Good Friday - Why not extend the pilgrimage and traverse the entire ridge rather than the shorter up and down from the car-park. Thanks to wicklore for the information on the start and end points.
Two cars required. This route can be walked E-W or W-E depending on the start time and whether you want an easy or difficult start. We decided on E-W since we did not get down till mid-day. Met at main car-park and went to the finish point L87607 80596 where we left a car at the end of the cul-de-sac (not in anyone's way!). We then drove back to the start L95091 80951 where we deposited the car in front of one of the houses and let a neighbour know that we would not be back for about 5 hours. As this is part of the Western Way, we set off up the hill and followed the way markers on to the hill.
We followed the Western Way until L94402 80261 where we headed NW and then WSW until L93861 80336 where we joined the Pilgrim's Walk. We followed this track and only deviated to climb to the top of Croagh Patrick Far East Top. The cloud lifted for sufficient time to get wonderful views north over Clew Bay and south over rolling bogs. Then it was onward and upwards to Croagh Patrick East Top.
We joined Patrick's Path at the saddle L91911 80392 and followed the track to the top of Croagh Patrick. There were all manner of walkers on the route - from the well equipped to one lad in a T-shirt who seemed oblivious the the dreadful conditions! ... God bless youth.
Conditions deteriorated at the summit. We continued on W following a track as best we could in the dense mist. Without a good GPS It would have been a chore to have had to rely on map reading in the wind and hail-stones. Made our way up to Ben Goram L88765 80018 and then (cautiously!) descended the ridge to L87896 80765 where we went due W and down to the road at L87559 80717 and back south to the waiting vehicle.
It was then just a case of squeezing the excess water from our clothing, changing to some dry gear and going back to the start for the other vehicle. A most enjoyable trek.