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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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