croagh patrick

The beautiful mountain of Croagh Patrick overlooking Clew Bay has been a sacred mountain for almost 5,000 years. As far back as 3,000 B.C. our megalithic ancestors worshipped here. Before the birth of Christ the festival of the God Lugh was held on its slopes.
Tochar Phadraig (Patrick's Causeway):
For hundreds of years pilgrims following in Saint Patrick's footsteps began their climb at Aughagower which is on the ancient pilgrims route known as Tochar Phadraig.
Religious Dimension:
Every year on the last Sunday of July many thousands of people flock to Croagh Patrick, climb its rugged sides and perform exercises of penance and prayer. These thousands of pilgrims are carrying on an unbroken tradition, following in the footsteps of their race to whom all down the centuries Croagh Patrick has been a holy mountain.
Some pilgrims endure the utmost hardship and penance by climbing the mountain in their bare feet. Mass is celebrated continuously in the open air on Reek Sunday, confessions are heard in the small St. Patrick's chapel and pilgrims perform the three traditional stations. Until the 1970's the pilgrimage was made during the hours of darkness, but in the interest of safety it now takes place in daylight.
Geological Composition:
Croagh Patrick is one of the highest peaks to be seen in the Mayo-Galway region. It's likely that Croagh Patrick protruded above the last ice sheet since aerial erosion taking place at this time above the level of the ice has given rise to scree slopes.
Did you know that when climbing Croagh Patrick you will walk on gold? Exploration has shown overall grades of 0.5 ounces of gold per ton in at least 12 quartz veins, which could produce 700,000 tons of ore.
Groups:
Saint Patrick's Chapel on the summit is normally locked, but the key will be made available on request by the Administrator of Westport Church. There is a car park at Murrisk at the base of the reek which is ideal for parking of coaches and other vehicles.