Rising dramatically above Clew Bay in County Mayo, Croagh Patrick is one of the most recognisable mountains in Ireland. Known locally as The Reek, it has been a sacred mountain for thousands of years and remains one of Ireland's most important places of pilgrimage. But you don't have to be a pilgrim to climb it. Thousands of walkers head up Croagh Patrick for the challenge, the history and — if the weather cooperates — some extraordinary views across Clew Bay. The standard climb is around 7km return, takes most people approximately 3–4 hours, and reaches a summit of around 764 metres. It's short compared with many mountain hikes. But don't confuse short with easy. The climb is steep, exposed and physically demanding.

The main route begins beside the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre in Murrisk, on the R335 roughly 8–9km west of Westport. You pass the large white statue of St Patrick and begin climbing almost immediately. The opening section is steadily uphill, with views over Murrisk and Clew Bay opening almost straight away. After the initial ascent the route reaches a broader shoulder where the gradient briefly eases and the distinctive summit cone comes into view. The steepest section is the final ascent to the summit. A major Sustainable Access and Habitat Restoration Project completed in April 2024 has created a much more stable stone-pitched path across the mountain, particularly on the steep summit cone — the work has made the final ascent significantly more manageable while also reducing erosion. Even so, this section is physically demanding. Take your time.

Reach the top and you'll find the small Croagh Patrick summit chapel, dedicated in 1905 and still used for religious services, particularly during the annual pilgrimage. And then there are the views. On a clear day you can look across Clew Bay, its many drumlin islands, the Nephin Beg Mountains, the Mayo coastline and surrounding mountain ranges — one of the finest summit panoramas in western Ireland. Clew Bay is famous for its extraordinary collection of small islands, and from high on Croagh Patrick the entire bay spreads out below you. This is why we'd strongly favour a day with decent visibility if you have flexibility. The summit still feels like an achievement in cloud. But seeing the bay makes it special.

Croagh Patrick had spiritual significance long before Christianity, associated with pre-Christian rituals connected with the harvest season. Christian tradition holds that St Patrick spent 40 days fasting and praying on the summit in AD 441. The biggest annual pilgrimage takes place on Reek Sunday — the final Sunday in July — when thousands of pilgrims climb the mountain and Mass is celebrated at the summit. Mountain Rescue teams from across Ireland support the event. In its 2023 report, Mayo Mountain Rescue said that more than 70% of its callouts that year took place on Croagh Patrick. That's not included to scare anyone — it's a reminder that the popularity of the mountain doesn't remove the normal risks of mountain walking. If there is an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Mountain Rescue.

Bring proper mountain clothing: sturdy hiking boots or strong trail shoes, a waterproof jacket, a warm layer, water, food or snacks and a fully charged phone. In colder conditions add hat and gloves. Summit temperatures can be significantly lower and winds much stronger than conditions at the base. Check the forecast before you go — cloud can quickly reduce visibility, rain makes rocks slippery and strong wind can make exposed sections uncomfortable or unsafe. Most visitors should return using the same Pilgrim Route they climbed. Mountaineering Ireland currently specifically asks walkers not to use the alternative Ben Goram descent towards Kilsallagh due to access and parking problems affecting farmland. There is paid parking at the main trailhead in Murrisk. The Bus Éireann 450 connects Westport with Murrisk in around 20 minutes for visitors without a car.

Directly across the road from the trailhead is the National Famine Memorial — a powerful sculpture by John Behan depicting a coffin ship with skeletal figures in its rigging, unveiled in 1997. Just a short walk away is Murrisk Abbey, a ruined 15th-century friary sitting close to the shore of Clew Bay. Both are well worth visiting before or after the mountain. For serious pilgrims and long-distance walkers, Tóchar Phádraig runs approximately 35km from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick — a strenuous one-day route following an ancient road and medieval pilgrimage path. Walkers must register at Ballintubber Abbey before using the route. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is a separate longer route of approximately 59.9km from Balla to Murrisk, normally taking around three days.Bertra Beach is a short drive from Murrisk and makes a perfect companion stop — the views back towards Croagh Patrick from around Clew Bay are excellent, and after several hours climbing a gentle beach walk sounds considerably more appealing than another mountain.