What is the most popular day to climb Croagh Patrick?

The Celts worshipped the sun god Lugh here, and in AD 441 St Patrick fasted on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights, which is why pilgrims still climb Croagh Patrick, or the Reek, on the last Sunday in July, known as Reek Sunday.

What day to climb Croagh Patrick?

Every year on the last Sunday in July, thousands of pilgrims from Ireland and beyond embark on a spiritual climb of Croagh Patrick to honor St Patrick. This age-old tradition dates back over 1,500 years, making it one of the oldest Christian pilgrimages in the world.

Are there special days associated with Croagh Patrick?

Croagh Patrick is climbed by thousands of pilgrims every year on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, a custom which goes back to at least the Middle Ages. Croagh Patrick is the fourth-highest mountain in the province of Connacht on the P600 listing after Mweelrea, Nephin and Barrclashcame.

Why do people climb Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday?

Every year on the last Sunday of July, pilgrims climb Ireland's holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick in Co. Mayo, traditionally in their bare feet. Reek Sunday has been held for around 1500 years in honour of St Patrick and his 40-day fast on the mountain in 441. Thousands come to climb and to pray. Mother and daughter.

How long should it take to climb Croagh Patrick?

Croagh Patrick is a strenuous climb.

The average time to climb up and down the mountain is 3 – 4hrs. However, if you do not usually hike, this can be longer. The mountain is very exposed, with no shelter or shade, so when the weather changes, climbers need to be prepared.

Conquering Croagh Patrick | An Epic Hiking Adventure Up Ireland's Holy Mountain

How fit do you need to be to climb Croagh Patrick?

The Croagh Patrick climb is a tough one with a lot of incline right from the get-go. Good fitness and mobility is essential.

Are there toilets on Croagh Patrick?

The path levels out slightly as you reach the saddle with Croagh Patrick East Top. A little past this, you'll pass toilets. After this point, the path steepens, involving loose rocky terrain that requires some scrambling. At the summit, you're rewarded with spectacular views, including of Clew Bay.

Is Croagh Patrick a hard hike?

Walking up Croagh Patrick is fairly difficult in places as it's steep, there are uneven rocks to get over and the upper slopes have a lot of loose, slippy scree. The tricky upper slopes require good fitness and flexibility (and a head for heights!). Good hiking boots make it a lot safer and more doable.

Do you need hiking boots to climb Croagh Patrick?

Hiking boots are advised, the ground is very rough so ankle support is key, climbing in trainers is possible but we don't recommend it. Good energy-rich snacks like peanuts, almonds and bananas are also a great idea. Sunscreen on warm days, and rain gear just in case.

What date is Reek Sunday 2025?

⛰️ Reek Sunday 2025 | Sunday 27th July What a fab day on Croagh Patrick for our Leave No Trace Ambassadors, who were out on the mountain to aid, assist, and engage with pilgrims and visitors from all over the world.

What does Croagh mean in English?

A hill or mountain in Ireland.

What is the closest town to Croagh Patrick?

Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from Westport town. Magnificent views of Clew Bay and the surrounding south Mayo countryside are spectacular from all stages of the ascent of the mountain. If you're feeling energetic, why not climb Ireland's famous holy mountain, close to the Castlecourt Hotel Westport.

What age to climb Croagh Patrick?

We do advise against young kids climbing Croagh Patrick. On our most recent climb the youngest kids at the summit were about 10 years old. For kids under this age, the hike will be too long and dangerous, due to the steepness of the last section and children may find this overwhelming.

What is the meaning of Garland Sunday?

Garland Sunday or Reek Sunday is an annual day of pilgrimage held on the last Sunday in July. The celebrations evolved from the pagan festival of Lughanasa marking the beginning of the harvest season.

How many people climb Croagh Patrick per year?

For over 1,500 people have made pilgrimages to the summit of Croagh Patrick and today more than 100,000 people climb the Reek each year.

How many islands can you see from top of Croagh Patrick?

Around 20,000 to 25,000 pilgrims still climb the mountain each year on the last Sunday in July (the nearest Sunday to the original pagan festival of Lughnasa). This walk is rewarded by the glorious views from the summit: the Nephin Beg Mountain's and the grey waters of Clew Bay glinting over the 365 emerald islands.

How many hours to climb Croagh Patrick?

Embarking On The Croagh Patrick Hike

Duration – 14km there and back. Time – 3 to 4 hours. And that concludes our guide to hiking Croagh Patrick. Just remember to take a moment to soak up the views of the Atlantic when you're at the summit – and treat yourself to a drink when you've made it back down!

Is it cold at the top of Croagh Patrick?

Croagh Patrick in Summer:

You'll be really warm climbing but as you reach the top you'll get cold quick. It's exposed and the winds are normally strong and cold. So be sure to have a warm top for when you reach the summit and a windproof and waterproof layer for the top or if it's raining.

Why do Christians go to Croagh Patrick?

Croagh Patrick has been a place of pilgrimage for many ages. It is said that St. Patrick himself climbed 'the Reek' (as locals call the mountain known as 'Croagh Patrick') around 441 A.D. While on the mountain, Patrick underwent a forty-day ritual of prayer and fasting (DoChara, 2022).

Is Croagh Patrick worth it?

History aside, Croagh Patrick makes for an excellent hike – on a clear day, the views over Clew Bay are exceptional, with 365 islands laid out before you. While the rough terrain at the summit traditionally made it a tough climb, a brand-new system of steps at the top has made the Reek a lot more manageable.

What day does everyone climb Croagh Patrick?

On the last Sunday in July, thousands of pilgrims climb Ireland's holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick (764 metres) in County Mayo. It is held in honour of Saint Patrick who is said to have spent forty days fasting on the mountain in the 5th century. Masses are held at the summit, where there is a small chapel.

What day is Reek Sunday?

While Lá Lughnasa Ioccurs on August 1st, the Garland Sunday celebrations moved to the last Sunday in July. Today, Garland Sunday is an annual day of pilgrimage, also known as Reek Sunday for the climb of Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo, known as Ireland's holiest mountain.

What time is mass on Croagh Patrick?

CROAGH PATRICK • St.

Masses: Every hour from 8am Confessions on the summit continuously from 7.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. Garland Friday (Friday before Reek Sunday). Mass: On the summit 10.00 a.m. and in Murrisk car park at 7.30 p.m.

Why is Croagh Patrick called the Reek?

The name 'Croagh Patrick' comes from the Irish 'Cruach Phádraig' meaning 'Patrick's Stack'. The mountain is known locally as The Reek, from 'rick' or 'stack'. (Turf and hay are traditionally stacked in open-air ricks similar to the mountain's shape.) In pre-Christian times, Croagh Patrick was known as Cruachán Aigle.

What is the history of Croagh Patrick?

Its religious significance dates back to the time of the pagans, when people are thought to have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season. The mountain now takes the name of Ireland's patron saint, who, according to Christian tradition, fasted at the peak of the mountain for 40 days in 441.