CROAGH PATRICK MOUNTAIN
'Croagh Patrick' is situated near the
town of Westport in County Mayo. The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain
stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without
interruption. Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of
Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint
Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down
from generation to generation.
On 'Reek Sunday', the last Sunday in July, over 25,000 pilgrims visit the
Reek. Individuals and groups come from all over the world and include pilgrims, hill
climbers, historians, archaeologists and nature lovers. The area around Croagh Patrick
is rich in archaeological remains which provide an interesting insight into life in
times past. It has even been radio carbon dated to between 430 and 890 A.D. and holds
one of the oldest stone churches in Ireland. *
How can I get there?
Westport is served by both national public bus (Bus Eireann) and train (Irish Rail) from Dublin and Galway. The Croagh Patrick Information
Centre is a further 8 km west of the town of Westport. The nearest airport is Knock International Airport providing
flights to and from Dublin, Britain and European airports. Shannon Airport provides flights
to and from the U.S. and is 180 km from Westport.
* Source www.croagh-patrick.com
