MountainViews: Info on Croagh Patrick Cruach Phádraig (764m) in area Croagh Patrick

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Croagh Patrick Area

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Maximum height for area: 764 metres

Summits in area: 5

OS Map(s): 30, 31, 37, 38 for all tops

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Croagh Patrick Mountain	Mayo County
Cruach Phádraig A name in Irish	(Language)
(Ir. Cruach Phádraig [GE], 'Patrick’s stack')
Height: 764 metres	OS 1/50k Mapsheet: 30 for top
Grid Ref: L90585 80197	Latitude: 53.760017 Longitude: -9.659762
ITM: 490559 780212	Prominence: 639m Isolation: 1.6km
Saint Patrick is said to have fasted for forty days on Croagh Patrick. It is from here that he is said to have banished a flock of evil black birds as well as the serpents of Ireland (a hollow to the north of the summit named Lugnademon commemorates this Croagh Patrick is the highest mountain in the Croagh Patrick area and the 65th highest in Ireland. Our data has reached 100% of the goal for this summit. (Details)

COMMENTS for Croagh Patrick ..

MountainViews.ie Picture about mountain Croagh Patrick in area Croagh Patrick, County Mayo, Ireland

Picture: The Reek from Ben Goram Expand pics.

a nice ridge walk away from the crowds

Short Summary created by scapania 19 Oct 2010 The shortest and most well-known route up 'The Reek' starts from the large carpark in Murrisk (L919 823 (Point A)), and needs no description. However, if you want a much quieter and more enjoyable route its infinitely better to come along the ridge from Ben Goram to the west. Coming from Westport, take the first left after Leckanvy, signposted for 'Sheeffry Valley Stables'. Follow this road for just over a kilometre, before turning left across open moorland. Park just after this road turns to the right at the base of the Ben Goram ridge, opposite a couple of new houses, on waste ground (L875 806 (Point B)).

Walk back down the road, hop the fence and head up the steep slope to reach the ridge proper. Follow the ridge to the summit of Ben Goram, down to the col and along a gently rising ridge to the base of the scree covered cone of Croagh Patrick, where the slightly busier mining track comes in from the left. A well worn path leads up through the scree to quickly reach the summit and its chapel, toilets and hordes of pilgrims.

Point A: L919 823

Point B: L875 806

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Comment Rating (4.00)

Expand pics.

by DavidG 1 Aug 2006 I climbed Croagh Patrick twice in the past few days - the first time (ever) on Friday and the second time on Reek Sunday, with thousands of pilgrims. I'm not used to climbing, nor am I fit. These things needn't put you off, though. The most important advice I can give is: take it at your own pace. Once that had clicked (in the first third of the climb), then it became very manageable and seriously enjoyable, even when exerting myself. Alaskan's summary is accurate - the first leg is exacting (more so on the way down), the saddle to the base of the summit is a good time to recover energy, and from there to the summit requires serious concentration. Things to remember: 1. Take sufficient (1-1.5 lts) water and some food (fruit, chocolate, Kendal Mint Cake, etc). You can fill your empty bottles in the mountain stream that runs alongside the path at the beginning of the ascent. 2. Wear appropriate footwear. I was amazed to see climbers in trainers or open toed sandals (I know some people do it barefooted, but that's a considered act of penance, not because they couldn't be bothered to buy a pair of boots). The final ascent to the summit over the loose scree is treacherous. 3. Dress for all weathers. Sunday was intermittently sunny and rainy. I arrived at the summit at 7.50 am, to see a magnificent double rainbow over Clew Bay. Within 20 minutes the weather had turned foul, with gale force winds and rain. Around me stood sorry folk in t-shirts. 4. Buy a stick. The tourist centre sells or rents out hazel sticks for a token sum. However much help they are going up, they're invaluable when coming down, which requires greater thought (tip - stick to the scree, and dig your heels in). One German climber kept falling on his descent and offered another climber 20 euros for her stick. Regrettably, she was on her way up, and had to decline... Most of all, take your time, especially if you're not used to it. They say it should take 2 hours to get to the top. I took 2.45 on the Friday, and 2.30 on the Sunday. No one was there to tell me off at the summit. It's a great walk/climb, with magnificent views. There's a great sense of solidarity from the other climbers, all of whom are ready to encourage you on (even stretching the truth when need be - 'just another 10 minutes', they say, when you've 30 minutes to go). And as I told a very healthy American family, who were approaching the base of the summit with some dismay, if I can do it, you can.

(Comment Rating 4.06) Your Score: Very useful << >>Average

Expand pics.

by tiktiktik3 5 Aug 2004 It was August 2003 and this was the first mountain we (my wife Vera and I (John)) did in the Emerald Isle ever. We took the traditional route starting at the car park & info center, luckaly it was past the time of the pelgrimage so although we where not alone, it was not crowded either. As it was a hot day and we did not know any better (yet) we where dressed only in a T shirt and while we climbed higher found the sweathers other folk where wearing somewhat strange as we where steaming in the August sunshine :-). The first piece of the climb was easy going and the reward when you look over the ridge coming up and get the splendid view over the other mountain tops behind it was overwhelming. After a quick meal we started on the second climb to the summit. This piece is a lot steeper and the path goes over loose rock so its important to look where you place your feet so not to slip away. Mind you it looks harder than it actualy is once your at it and very soon after, we where rewarded with being at our first mountain top. The view over Clew Bay with its countless little islands (no picture can do this justice) on one side and the mountains on the other is marvelous and recommendable. Only after some 10min up there it was obvious why the more experienced climbers/hill walkers wore sweaters or brought extra clothing with them... we where chilling down real fast by the icy winds up there, luckaly there was some shelter provided by the little St. Patrick church (witch was closed by the way). I've took some great Slides & Pictures and soon after we started to head down again same way as we came. Going down is a lot harder than going up, especialy the piece from the top to the ridge. All in all it was a great experience and something to repeat we both agreed on, so a few days later we went to Achill Island and Groaghein but more on that one later... The whole climb up & down took us about 4 hours and this includes the first rest to eat at the ridge and the time spend on top.

(Comment Rating 4.05) Your Score: Very useful << >>Average

Picture: RTE on the Reek Expand pics.

365 challenge on TV

by swoop 11 May 2011 RTE camera man doing his job on top of the Reek. we did help carry the equipment ! for our sins.... Great day with matt Loughrey . check him out on www.croaghpatrick365.com and we hope to see ye ALL on SAT June 4th to celebrate his 365th climb for charity. PLEASE SUPPORT 365 , its good for charity and Climbers / hill trekking in general. STARTS 12 NOON

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Picture: some of the scree near the top Expand pics.

A fine Easter Sunday climb

by LiamgMurphy 2 Apr 2013 Last weekend, while staying at a relatives place in Milltown, i decided to get up early on Easter Sunday and head for Croagh Patrick. From reading all of the comments here i knew it was doable and that the upper 200m would e tough, nevermind the descent. Anyway i decided to give it a try, having climbed Caherconree and Bautregaum a few days before.

I parked in the car park at Murrisk (Comment point A), making sure that i had 'Paid and Displayed' as the numerous signs requested! The weather was ok, a little cold and windy but i could see the summit clearly. The first hour took me up past the grotto and along a well worn track towards the saddle as mentioned by others here. It was a fabulous section with stunning views over clew bay visible from early on in the climb. When I got to the saddle, the wind really picked up from the south and gave an indication of what lay ahead at the summit.

I agree that the final 200 m are quite difficult, however good advice given here was to try and stick to the rocks jutting out from the ground and avoid the loose rock. Again, a walking stick is an absolute must and more so on the descent. This section was tricky in that the 40 or so degree field of view ahead and no sign of the church for a bit can spook you but to be fair once you concentrate on your steps, it's well doable. When i got to the top, the wind was extremely strong so i didn't hang around too long. A stunning view opened up over Clew bay and also to the South.

The descent is not as bad as it may seem on the way up, just mind your step and use the walking stick.

i loved my few hours on Croagh Patrick and will definitely return when the weather is a little bit better. Just to echo a common theme through the other comments here, wear appropriate clothing and footwear. I met many people on my way down who were either wearing wellies or runners, both of which are totally unsuitable for this mountain. Fair play to those who climb barefoot in July, but it's not something i would do!

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Picture: The Reek Expand pics.

by pj 2 Aug 2006 My apologies, I know it's a bit late for this here for Reek Sunday but this is the press release we sent out last week and it's applicable for climbing Croagh Patrick any time of the year.
Peter Jordan, PRO, Mayo Mountain Rescue Team.

"MMRT appeal to all intending pilgrims to Croagh Patrick to exercise a duty of care to themselves and others on the mountain and to demonstrate common sense in undertaking the climb.

In particular Mayo Mountain Rescue team would appeal to pilgrims to consider the following:

Croagh Patrick is a 764m (2510 ft) high mountain with the main path running from Murrisk to the summit, a 7km round trip. The final section of the path up is particularly difficult with a gradient of over 40 degrees compounded by much loose shale and stones.

If people are intent on doing the climb barefoot MMRT would suggest that as a minimum they at least bring a pair of shoes and a stick with them.

A stick or walking pole of some description is considered a valuable ally on the mountain.

Dress for the occasion: The temperature at the summit can vary as much as 5-10 deg cooler than at Murrisk. Conditions on the summit can change rapidly. Dress in multiple layers which can be added or removed as the progress dictates. Carry a waterproof outer layer. Some form of head gear is also recommended.

A stout pair of boots: Any footwear which are designed for moderate hill walking activities and which provide good ankle support are probably the best option, failing that a good pair of runners should get you through safely.

Food and Drink: As a minimum it is recommended that pilgrims bring a bottle of water and some small amount of food with them onto the mountain. Venturing onto the mountain with alcohol taken or drinking alcohol on the mountain is strongly advised against.

Leave No Trace: On the pilgrimage try to adopt the simple country side code, namely leave no trace and whatever you carry on carry off with you too.

The young ones: Make sure children are properly dressed and equipped with sticks of their own. If the children get tired and have to be carried, remember they can get cold very quickly on your back or shoulders.

Know your limits: When climbing do not push yourself to exhaustion. Pace yourself. If you feel yourself getting too hot or cold, add or remove layers as appropriate. If, on the ascent, less than half way up the mountain, you doubt your ability to make it, trust your judgment. It is no shame to turn around rather than risk an accident near the summit or on the descent brought on by exhaustion."
For more info visit www.mayomrt.com

(Comment Rating 3.75) Your Score: Very useful << >>Average

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