Croagh Patrick Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Elevation
764m
2,507 ft
Prominence
638m
Coordinates
53.7600, -9.6601
L905802
OS Map
30
At the summit, you’ll find a large stone cross, a cairn, and breathtaking panoramic views of Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside. It's an excellent spot for reflective moments or just marveling at the creation (and maybe having a snack).
Croagh Patrick is primarily composed of granite and schistose rocks, formed during the Caledonian Orogeny. The mountain displays classic glacial features, including sharp ridges and U-shaped valleys, which can offer stunning geological education for enthusiasts.
From the summit, enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Burren, and numerous islands dotting Clew Bay. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Connemara Mountains.
The name Croagh Patrick derives from the Irish 'Cruach Phádraig', meaning 'Patrick's Stack', named after St. Patrick who is said to have fasted on the mountain for 40 days.
Regarded as a place of pilgrimage, Croagh Patrick has attracted visitors and worshippers for centuries, particularly during Reek Sunday, a mass pilgrimage held every July.
This is the most popular and traditional route to the summit of Croagh Patrick. Starting from the car park in Murrisk, it follows a well-worn path to the top. The route is steep in places and can be slippery, but it offers stunning views of Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside. Pilgrims and hikers alike use this route, especially on Reek Sunday.
This quieter route begins near Lecanvey village and offers a more tranquil ascent with fewer crowds. The trail is less defined than the Pilgrim Path, requiring good navigation skills, but rewards hikers with unspoiled views and a sense of solitude. It eventually joins the main trail near the summit.
For experienced hikers, the Northern Ridge route provides a more adventurous ascent. This route starts near Bertra Beach and involves some scrambling along the ridge. It is less trafficked and offers dramatic views over Clew Bay and the surrounding peaks.
This route begins near Aghagower and offers a longer, less steep ascent. It meanders through farmland and quiet trails before joining the main path near the summit. This is a good option for those seeking a less direct but scenic hike.
This loop option starts on the Pilgrim Path but descends via a southern trail back to the starting point. It provides a varied perspective of the mountain and allows hikers to avoid retracing their steps. Note that the descent can be challenging due to loose rocks.
There is a car park located at Murrisk, approximately 500 meters from the trailhead. Expect a busy lot during peak season, so arrive early to snag a spot.
Regular bus services operate from Westport to Murrisk. Check local timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Nearby, you can find a café in Murrisk offering refreshments and toilet facilities. For a meal post-hike, Westport has a plethora of eateries and bars to choose from.
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Some common questions about the hills answered
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Croagh Patrick through the maps
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Croagh Patrick search or of course create your own walk for Croagh Patrick
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
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There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
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Grid Ref: L905802
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