Hi, I'm an Australian who toured Ireland with my Irish partner Anne in May and June of 07'. I only had two main wishes of "things to do or see" while visiting this beautiful country . One was to go to Rathlin Island off county Antrim and the other was to climb Croagh Patrick. I began my climb on Friday the first of June after acquiring a hazelwood stick and an Irish cap from a gent selling souvenirs in a caravan in the carpark. I was a bit reluctant to buy the stick as I considered myself reasonably fit and thought it a tad "woosy". The further I got up the mountain the more I was glad of the purchase, I think by using the stick it takes some of the work from your legs therefore saving you energy. A lot of people use the abundance of rocks on the mountainside to create their names so once at the top I made Anne's name. I wonder if it is still there. Perhaps the goats have disturbed it. I do not consider myself religious but for an unknown reason I crossed myself after making Anne's name and felt this unusual goodness within me.
The climb will remain in my thoughts for life. The view was magnificent and I would recommend this excursion to anyone. Cheers Marshall Linkback: https://mountainviews.ie/summit/65/comment/2890/