Croagh Patrick rises to 764 metres above Clew Bay and dominates the skyline west of Westport. The mountain is Ireland's most important pilgrimage site, climbed by tens of thousands on Reek Sunday each July, but it is also simply a very good hill walk at any other time of year. The path starts from the village of Murrisk, about 8 kilometres west of Westport, and the summit offers views across Clew Bay and its 365 islands — one, according to local lore, for every day of the year.
The lower slopes are well-worn gravel path, pleasant and easy. Above the shoulder the terrain turns to loose scree and the final climb to the summit chapel requires some care, particularly in wet conditions. Allow three to four hours return. The mountain generates its own weather — clear conditions in Westport do not guarantee clear conditions at the summit.