A truly exhilarating experience this was! The hike itself is no small feat as it gets quite steep on the last ascent but the breathtaking views from the top make it all worth it. Be sure to have shoes with good grip as the ground beneath on the way back down isn't very steady. Some loose coins on arrival will also come in handy as the car park at the base is pay and display. If you can at all go on a clear day and be sure to bring a bottle of water.
For the religious, non-religious, the thrill seeking, scenery seeking or active among us I would recommend a hike to the top of the reek. The views are fantastic from the top and there is a silent spirituality/tranquility of achievement once you get there. Go for it!
We were unlucky to climb this on a seriously windy day, made the going tough, and even u safe, in places. Mind you it's quite a climb even in a good day I'd say. Beautiful scenery though and well worth doing. Walking pole or stick a necessity as there is some loose/rough ground, plus decent walking boots or similar.
I have been lucky enough to have climbed Croagh Patrick three times so far in my 32 years and every single time I do it, I wish I could or came to do it every year. It's a challenge when half way but its utterly breathtaking winter spring summer or autumn. Bring your camera, a snack and a few layers as it can be wickedly cold up there on the top.Enjoy every minute and remember that you are one of the lucky ones to see all the tiny islands scattered around the bay...it's like watching down on the co of Mayo with the angels in the clouds..STUNNING
A very enjoyable hike but seriously challenging. Got up in 1 hour 40 and back down in 1 hour 45. It's tuff going at times but worth it when you get to the top.
If you're fit and healthy, you can't pass up an opportunity to climb Croagh Patrick if you're in the area. Wear good hiking boots/shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
We visited and climbed Croagh Patrick in August. What an amazing walk this was! The road to the summet is deceivingly long, but the views during the walk (and at the summet) are more than worth the effort.
Climbing the mountain is free, parking is not. The mountain is 2,507 feet high, which is no big deal if you've climbed Kililmanjaro, but for the rest of us, it's a hike! As many have mentioned, hiking boots are a must and ones that support your ankles are best. I definitely reccomend a walking stick which will come in very handy going back down. Take water, some protein bars, and put it in a backpack, you'll need your hands free. You can break the climb into three sections, the initial climb, the shoulder, and the summit. The initial climb is a steady incline until the shoulder which is relatively level, then the climb to the summit which is quite steep and very rocky. The entire climb is rocky. Prior to visiting Croagh Patrick, definitely spend a few weeks or better still months hiking and climbing. If you tucker out by the time you get to the shoulder, it will be worth the effort as the view from the shoulder is spectacular. The view from the summit is magnificent. I would not climb this mountain if you have a fear of heights. To keep my footing and to keep from being intimated by the incline I focused on 2-3 feet in front of me and where I'd put my foot, a tactic that worked particularly well when I got to the summit ascent. A friend who also went and is in very good shape took 2 1/2 hrs to get up and 3 hrs to get down. Take all the time you need, mostly you just want to make sure your footing is stable. It is very well worth the effort and a great boost to your personal sense of accomplishment.
Highlight of my trip to Mayo. Was advised against going up because of the fog and poor visibility, but delighted I went against the advice. It was tough going but up and down, especially near the summit, as the rock underfoot it very loose, so you would want to be careful at this part.The view at each stage of the climb is unbelievable, every time you stop and look back or around, you are just in awe of the scenery.About 3 quarters of the way up, we were literally walking through cloud but as we neared the top, the sun was out, we were looking down on clouds as well as the unbelievable scenery of Murrisk, Westport and the surrounding areas. If you are in any way thinking about doing this, just do it, if I never do it again at least I can say I have it crossed off the bucket list, a great sense of pride after reaching both the top and on completion.Got a great kick out of the two sheep on top of Croagh Patrick, especially when one of them started following an American tourist around the Church looking for treats, it was very funny!
Dear Mayo County Council,We visited and and walked part of the Croagh Patrick climb over Valentines Weekend. I just could not believe the filth and dirt of the gents toilets and the fact that there were no toilet seats in the cubicles. The urinals and wash hand basins were discusting as an Irish Man in the middle of hundreds of foreign visitors I felt totally ashamed to be Irish. You would NEVER see anything as dirty in any part of civilised Europe so PLEASE, PLEASE do something about this filth in one of the most amazing places in IRELAND. I don't think anybody would mind paying 50c per use which I stongly suspect would pay for a full time attendant. Regards & Living In Hope,V & L K - Wicklow