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. Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/65/comment/2445/