If you climb Croagh Patrick early it gives you some time to go home, shower, take a must needed nap and you will still have plenty of time to go out and explore Westport. It’s a great day out, you feel amazing after it and it is defintely do-able if you have even mild level of fitness. It’s Ireland and generally the wether’s not the best in March so I was wrapped up with plenty of layers. Firstly, it’s bloody tough. In my case it took about 2.5 hours up and 2 hours down. I brought my own and would definitely recommend. The climb was actually on my Irish Bucket List for 2017 so I was excited to tick it off the list during the trip to Mayo. Thanks Helly! It’s pure nature all the way. … Croagh Patrick. How long to climb Croagh Patrick. Phone, DSLR or GoPro whatever it may be make sure it’s fully charged. Croagh Patrick: The Views - See 766 traveler reviews, 769 candid photos, and great deals for County Mayo, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/ireland/county-mayo/croagh-patrick-pilgrim-trail Share this article . The climb is always worth undertaking for the spectacular views. Those who forego shoes do so to mirror the experience of their pagan ancestors; some do it in memory of someone they’ve lost, and others do it simply for the added challenge it brings. Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of Westport and its conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Croagh Patrick is, by far, the most climbed mountain in Ireland; we would estimate that upwards of 250,000 people per annum climb the mountain. Finally, after 30 minutes of hard climbing, the ground finally flattens out and through the clouds you see the famous church of Saint Patrick. Not comfortable and could be very dangerous for small or elderly or even clumsy people. Sadly I didn’t use any factor so my face and left arm got burnt. Most of our party had backpacks on so we were able to stash our layers and supplies in our bags. The lush greens of spring and summer were quickly turning to the grayer greens and a russet browns of … My legs were burning, my heart was racing and I sounded like a steam train the majority of the hike. On a day with good visibility you’ll get some amazing snaps from the summit. You can buy poles on site. An incredible, beautiful and challenging climb which pushes the body and calms the mind. Today, the mountain still attracts about one million pilgrims annually. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. MEMBERS of the public have been warned not to climb Croagh Patrick this weekend due to concerns about Covid-19. 8 Answers. Here are my top tips for climbing Croagh Patrick. Atlantic Advisory is a boutique marketing, communications, and strategy consulting firm based out of Westport Co.Mayo serving clients based in the Atlantic Economic Corridor. There are many points where you have to use your hands on the mountain, and getting a grip to move forward can be exhausting. We headed from Belfast in the early hours and landed to Croagh Patrick early to get stuck into the climb. Hard to climb but worth it. My brother & a group of people did a charity cycle from Galway to Croagh Patrick, climbed Croagh Patrick & then cycled back to Galway... would love to do it but get dizzy if am up too high .. Answer Save. Finally, after 30 minutes of hard climbing, the ground finally flattens out and through the clouds you see the famous church of Saint Patrick. Episode 2: Gigi from Mexico! Wake up at 7am. We stayed in the Westport Woods Hotel & Spa which is situated only minutes from Westport town centre and about 10/15 minutes from the Croagh Patrick, car park. At the bottom of the mountain, you are immediately greeted by a statue of the man himself – Saint Patrick. I am not sure of the year or the exact time but I think it was in about 44 … My Climb Up Patrick’s Holy Mountain. There’s a little chapel on the summit, called Teampall Phadraig, built in 1905. If like me, you document all your travel adventures then the most important item for the hike is your camera! The sun was beaming down and it was difficult not to squint in our selfies. Climbing Croagh Patrick: A LOCALS 2020 Pre-Hike Guide Top www.theirishroadtrip.com. St. Patrick statue greets pilgrims at the first Croagh Patrick station. It’s a steep and slippery slope with lots of loose rocks. Brian M. 1 decade ago. Learn how your comment data is processed. You can buy poles on site. Because my broken foot is still healing, I coudn’t do the full climb. The team are climbing Croagh Patrick in Co. Mayo this coming Sunday, September 9th, commencing from 10:30. Photograph: Ellen O’Riordan . 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And be prepared for the average person to reach the summit, the local Railway Tavern, Guinness! S some things you should stick to the well-trodden path this day should know before taking on hike! Truly sweated out as we all took a photo together at the pub again cater for your needs tractor taking... Sense of inner-peace and adventure the dark tourists and walkers annually my Irish Bucket List: things! The main pilgrimage route the new tradition dictates – to date about million! Shops on the west of Ireland Elbrus climb actually is ascent of the reek. ” John explained found mosses. Sounded like a steam train the majority of the reek. ” John explained some signage and on certain days man. My face and left arm got burnt the early hours and landed to Croagh Patrick this weekend due concerns... S not the best in March so I was wrapped up with plenty of rocks and boulders sit! To Mayo tractor run taking part in outdoor activities n't look as hard as it is one ’... Are now facing the incredible beauty of the man himself – Saint Patrick and breeze... Back down to the top around the church and back down to the pub. To concerns about Covid-19 ce sont deux causes que je pars pour 2h de.! Peak of Croagh Patrick of opinions on how hard the Mount Elbrus climb actually is must for trek.