Walk Ireland's Holy Mountain
Croagh Patrick - "The Reek"
Sunday March 14th 2010 Booknow
Croagh Patrick - Ireland’s Holy Mountain. - “The Reek”
Height: 726m
Walking time 3 -4 hours
Walking difficulty – moderate
About Croagh Patrick:
Croagh Patrick over looks Clew bay in Co. Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. It is from here that St. Patrick is said to have banished the snakes from Ireland in 441A.D. and spent 40 days and nights in prayer and fasting. The views across clew bay and it’s small islands are incredible and a real treat to enjoy from the summit.
It is a pilgrimage site of great importance in Ireland and is visited by thousands each year. On Reek Sunday the last Sunday in July people come from all over the world and up to 15,000 people can take part in this walk and prayer with some even walking in their bare feet. (not recommended)
It is known today that the mountain was of great spiritual importance to pre Christian era in Ireland as well, with the archaeological remains of an early Celtic hillfort being found surrounding the summit. It was during the feast of “Lughnasadh” - The Celtic harvest festival on August 1st takes its name from the Irish god Lugh, one of the chief gods of the Tuatha De Danann that St. Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland.
About the Walk and Tour:
Pickup from Dublin @9am from St Stephen's Green and drive to Westport in Co. Mayo.
The walk begins at the car park at the base of Croagh Patrick and we will take the pilgrimage trail up towards the summit starting from the statue of St Patrick.
The walk is quite steep in parts and will be walked at a pace to suit the group. Part of the trail is along scree and loose slate definitely not suitable for walking in bare feet actually I would highly recommend walking boots as the walk can be very hard on the ankles.
Stop for a bite to eat on the summit or on the way down and enjoy the views to the west of Ireland which can be stunning in the late evening with sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean.
As we will be going up and down the same trail it is possible to just walk part way up and leave out the scree ascent if finding it difficult.
After the walk we will visit Westport which is just 5 miles from "the reek"
What to Bring for you day walk. Checklist
Suitable walking boots, Rain gear, warm clothes, flask of hot drink,
WATER, small lunch,
good socks, hat and gloves and spare top in bag.
Price: €65
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Places are limited Booking is required |
N.B.Other dates may be added depending on demand.
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