Croagh Patrick

There’s a rare beauty to Croagh Patrick. Rising dramatically from the County Mayo landscape, this scree-covered peak rewards those who reach its summit with spellbinding panoramas of the Wild Atlantic Way. Stand here, and Clew Bay – edged by mountains – spreads out before you; its countless islands scattered across the water in soft washes of blue, green and brown. Steeped in legend and spirituality, Croagh Patrick has been a popular pilgrimage site since St Patrick visited here in the 5th century, and thousands still scale it on the last Sunday of July.

Croagh Patrick has been considered a holy mountain since pagan times, when people would gather at the summit to celebrate the beginning of the harvest season (known as Lughnasa), on or around 1 August. More recently, archaeologists have found evidence of Neolithic art here, suggesting that it has been a sacred site for thousands of years. The mountain, however, is most famously connected with St Patrick.

It’s said that the saint fasted for 40 days for Lent back in the year 441. Originally, the mountain was called Cruachan Aigli, but it was renamed Cruaich (meaning “mountain”) Patrick in the mid-14th century in honour of Ireland’s patron saint. Today it presents a challenging but rewarding hike, especially between April and September, with the well-marked but steep Pilgrim Path taking roughly 3-4 hours there and back. At the summit – windswept and wild – the vastness of the view delivers a humbling reward, making those aching muscles all worthwhile.

Once you’ve scaled Croagh Patrick, make sure you stick around – this part of County Mayo is packed with great things to see and do. The mountain is not far from the lively town of Westport, renowned for its vibrant traditional music scene, excellent restaurants, and the 400-year-old Westport House.

Looking for more adventure? Hire a bike and take to the Great Western Greenway, which brings you along the Wild Atlantic Way from Westport to Achill Island, a majestic location boasting gorgeous beaches, dramatic sea cliffs and great walking trails. Or drive through the hauntingly beautiful DooLough Valley to Killary Fjord in County Galway – it’s one of the most beautiful journeys on the island of Ireland.