Croagh Patrick

To the east of Louisburgh Croagh Patrick (2,471ft/753m), Ireland's holy mountain, rises abruptly out of the plain. It can be climbed either from Lecanvey Church or from Murrisk, farther to the east. Near Murrisk are the ruins of a small monastery (aisleless church, with tower; living quarters). The final climb is up a steep slope covered with quartzite scree (strong footwear essential). It is a strenuous ascent, rewarded by ever more extensive views. From the top the prospect extends northward over Clew Bay, studded with little islands, to the hills of the Curraun Peninsula, northeastward to Mount Nephin - a view which is at its finest at sunset - southward over the Mweelrea Mountains to the Twelve Bens in Connemara, and westward to Clare Island at the mouth of Clew Bay. There is a great pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick on the last Sunday in July, commemorating the 40 days of penance which St Patrick is said to have spent here in the year 441. In the chapel on the flat top of the hill a service is held for the pilgrims, many of whom shed their footwear in order to complete the final stage of their journey barefoot; the discarded shoes can be seen lying along the wayside.