Croagh Patrick – The Holy Mountain
Croagh Patrick, a 764 metres (2,507 ft) tall mountain which overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo, is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland. It is 8 kilometres (5 mi) from Westport, above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. Click HERE to get driving directions to the Croagh Patrick from your location.
Clew Bay
St.Patrick
Known in Irish Celtic as Cruach Phádraig and colloquially as “the Reek,” Mt. Croagh Patrick has been a sacred site since ancient times. Before the arrival of Christianity, the Celtic people regarded the mountain as the dwelling place of the deity Crom Dubh. Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD.
Hikers
Each year, the Reek attracts about 1 million pilgrims and hillwalkers. On Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, around 25,000 pilgrims climb the holy mountain, many in their bare feet.
Normally, it takes about two hours for the average person to reach the summit, and one and a half hours to descend. Stunning views of Clew Bay and it’s famous drumlins as you climb the hill will definitely make the effort worthy. Clew Bay is said to have an island for each day of the year. Some people go up in bare feet but really a pair of good boots needed, also a good support stick will ease the effort.
Happy climbing!
Beautiful Ireland 