Location: County Mayo Map
Elevation: 764 m (2,507 ft)
Official site
Croagh Patrick, often referred to as "The Reek," is Ireland’s holiest mountain, standing at 764 meters (2,507 feet) in County Mayo on the western coast. Located near the town of Westport and overlooking Clew Bay, this quartzite peak is a site of profound spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. It is best known as the place where Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, is said to have fasted for 40 days and nights in 441 AD, earning its status as a major pilgrimage destination. Beyond its religious importance, Croagh Patrick is steeped in pre-Christian history, offers stunning natural beauty, and presents a challenging yet rewarding climb for adventurers.
Croagh Patrick’s significance predates Christianity by millennia.
Archaeological evidence suggests it was a sacred site during the
Neolithic and Bronze Ages, likely tied to its prominence in the
landscape and its alignment with celestial events. The mountain was
associated with Lugh, the Celtic sun god, and was a focal point for the
festival of Lughnasa, celebrated around August 1. This festival marked
the harvest and included rituals on high places like Croagh Patrick,
which was known as Cruachán Aigle (possibly meaning "stack" or "conical
hill") in ancient times. A rock feature near the summit, known as Leaba
Phádraig ("Patrick’s Bed"), and other archaeological remains, such as
cairns and a possible hillfort, indicate pre-Christian ceremonial use.
The mountain’s role in pagan worship made it a strategic target for
Saint Patrick’s mission to Christianize Ireland in the 5th century. By
fasting on the summit, Patrick symbolically claimed the site for
Christianity, a common tactic to overlay Christian practices on pagan
sacred spaces. Local legend holds that during his 40-day vigil, Patrick
banished snakes from Ireland (a metaphor for expelling paganism) and
defeated the demon Corra in a battle, casting her into Lough na Corra
below.
Croagh Patrick became a Christian pilgrimage site soon after
Patrick’s time, with records of penitential climbs dating back to the
early medieval period. The mountain is linked to Saint Patrick’s Lent, a
40-day period of fasting mirroring Christ’s time in the wilderness. By
the 12th century, Croagh Patrick was part of a broader pilgrimage
network in Ireland, culminating in visits to Station Island in Lough
Derg.
The annual pilgrimage, known as Reek Sunday, takes place on
the last Sunday of July (July 27 in 2025) and attracts up to 20,000
pilgrims. Pilgrims climb the mountain, often barefoot, to pray, perform
penitential rituals, and attend Mass at the summit oratory. The
pilgrimage is tied to Domhnach Chrom Dubh, a pre-Christian harvest
festival Christianized as a day of penance. Historical accounts, such as
those from the 17th century, describe pilgrims circling cairns and
offering prayers, blending Gaelic and Christian traditions.
The
mountain also has a darker history. During the 18th and 19th centuries,
Penal Laws restricted Catholic worship, forcing pilgrims to climb under
cover of darkness. In 1979, Pope John Paul II visited nearby Knock
Shrine, reinforcing Croagh Patrick’s status as a spiritual beacon.
Today, it draws pilgrims year-round, with over 100,000 visitors
annually, including international tourists and those seeking personal
reflection.
Croagh Patrick is a quartzite cone-shaped mountain, part of the
Murrisk Mountains, formed approximately 400 million years ago during the
Caledonian orogeny. Its distinctive pyramid shape, visible from miles
away, is the result of glacial erosion during the last Ice Age, which
sculpted its steep slopes and scree-covered paths. The summit offers
panoramic views of Clew Bay, with its 365 islands (one for each day of
the year, according to legend), the Nephin Beg Mountains, and the
Atlantic Ocean.
Geology: The mountain’s quartzite composition
gives it a pale, shimmering appearance, especially in sunlight. Gold
deposits were discovered in the 1980s, leading to minor mining activity,
though environmental concerns halted large-scale operations. The
surrounding area includes carboniferous limestone and shales,
contributing to the region’s diverse ecology.
Flora and Fauna: The
lower slopes are covered in heather, gorse, and grasses, while the upper
reaches are barren, dominated by loose scree. The mountain supports
birds like peregrine falcons and ravens, with occasional sightings of
red deer and foxes in the surrounding Murrisk area. Clew Bay is a
Special Area of Conservation, home to seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
Weather: Croagh Patrick’s exposed position makes it prone to
unpredictable weather. Fog, rain, and strong winds are common, even in
summer, and the summit can be significantly colder than the base.
Climbers are advised to check forecasts and prepare for rapid changes.
The climb to Croagh Patrick’s summit is both a physical and spiritual
journey, typically taking 3–5 hours round trip, depending on fitness and
conditions. The main trail begins at a car park in Murrisk, 8 km from
Westport, where a statue of Saint Patrick marks the starting point. The
path is 7 km round trip, with a 700-meter elevation gain, and is divided
into three stages:
Lower Slopes: The initial ascent is a gentle
climb through grassy terrain, passing a small stream and offering views
of Clew Bay. Pilgrims may pause at Boheh Stone, a nearby rock with
prehistoric carvings, believed to align with the setting sun during
equinoxes.
Scree Slope: The middle section is the most challenging,
with loose scree and steep inclines. This is where many barefoot
pilgrims face difficulties, as the sharp stones can cause cuts. The
ridge of Ben Goram provides a brief respite before the final push.
Summit: The summit plateau features a small whitewashed oratory, built
in 1905, where Mass is celebrated on Reek Sunday and other occasions.
Pilgrims perform stáisiúin (stations), a series of prayers and circuits
around the summit’s cairns and Leaba Phádraig. On clear days, the views
are breathtaking, encompassing Connemara, Mayo’s mountains, and the
Atlantic.
Traditional pilgrims follow a structured ritual:
First Station
(Base): At Leacht Benáin, a small cairn, pilgrims circle seven times,
reciting seven Our Fathers, seven Hail Marys, and one Creed.
Second
Station (Summit): Pilgrims circle the oratory seven times with the same
prayers, then pray at Leaba Phádraig (15 circuits, 15 prayers).
Third
Station (Descent): On the descent, pilgrims circle cairns at Reilig
Mhuire (Mary’s Cemetery) seven times, completing the penitential cycle.
Many modern climbers forego these rituals, treating the ascent as a
hike, but the spiritual atmosphere remains palpable, especially during
Reek Sunday.
The climb is strenuous, with loose scree posing a slip risk,
particularly on the descent. Over 100 injuries are reported annually,
ranging from sprains to hypothermia. The Mayo Mountain Rescue Team is
active, and climbers are urged to:
Wear sturdy boots with ankle
support (barefoot climbing is discouraged for non-pilgrims).
Bring
layers, waterproofs, water, and snacks.
Start early to avoid crowds
and ensure daylight.
Avoid climbing in poor weather, as fog can
obscure the path.
Croagh Patrick is a cornerstone of Mayo’s identity, blending
spirituality, heritage, and outdoor adventure. It is part of the Wild
Atlantic Way and complements nearby attractions like Westport, a vibrant
Georgian town, and the National Famine Monument in Murrisk, which
commemorates the Great Famine (1845–1852). The mountain’s cultural
resonance extends to literature, music, and art, symbolizing endurance
and faith.
Tourism: The visitor center at the base offers
parking, toilets, and a café (seasonal). Guided tours, available through
local operators, provide historical and ecological insights. The climb
is free, but donations support mountain maintenance.
Events: Beyond
Reek Sunday, the mountain hosts smaller pilgrimages during Lent and
other holy days. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail, a 61-km walking
route from Balla to Murrisk, connects pilgrims with Mayo’s monastic
history.
Community: The local community, including the Archdiocese of
Tuam, organizes Reek Sunday logistics, with priests and volunteers
ensuring safety and spiritual support. The mountain fosters a sense of
shared purpose, drawing diverse visitors, from devout Catholics to
international hikers.
Getting There: Croagh Patrick is 10 minutes from Westport, accessible
by car (R335) or bus (Bus Éireann routes to Westport, then taxi). Free
parking is available at Murrisk.
Best Time to Visit: April to
September offers better weather, with June and July ideal for clear
views. Reek Sunday is crowded but vibrant.
Accommodation: Westport
offers hotels, B&Bs, and hostels. Camping is available at nearby sites
like Old Head.
Tips: Check met.ie for weather updates. Respect the
mountain’s sacred nature by avoiding littering or disrupting rituals.
For a quieter experience, climb midweek or outside peak pilgrimage
times.