Croagh Patrick Hike Guide (Map, Parking + Tips)
The Croagh Patrick hike is a tough, 7km linear trail that takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete, depending on pace.
Nicknamed ‘The Reek’, Croagh Patrick Mountain stands at an impressive 764m (2,507 feet), which makes it the 4th highest mountain in Mayo.
The hike to the top of ‘Ireland’s holiest mountain’ got a whole lot easier in recent years thanks to the addition of steps near the summit.
The Croagh Patrick hike
So, unlike some of the shorter walks in and around Westport, like the one out to Tourmakeady Waterfall, the Croagh Patrick walk needs a little bit of planning.
The 20 seconds you take to read the info below now will save you time later:
1. Height
Ireland’s holiest mountain stands at 764m (2,507 feet) in height, making it the 4th highest mountain in County Mayo. The trail is 7km in total from the main car park to the summit and back.
2. How long it takes
How long it takes to climb Croagh Patrick will depend on your pace and how often you stop. I’ve done this hike twice and on both occasions it has taken around 3.5 hours. I have some fitter friends that have done it in 2.5 hours and know of others that took 4.5 hours to complete it.
3. Difficulty
The Croagh Patrick climb is a tough one with a lot of incline right from the get-go. Good fitness and mobility is essential.
4. Parking
The main Croagh Patrick car park is right at the foot of the trail (here on Maps). If you can’t get space here, you’ll often see people parked around here on Maps. Note that there’s coach parking that shouldn’t be blocked.
5. What to bring
A lot of people that climb Croagh Patrick are woefully unprepared. In the warmer months, sun cream, adequate clothing/footwear and ample liquids are needed. In the cooler months, remember that you’ll be exposed to the elements, so warm clothing, water and snacks are needed. It’s also worth renting a stick from the place in the car park.
An overview of each stage of the Croagh Patrick climb
I’m going to break down the various stages of the Croagh Patrick climb, for those of you that like to know what to expect.
Make sure to check the weather (yr.no is a good one) before setting off on your climb. The clearer the day the better – otherwise you’ll arrive at the top to a sea of misty cloud.
1. Before climbing Croagh Patrick, appreciate its history
Considered to be Ireland’s holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron Saint.
It was at the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD.
Stretching back 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption, the pilgrimage takes place on the last Sunday of July.
Known as Reek Sunday, it attracts over 25,000 pilgrims each year. The tradition began with the pagans, when people gathered here to celebrate the beginning of the harvest season.
2. The start of the trail
Kick the Croagh Patrick walk off from the car park. I’d recommend that you nip in here and grab a stick (€4 a few years back).
You’ll find the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre (aka Teach na Miasa) just past the car park where there’s a coffee shop, restaurant and toilets.
When you leave the car park, you’ll make your way onto a tarmac road and you keep going until you reach some steps.
It’s from here that the Croagh Patrick climb really starts.
3. Then Croagh Patrick hike begins
From the steps, you’ll notice the ground underfoot start to become rocky, sometimes muddy and always uneven.
You’ll start to notice a gentle increase in the incline from here, as you walk up along a little stream.
The views start to open up a little behind you, and you get your first glimpse of the islands on Clew Bay.
There’s plenty of places to rest up if you need it.
4. The ‘half way’ point
Keep on going for around 40 minutes to 1 hour and you’ll come to a point where the ground levels out. This is the half way point.
It’s around 2km from the car park to this point. There’s a toilet here that, while not the Mae-West hygiene-wise, does the job.
When you’re ready, head towards the foot of what nearly looks like a second mountain. It’s time to make your final descent.
When I did this last, it took us 40 minutes to reach the summit from this point.
Note on toilet: it seems the toilets aren’t always open. There are definitely toilets in the car park!
5. The new steps
The hardest part of the Croagh Patrick hike used to be the section that led to the summit.
As you’ll see in the photos above, it was covered in extremely loose stone/slate that was like walking on butter.
Thankfully, in recent years, a series of steps were painstakingly added to aid people in their final ascent to the summit.
6. The summit
When you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted (hopefully) with one of the best views in Ireland. In front of you, the mighty Clew Bay dazzles.
The story goes that Clew Bay has 365 islands – one for every day of the year. You’ll notice a little church at the summit, too.
It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and, according to The Book of Armagh, built a Church.
This was confirmed during an archaeological excavation on the summit in 1995 – the foundation of a stone oratory dating back to between 430 and 890 AD was unearthed.
The white Church that currently stands on Croagh Patrick was built in the early 1900s by Dr Healy, Archbishop of Tuam, and Fr Michael McDonald.
When you finish up at the summit, it’s time to get back down. Take your time and enjoy the views.
Things to do nearby
When you finish the hike, you can either grab a bite-to-eat or continue ticking off the various things to do in Westport.
Here are some suggestions for where to eat and what to do nearby!
1. Post-hike food
If you’re in need of a feed after climbing Croagh Patrick, you’ve this lovely little pub just outside the car park where you can grab a victory pint and a bite to eat.
Or, there are plenty of restaurants in Westport and loads of pubs in Westport to drop into, too.
2. Nearby attractions
Many of the best things to do in Mayo can be found a short spin away from the Reek. Here are some suggestions:
- Doolough Valley (25-minute drive)
- The Great Western Greenway (starts from Westport)
- Westport House (in Westport itself)
- Silver Strand (30-minute drive)
- The Lost Valley (35-minute drive)
- Clare Island (20-minute drive to Roonagh Pier)
- Achill Island (1-hour drive)
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Loved your advice and tips. Well done and thx.
Cheers Ado – glad you’re enjoyed them!
I’m climbing this June as last year the weather was too rough for the climb. Thanks for the article, very helpful and made me feel ok about being old and taking it slow
Thanks for commenting Dawn – glad it was helpful. Hopefully the weather proves to be a bit better this time. Definitely don’t worry about taking it slow – some people run up it and others just take their time and take it as it comes. Have a great time. Keith
Is there a time of year you recommend? My husband and I were in Westport on honeymoon during the annual pilgrimage back in 2012 and it was busy! I’d rather avoid the 25000 🙂
God – I’d say it was mental!
I did it in the summer with my Dad and it was pretty busy. I’ve a friend who does it with family on St. Stephen’s Day (Dec. 26th) and apparently, depending on the weather, it can be busy then, too.
It’ll be quieter mid-week, definitely.
I had a look online but couldn’t find anything that detailed visitor numbers.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Keith
Just wondering if there are any toilet facilities on the route up the mountain
I’ve just asked my dad there as I couldn’t for the life of me remember.
There are toilet facilities almost at the half way point.
Hi there,
My family and I are planning on attempting CP on Garland Friday (before reek Sunday). I really want to do it in memory of my dad but I am very scared about the top (especially coming down – if I get that far). My question may be silly but I am wondering if I could sit down and do some of the descent that way (sitting) with gloves (I don’t trust my feet).
Hi Jen,
Sorry – I’ve been away on holidays for the past week and I’m only catching messages here now.
Me and my dad climbed Croagh Patrick while my back was dodgy and his hip was at him. By far the trickiest part of the climb was the first 20 minutes of the descent – but we made it without any falls, Thank God.
While you could absolutely sit and ease yourself down, you could also hold onto a little ledge on the left as you descend.
Ledge isn’t the right way to describe the thing that you can hold, but I can’t for the life of me remember exactly what it was. It could have just been thin rock jutting up out of the mountain.
Rent one of the sticks when you get there and take your time. If you don’t think you’re up for it, just give the top half a miss.
I hope this helps.
Keith
Hi. Making or planning to do a pilgrimage with my brother. We are planning early November v mid to late October
Is it much more difficult during this time
Could there be snow?
Thanks
EFG
Hello, just wanted to confirm that this hike can be done year round, planning a trip next month and curious if the stick rental and Visitor Center will be closed. Any insight? Thank you!
Hi Mandy,
So, while I’ve never done this hike at any time other than summer, I know people that have.
That being said, always exercise caution. The weather can change at a moments notice, so be sure to check well in advance.
As far as the stick rental place and the visitor centre, I’m not sure. It could be worth grabbing one of those walking sticks with the spike at the end from a hiking shop before departing.
I hope this helps.
Keith
Hi,
I will be travelling to Westport on Friday 1st November and I am so hoping to climb CP that weekend.
My level of fitness is pretty good, as I climbed various mountains in the past such as Snowdon, and the Yorkshire 3 peaks. However I am just concerned about the weather, is it wise to attempt the climb in November?
Regards
Christina.
Hi Keith, we were there last week and the rate for the sticks is four Euros, with two returned back. Or you can buy the sticks for four Euros at the cafe in the car park. We reached only half-way to the top because of wind and rain. Even from there the views were spectacular.
Hi Keith, we were there last week and the rate for the sticks is four Euros, with two returned back. Or you can buy the sticks for four Euros at the cafe in the car park. We reached only up to the shoulder because of wind and rain.(Being from Mumbai, our tolerance for the cold is zero?). Even from there the views were spectacular.
I did this 4 years ago on an absolutely beautiful day at age 65. Tried to do it again 2 weeks ago with gale force winds and sideways rain and only made it about 2/3 of the way up. It’s not a disgrace to turn around and head down. I was very cold and soaked to the bone. Strongly suggest waterproof gear and shoes. Good shoes and a hiking stick are a must. Also it’s better to turn around rather than needing to be rescued.
Loved reading this! My husband & myself are thinking of climbing it tomorrow, NYears eve, what better way to end one year & get ready for the next! Your advice & narrative was the best so much so that no matter where in the world you are reading this & planning/contemplating on climbing Croagh Patrick your description & advice makes you want to do it even more! Thank you & Happy New Year..from the summit??
Very accurate account and the difficulty of terrain is not to be underestimated. There are stonemasons working on building a path close to summit where there are loose stones and rocks.
Hi, would there be potable water in the toilet facilities half way to the peak?
Thanks
Hi Monica,
There were toilets when I was there a few years back at the half way point. I went on to tripadvisor reviews to check for you, but the most recent is from June of this year saying that they’re in bad nick, so it sounds like they are there alright.
Enjoy the climb.
Keith
Thanks for the article. Doing it tomorrow. Hopefully the weather holds out and we will reach the Summit.
The best of luck with the climb, Nina. Hopefully you get a nice clear day for climbing the Reek.
Three Filipinas are dreaming and praying to climb this holy mountain and we are now fervently praying to St Patrick to intercede for us since we are not so young. This link is very helpful and highly informative. Thank you very much.
THANKS, VERY THOROUGH AND HELPFUL
Hi your info on Croke Patrick was brilliant, we are climbing Thursday 26th May, two senior ladies with a group, so hopefully it go well for us. Miriam & Mary Ballymoney Wexford
We’re visiting in Jan/Feb, will the mountain be walkable over the winter months?
Hey Molly. I know plenty that have hiked Croagh Patrick during these months. You just need to prepare and be aware of the potential challanges with weather – i.e. snow, ice, mist etc and be capable of navigating if visibility becomes an issue (this is key).
Can I add another FAQ?
Are dogs allowed on Craogh Patrick? No. Strictly no dogs. I wasted a lot of time coming here then couldn’t go up because I brought a dog. It’s a mountain for goodness sake! Whodathunkit? Ireland isn’t good for canine tourists.
Thanks for taking the time to write the notes. We have just completed our fourth climb (August 22).
The path has been improved recently to help prevent erosion. We found it made a huge difference. They have infilled and levelled parts of the lower path and have started to built steps towards the peak (not quite complete yet, but they have removed lots of the loose stones)
It made a huge difference to the climb and for the first time we did complete it in three and a half hours. Previously it has taken up to six, as we had young children and were really cautious especially on the climb down.
There are still plenty of places to sit and rest.
Choose a good day, as the stones get very slippery when it is wet and l agree that views from the top are hard to beat. I did not see anyone walking bare footed this time and we have always climbed in hiking boots to protect our ankles and used the sticks!
We have had lovely evenings in Campbell’s after the climb and the nearby hostel is fantastic. We have fitted up to four families in the larger rooms and the kids love it. There seems to be a wider choice of food at the Tavern but we stuck to Campbell’s, as they helped with a promise to reward my daughter with the biggest bowl of ice-cream in the world after her first climb a few years back.
The visitor center was closed when we went today and you could only buy walking sticks at the cafe for Euro 4 with no refund for returning them. A lot of people do the walk without sticks but they do help. We wore boots but some people coped in trainers.
This fantastic climb of Croagh Patrick has been made safer with the building of steps from the loose rocks, this tidy work was taking place over the last year, making the hike less difficult than it used to be, but caution is still required on this climb.
Great advice and info Keith 🙂
Just come across this great guide. Can you take a dog? I been going to Connemara all my life and seems to be getting less and less tolerant
Hey Andrew! As a very passionate dog owner also, I’d love to help you here. But I can’t find any info online about climbing Croagh Patrick with a pooch! Sorry – I know this isn’t the reply you’ll have hoped for!
Thank you so much for your advice and tips, hoping to do the climb on 1st September this year,
We have been in Ireland for three weeks and have often referenced your material. Thank you!
No lies, this was hard, blowing winds, climbing in clouds, no view, but gosh, we made it! I cried when Ingot to the top. Grand accomplishment.
Hi Keith,
As always, thank you so much for everything you do at the Irish Road Trip. I have visited Ireland 4x in the last 2 years and consider it my Ireland travel Bible!
Question: You have stated that you have done the Croagh Patrick hike twice and on both occasions it has taken around 3.5 hours. Is that roundtrip, or just the hike to the summit? We are heading back this weekend for a 12-day trip and we are trying to put an itinerary together.
Thanks again in advance!
Best regards,
Jim from the NYSE
Hi Jim – That’s 3.5 hours in total! It’ll all depend on pace/how often you stop. I know people that have completed it in much less but also plenty who have taken 4.5 hours. Mind yourself! Cheers – Keith