Croagh Patrick

I climbed this in September 2025 and I am VERY proud of myself. I started at 7:30 a.m. and it was a super sunny day; by the time I got to the top it was VERY foggy, windy, and rainy. I did not worry about how long it would take; I took snacks and water; had a good walking stick and hiking boots; I took plenty of breaks and lots of pics; and met lots of lovely folks on my journey. I will say I prepared for this, a bit, by walking about 2 miles a day back home before coming to Ireland. I was also blessed to climb on a day when they opened up the oratory at the top. Reaching St Patrick’s Oratory at the summit of Croagh Patrick was humbling, challenging, and deeply moving. The climb is hard, the weather unforgiving, and the experience unforgettable.

When you've climbed Croagh Patrick a score of times - you're duty bound to encourage others to experience, and prepare for its challenge. The mountain is 2,500 feet or 762 metres high - made up of primarily 3 sections - 1st section is comfortably steep , 2nd section is refreshingly levelled, the 3rd section is nicely challenging. The secret of a successful (enjoyable, memorable, injury free) climb is to take your time, and focus on your footing throughout. Take more time as you descend as this requires 100% focus, you'll definitely recall this advice..! Try not to look back as you climb, you're going to see the spectacular views as you descend. Your breathing will become your best skill - patience & consistency of climbing is a must. You'll find your Rhythm. Whatever your reason for climbing wear comfortable walking shoes with non slippery soles. Years ago some pilgrims climbed at sunrise or sunset. Whatever your reason or purpose the memory of the climb will resonate with you forever. Climbers come from all over Ireland and the world. It's part of Irish culture because of its faith-based origin and historical importance. Before you hit the pillows a hot shower or bath can prevent sore muscles. Croagh Patrick is a nice pleasant 12 minute drive from Wesport towards Murrisk on the R335. Safe carpark with refreshment available. Wooden climbing sticks (for balance) available to hire. Enjoy by Staying Safe.

A really amazing climb and manageable for most fit and able people. The climb itself is not too difficult (I would say I’m an averagely fit person) - can be a little tough on joints when climbing down. A few in my group are not the most active people (and they do regularly vape) - they definitely found it quite challenging but after said they would be happy to do it again. If you are planning a trip to visit/hike I would recommend 2/3 open days when booking in advance, so you have a higher chance of having a selection of days with possible different weather forecasts. As you can see from my photos it wasn’t a very clear day for us and at the top we couldn’t see anything below - still 110% worth it - but if you want to have higher chances of good weather book a 3-4 nights locally - plenty of beautiful places to stay. If it is raining the rocks would be quite slippery going down. Would recommend walking sticks if you’re a little shakey/ your balance isn’t the best or if you feel you may need a little assistance. We found windbreakers, layers and light rain jackets to be favourable and sensible footwear - although some do this hike barefoot!! We started around 7 AM on a Saturday and so there weren’t too many people - from 10am onwards the trails get rather busy - so something to keep in mind!! We loved our hike and look forward to returning in future to do it again! Dogs are not allowed!!

Croagh Patrick is an unforgettable experience and one of Ireland’s most iconic climbs. The hike is challenging in parts, especially on the loose stone sections, but every step is worth it. As you ascend, the views over Clew Bay become more spectacular, with its countless islands stretching out below you. Reaching the summit feels incredibly rewarding. There’s a real sense of history and spirituality here, knowing it has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. On a clear day, the panoramic views are simply breathtaking and make all the effort worthwhile. Whether you’re climbing for faith, fitness, or the love of nature, Croagh Patrick offers something special. Tough but deeply satisfying — a must-visit for anyone exploring the west of Ireland.

Sat 13th Dec - Rain all the way and very high winds once past the ridge near the toilets. To the point of having to crouch down to make progress against the wind. Challenging conditions but no real danger if you are strong and have good fitness levels and are half prepared for the weather. I didn’t stop long enough apart from a quick drink to allow the cold to set in. There was other climbers who I talked to briefly on the way up but all turned back when they hit the extreme winds at the ridge. Didn’t spot anybody else coming up or down that went past that point. Probably a good choice for most people, Not recommended for the front hearted during stormy weather.

Croagh Patrick, the beauty of Ireland. The views from the top are absolutely stunning. The hike took me about 3 hours with plenty of breaks. The trail is clear and straightforward, though it does get quite rocky as you approach the summit.

Incredible experience! We were blessed with a beautiful day and were rewarded with stunning views and a rainbow. The climb was manageable with poles and took us 2 hours going up and just over an hour going down, but in good conditions.

3 euros parking all day Buy a walking stick for 4 euros well worth it Especially going down crough Patrick very steep the summit If you need your spiritual passport stamped the wooden hut does it at the bottom of the mountain in the carpark

The pilgrimage!!!! When I did this some time ago it was a misty morning and tens of thousands of people of all ages flocked to the broken stone path of MT. If you do this 3 times in the course of your life, hike bottom to top barefoot and do the stations of the cross on the way up good things will come to you. It seemed like a scene out of a titanic movie, People everywhere, tight fog so you could only see 15 feet, people of all ages walking up a mountain barefoot and praying. When you get to the top there is a small church and the bed where St.Patrick is resting. I can't say enough about this. If you are in Ireland for any time you need to do the pilgrimage.

Croagh Patrick, nicknamed the Reek, is a 2,507 ft tall mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo; it is 5 miles from Westport. A really enjoyable hike with stunning panoramic views! It is a relatively tough hike so I would recommend proper hiking footwear and a stick, especially for the descent as the loose stones are very difficult to walk on! The view at the top is amazing; The Chapel at the summit, St. Patrick's leaba, and, of course, Clew Bay; according to tradition, there is an island in the bay for every day of the year. Trust me, you will feel like ditching the stick on the way up; but you will regret it on the way down.

Nicknamed the Reek, is where St Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland from and is a pilgrimage site for thousands every year, particularly on Reek Sunday ( I wouldn't dream of going then) 2550 feet high and the last quarter of that to reach the summit is very slippery, so not an east climb, if you are fit you can do it in 3 hours, but realistically any where from 3 to 5 hours is the guide time. Bring a coat, water, snacks and the most important thing...a good stick! Don't for one minute think it is an easy climb, thousands do it but its difficult and tough going. But well worth it

Hiking the reek has been a bucket list item for me for quite sometime. We decided to stay away from Reek Sunday and do the Monday after. Good thing as we heard the rain and wind were even worse on Sunday than Monday. In the spirit of a pilgrimage the hike was beautiful - full views and islands galore. When we hit the first flat place the fog came in and with it the rain. Certainly a different kind of beautiful - But we had rain coats and walking sticks. This is not an easy climb when it is pouring rain with horrible wind, but we did it. Especially scary the last haul before the top. Vertical and extremely slippery not to mention other pilgrims knocking rocks down. I am so glad we did the hike, but I will need to come back and hike it on a dryer day. It would have been nice to see the top as we ascended.

A great experience and wonderful views at the top! The temperature will change as you climb and wear good shoes. If you are in the northwest part of Ireland, this is a must! A walking stick can make it a little easier for you.

What a beautiful hike! I was going to skip the reek, but I am so glad I changed my mind. The views throughout the entire way up and down are stunning. I'm not religious, but I thoroughly enjoyed the hike - it's for everyone! It can get pretty challenging towards the top - lots of loose rocks, but it takes people anywhere between 1.5-3 hours to hike up. The day I went, it was extremely windy and cold at the top - I would advise bringing layers, a hat, and gloves if you have them. Do not miss out on hiking the reek!

This is a challenging hike, even for fit people. We're not expert hikers, but we do go on several hikes a year while on vacations and typically exercise regularly while at home. I knew Croagh Patrick was going to be difficult, but wasnt expecting such a steep ascent. Most of the hikes I've been on are over heavily tree-lined mountains and have some areas of relatively flat terrain to break up the vertical rise. Croagh Patrick offers little of this respite and presents instead mostly rocks and the odd sheep! It's literally a straight climb to the top and the wind makes it all the more unforgiving. I did struggle, I won't lie. The views of County Mayo and Clew Bay are astounding, however, and completely worth it. There is something very special and spiritual about the hike and I definitely urge you to try it if you're prepared! We did not take sticks although at points I wish we had done so. We somehow did the hike in 2.5 hrs roundtrip, although my arse is currently paying the price. I'd probably slow down and go in 3 or 3.5 the next time. Stop for a Flake 99 ice cream at the bottom of the mountain and then over to the Tavern Pub for a luscious pint of Guinness to reward yourself at the end!

The stick shop at the bottom of the mountain is incredible. During that hike the walking stick was my best friend. It saved me from a few falls, and also worked as a great rapier.

Nothing to add about the place or the hike itself. The other reviews are accurate. All I can say is that if you are near Croagh Patrick then by all means find the time to visit. It is simply extraordinary. The views are magnificent and you do not need to walk to the top to experience them. This is a very special place. The energy is wonderful and soothing. I will return.

Great excercise. Loads do it but it's tough going in parts particularly near the top where it's very steep. Do yourself a favour and get a good stick, they sell them near the bottom for 1 or 2 euros. If you're lucky and it's clear at the top the views are fabulous.