Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX follows the classic Cosán Phádraig pilgrimage route from Murrisk to the 764 m summit of Croagh Patrick, or the Reek. The out-and-back measures 7.4 km, gains 731 m and has a GPX-derived walking-time estimate of 2 hours 42 minutes.
The recorded line climbs from Croagh Patrick car park onto the restored Pilgrim Path. A hand-built stone path, completed from the St Patrick statue to the summit in 2024, now replaces the old eroded scree line described by many older guides. This is a steep, sustained hill walk, but the normal route is not a scramble.
Weather can change rapidly between Murrisk and the exposed summit. Stay on the restored path, carry food, water, waterproofs and an independent navigation backup, and allow extra time for stops, crowds, wind or poor visibility.
The restored stone path now carries the route from the St Patrick statue towards the summit, replacing much of the old eroded scree line. Stay on the built surface even where older traces look shorter. The cone is exposed to Atlantic weather and the descent is steep enough to be tiring on wet stone. The chapel and summit area can be crowded on pilgrimage days, so allow space and keep the return route clear.
The path is steep, the summit is high.
Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre
Route Waypoints
Start beside the R335 in Murrisk at Irish grid reference L 919 823. Check current parking and visitor-centre arrangements, and use the toilets before setting out because there are none on the mountain.
Pass the statue and continue onto the restored stone Pilgrim Path. Keep to the built surface rather than older eroded traces.
Continue on the restored, pitched-stone Pilgrim Path. At roughly 300 m elevation the climb is already sustained; keep to the constructed line to protect the repaired mountain habitat.
Climb the sustained staircase towards the cone. The path is clear but exposed to wind, rain and crowding.
At about 500 m elevation the route reaches the approach to the steep summit cone. Follow the stone steps and pitched path rather than the adjacent loose ground; wind and cloud often strengthen here.
Reach the 764 m summit and its small church, then retrace the same GPX line to Murrisk. Take controlled steps on the steep descent and stay on the restored path; the complete return route is 7.4 km.
Reverse the steep upper path carefully. Give climbing pilgrims space and do not shortcut across loose scree.
Continue down the restored line past the shoulder. Check that you remain on the Murrisk route in cloud.
Return to the Croagh Patrick car park by the same lower path. Watch for traffic and busy pedestrian areas near the visitor facilities.
Essential Tips
The old loose scree line was replaced by a hand-built stone Pilgrim Path completed in 2024. Stay on the pitched route, avoid shortcuts and give space to people moving more slowly.
Conditions at 764 m can be cold, windy and cloudy even when Murrisk is calm. Check for weather warnings, carry waterproof and warm layers, and turn back if conditions exceed your experience.
Wear supportive walking footwear with reliable grip. The stone path is steep and can be wet or slippery; use small controlled steps on the descent and never rely on a walking stick instead of sound footing.
The annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage on the last Sunday in July brings large crowds and special arrangements. Check official event advice, carry your own food and water, and remember there are no toilets on the mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Croagh Patrick route from Murrisk?
The supplied GPX measures 7.4 km with 731 m of ascent. Its walking-time estimate is 2 hours 42 minutes, but allow longer for breaks, crowds, steep ground and changing weather.
Is Croagh Patrick still a loose scree climb?
The classic route now follows a hand-built stone Pilgrim Path completed from the St Patrick statue to the summit in 2024. It remains very steep and can be slippery, but older descriptions of climbing an eroded scree line are out of date.
Where does the route start, and which map covers it?
Start at Croagh Patrick car park in Murrisk, Irish grid reference L 919 823. OSi Discovery Series sheets 30 and 31 cover the area. Check current base facilities and remember there are no toilets on the mountain.