Croagh Patrick, rising 765m above sea level is a pyramidal structure which looks out across
Clew Bay. Tradition has it that St. Patrick, whist fasting on the summit for 40 days, banished
the snakes from Ireland, (and to this day no snakes have been spotted here.)
Pilgrimages have been making it to the summit for over 1500 years and today it is estimated that
25,000 people make the ascent on 'Reek Sunday ' (the last Sunday in July) to hear mass.
St. Patrick started his missionary work in Ireland in 432 but did not reach Croagh Patrick until
441. It is believed that he spent the night in Aughagower 'The Plain of Springs', 8 miles east of
the Reek before making the ascent. To this day you can find 'Leaba Phadraig', 'Patrick's bed' and
the holy well, 'Dabhach Phadraig' close to the medieval church and the round tower.
There is an ancient pilgrim path through the Tochar Valley which starts at Ballintubber Abbey.
The abbey is unique in that it has been used continuously since its construction almost 800
years ago by Cathal O'Connor, King of Connaught near to the site of the original church built
by St. Patrick. The route takes you through Aughagower to Leacht Benain a station on Croagh Patrick.
There are guided walks along Tóchar Phadraig which is 32km long and takes about 12 hours to complete.
 
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25,000 people make the
ascent on 'Reek Sunday
"Saint Patrick,
High above the town
Octagon..."
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