Standing at the summit of Croagh Patrick, Ireland. (Compass Points Media / flickr) http://www.flickr.com/photos/compasspointsmedia/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
Few experiences in Ireland can match the scenery, the challenge and the culture of a trek up to the 2,500-foot summit of Croagh Patrick.
Should you find yourself meandering around Ireland and feel up to for a strenuous 5-mile walk, here’s how to see the 360 panorama from the top of Croagh Patrick.
GETTING THERE: Croagh Patrick is located in County Mayo about 6 miles west of the town of Westport. Follow R335 along the south shore of Clew Bay until reaching the town of Murrisk. Look for the Croagh Patrick visitor centre on the left. The path to the top of the mountain begins from the parking lot.
There’s no fee to park or hike up Croagh Patrick.
WHAT TO KNOW: The hike from base to summit of Croagh Patrick is a strenuous one; no other way to put it. The path, what looks like an ancient road of broken rock, cuts the mountain side like a scar, and you can’t miss it.
Stay on the path. A fall here could be dangerous, even fatal, especially as you get closer to the summit.
Keep in mind you will be starting at sea level and ascending to 2,500 feet in one hike. That’s a lot for your legs, so this one is for the physically fit.
A hiker descends the stony summit of Croagh Patrick, Ireland. (Compass Points Media / flickr) http://www.flickr.com/photos/compasspointsmedia/ / CC BY-ND 2.0
Should the day be sunny, wear a hat and sunblock. No trees grow on Croagh Patrick, so you will be exposed to the sun. Carry plenty of water because after you leave the base of the mountain, there’s no spring or stream on the mountain.
Irish weather is notoriously wet, so there’s a better-than-average chance you will be hiking in the rain. Bring rain gear and consider not climbing should the gales be too strong off Clew Bay or a thunderstorm is predicted.
Bring warm layers as the temperature at the summit can be much cooler than it is at the start of your hike.
Wear sturdy shoes as the rocks along the path can roll underneath and create difficult walking conditions.
The last Sunday of July is Reek Sunday when thousands of people embark on a religious pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick’s summit. Keep that in mind when planning your hike.
For an excellent sampling of how rigorous the Croagh Patrick hike can be, watch this HD video below produced by CelticVideo.com:
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