Annual Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage
Croagh Patrick is in Westport parish, in the Archdiocese of Tuam. Historically, pilgrimages were made to the mountaintop on Saint Patrick's Day, the Feast of the Assumption, and the last Friday in July. Today, most pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick from the direction of Murrisk Abbey to the north. Originally, most pilgrims climbed the mountain from the east, following the Tochár Phádraig pilgrim path from Ballintubber Abbey. This route is dotted with prehistoric monuments. Tochár Phádraig may have originally been the main route to the mountain from Cruachan, seat of the Kings of Connacht. Tochar Phadraig was revived and reopened by the non-denominational organisation Pilgrim Paths of Ireland
Mass times on the summit:
8.00am, 9.00am, 10.00am (as Gaeilge), 11.00am, 12.00 noon, 1.00pm, 2.00pm
Confessions on the summit: 7.30am–2.00pm
Spiritual requirements of the pilgrimage:
Every pilgrim who ascend the mountain on St Patrick's Day or within the octave or anytime during the months of June, July, August & September and prays in or near the Chapel for the intentions of our Holy Father may gain a plenary indulgence provided they make a confession and receive Holy Communion on the summit or within the week.
Safety and Sustainability
Croagh Patrick is an iconic feature of the Mayo landscape and is of significant natural, cultural and spiritual importance. While the National Pilgrimage Day on Croagh Patrick stretches back many generations, there is an important obligation to support the conservation of the mountain for future generations.
The Church has actively engaged with other stakeholders to undertake the Sustainable Access and Habitat Restoration project currently underway on the mountain, which aims to provide a robust path for access and to restore the eroded parts. As part of Church support for the project, there is a commitment to minimising the impact of pilgrimage on the mountain itself, on the drinking water that comes from the mountain streams, on the local community, and on other users of the mountain. In order to do this, each pilgrim is asked to comply with the following:
• If traveling by car, please park responsibly and follow the instructions of stewards on the day.
• Stay on the defined path on the mountain (where in place) and do not encroach on the adjoining habitat which may be in the process of restoration.
• The mountain streams provide drinking water for the local community. Be respectful of this while on the mountain.
• The Church endorses the 'Leave no Trace' principle. Please do not discard any litter on the mountain.
• No dogs are allowed on the mountain. Please respect this requirement.
• Any local advice offered should be heeded: be aware that the path is on working farmland.
Please note that the Croagh Patrick path is on private working farmland and everybody who climbs the mountain does so thanks to the generosity of local landowners on the understanding that climbers and pilgrims do so totally at their own risks. No dogs are allowed on the mountain under any circumstances. All pilgrims are asked to respect this and accede to any instructions given by the landowners should you encounter them on the mountain.
Over 120,000 people climb Croagh Patrick annually. Out of that figure there are about 50 call outs by Mayo Mountain Rescue and the Coastguard. Therefore the vast majority of people who climb the mountain ascend and descend safely. The condition of the mountain has been cited as a reason for injuries, and while the mountain is extremely challenging in places, particularly at the cone, the condition and preparedness of climbers is a significant factor as is borne out by Mayo Mountain Rescue statistics.
Anybody who is contemplating the climb should be in a fit condition, used to exercise and prepared for a challenging climb.
People who are not fit, suffer from pre existing medical conditions, or who have any issues with limbs or joints, should most seriously consider seeking medical advice before taking on the climb. Pilgrims and all users of the mountain do so totally at their own risk and should therefore take all reasonable steps to ensure that they are in a fit state to take on the mountain, and not exposed to any danger due to their own physical condition. Please remember that all members of Mayo Mountain Rescue are volunteers and have to take time away from family and work to attend call outs on the mountain.
Before you climb the mountain please consult Mountaineering Ireland's Good Practice Guide.
It is also advised to check the weather forecast.
The advice of Mountain Rescue, the weather service and locals should always be considered before climbing. The climb itself takes at least three hours (round trip) and goes through some dangerous terrain underfoot. Be prepared and aware of this and always know that you climb totally at your own risk. Always take all precautions necessary, including proper footwear, clothing, a stick, food and water.
Be aware that the climate on the summit is very different to that on the ground, so be prepared!!