Pilgrim path from Murrisk up Croagh Patrick: route map, distance and time
764 m · South Mayo and Central Galway · OS grid L905802
Croagh Patrick is Ireland's holy mountain, a 764 m cone above Clew Bay in County Mayo, climbed by pilgrims and walkers from Murrisk.
A broad, stony pilgrim track climbs to the shoulder, then a steep cone of loose quartzite scree leads to the summit chapel.
Pilgrim path from Murrisk at a glance
| Distance | 4.0 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 776 m |
| Time up | 2h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 2h 55m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Murrisk (Croagh Patrick car park) |
| Summit grid reference | L905802 |
Pilgrim path from Murrisk map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- Campbell's0.0 km
- Murrisk Cafe0.1 km
- Misunderstood Heron0.1 km
- Murrisk Community Café0.1 km
- Public toilets0.1 km
- Public toilets0.1 km
- Public toilets1.8 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Pilgrim path from Murrisk takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 40m | 2h 20m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 5m | 2h 55m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 35m | 3h 35m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 08:11, sunset 18:35. Start by 14:40 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 55m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 08:13, sunset 18:33. Start by 14:38 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 55m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Croagh Patrick summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Croagh Patrick right now. The main Croagh Patrick page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Croagh Patrick forecast.
About Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is Ireland's holy mountain, a 764 m cone above Clew Bay in County Mayo, climbed by pilgrims and walkers from Murrisk. More about Croagh Patrick, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Marilyn, Arderin, Vandeleur-Lynam.
Challenges that include Croagh Patrick
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location, what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Pilgrim path from Murrisk: questions and answers
How far is Pilgrim path from Murrisk?
Pilgrim path from Murrisk is 4.0 km one way to the summit of Croagh Patrick, with 776 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 8.0 km.
How long does Pilgrim path from Murrisk take?
About 2h 5m to the summit of Croagh Patrick and 2h 55m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 3h 35m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Pilgrim path from Murrisk?
Pilgrim path from Murrisk starts from Murrisk (Croagh Patrick car park).
Is Pilgrim path from Murrisk suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Pilgrim path from Murrisk today?
By 14:40 at the latest. Sunset on Croagh Patrick today is 18:35, Pilgrim path from Murrisk takes about 2h 55m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Pilgrim path from Murrisk?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).