Routes up
Croagh Patrick routes: 1 way to the top
Pilgrim path from MurriskHiking · 4.0 km one way · 776 m ascent · ~2h 5m · from Murrisk (Croagh Patrick car park)Moderate
A broad, stony pilgrim track climbs to the shoulder, then a steep cone of loose quartzite scree leads to the summit chapel.
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
Full Pilgrim path from Murrisk route guide
Summit today
Is it safe to climb Croagh Patrick today?
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Cloud inversion · 7 days
The chance of standing above a sea of cloud on Croagh Patrick each morning this week, from overnight temperature, humidity and low cloud below the 764m summit.
Dark sky · 7 days
How dark the sky gets over Croagh Patrick each night this week, from cloud cover, moonlight and local light pollution.
Snow · 7 days
Snowfall and lying snow at the summit over the next 7 days.
Sun today
Sunrise 08:11, sunset 18:35
10h 24m of daylight. Golden hour ends 09:01 and starts 17:45. From the summit you see the sun 08:05 to 18:40.
Nearby summits
Close to Croagh Patrick
About Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick (764 m) rises straight out of the southern shore of Clew Bay, west of Westport in County Mayo. Its pointed quartzite cone is visible for miles, and the islands of Clew Bay are spread below its northern side. Tradition links the mountain with Saint Patrick, and it has been a pilgrimage site for centuries; a small chapel stands on the summit. The nearest higher hill is Barrclashcame (773 m), 12.0 km south-west in the Sheeffry Hills.
Almost everyone climbs from Murrisk, where a statue of Saint Patrick marks the start of the pilgrim path. The track rises steadily to a shoulder, then crosses a flatter section before the final cone. That last part is a steep slope of loose quartzite scree with no real path, and many walkers find it hard going in both directions.
The descent of the scree cone is where most slips happen, so take it slowly and wear boots with good grip. The path is crowded on Reek Sunday, the main pilgrimage day.
Croagh Patrick is 764 m (2,507 ft) high with 638 m of prominence. It is in South Mayo and Central Galway, Ireland. OS grid reference L905802. It is the 7th highest of the 29 summits Peakify lists in South Mayo and Central Galway. The nearest summits are Crott Mountain (2.4 km), Oughty Hill (5.1 km) and Knockakishaun (5.7 km).
How hard is Croagh Patrick?
The lower path is steady, but the summit cone is steep, loose scree that is tiring to climb and awkward to descend. Good boots help.
Where do you park for Croagh Patrick?
At Murrisk, on the Westport to Louisburgh road, where the pilgrim path begins by the statue of Saint Patrick.
Is Croagh Patrick suitable for beginners?
Many first-time walkers climb it, but the scree on the final cone catches people out, especially on the way down. Allow plenty of time and turn back if the weather closes in.
What is on the summit of Croagh Patrick?
A small chapel, used during the annual pilgrimage, and views across the islands of Clew Bay.
How high is Croagh Patrick?
Croagh Patrick is 764 metres high with 638 metres of prominence.
Where is Croagh Patrick?
Croagh Patrick is listed in South Mayo and Central Galway, Ireland.
Are there routes for Croagh Patrick?
Peakify lists 1 route for Croagh Patrick, including available distance, ascent, start point, and difficulty details.
Is it safe to climb Croagh Patrick today?
Peakify rates each day on the summit Good, Marginal or Poor from the forecast summit wind, gusts, chance of rain and wind chill. Wind of 40 mph or gusts of 65 mph make it Poor; wind of 25 mph, gusts of 45 mph, a 60% chance of rain or a feels-like temperature of -8°C or below make it Marginal. Today's and tomorrow's ratings are at the top of this page. The rating covers the weather only: also check your route, daylight, kit and experience, and in winter whether you need an ice axe and crampons.
What weather information is shown for Croagh Patrick?
The page includes cached mountain forecast context, snow outlook, dark-sky signals, cloud-inversion information, sunrise, sunset, and summit planning details where available.
Written and kept up to date by the Peakify team. The forecast refreshes every hour; how our forecast works.
