A beautiful trek through history

STUNNING SCENERY Walkers will be treated to stunning vistas along the 21km trail section, which takes in great views of the Reek. Pic: Michael Kingdon

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival is back

Oisín McGovern

Culture buffs, nature lovers and willing walkers are all invited to ‘savour the flavour’ of West Mayo by taking part in the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival. Returning on Saturday, April 22, after being on hold since 2019, the festival is a fundraiser for Croí, the west of Ireland’s heart and stroke charity.
Though previously a three-day festival, this year’s incarnation will be a one-day event, taking in one section of the nationally renowned walking trail while encompassing plenty of history, heritage and culture. The entire Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is 62 kilometres long and runs from Balla to Murrisk. This year, participants will start in the historic village of Aughagower before trekking 21 kilometres to Murrisk at the foot of Croagh Patrick.
As well as the breathtaking scenery, the route takes in a variety of historical landmarks and hidden gems, including the neolithic Boheh Stone, the Lankill Standing Stone and the beautiful and ancient Brackloon Wood. Along the way, nature enthusiasts can enjoy flower-filled lanes, spring birdsong and the magnificent views of Clew Bay encompassed by the final leg of this spectacular hike.
Talking to The Mayo News at the festival launch, which took place last Tuesday, Tom McLoughlin, CE Supervisor with Mayo County Council, said that the walk will appeal to a wide variety of people.
“If your motivation is heritage, religious or spiritual, whatever it is, there is something there for everyone,” he said. “There is a great camaraderie. By the time you get to Murrisk everyone has achieved something and has had a great experience.”
The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail was first established in 2009, with the inaugural walking festival taking place that same year. The idea of developing the trail came about after a survey found that 97 percent of farms along the trail were nonviable. This led to the founding of the Tochar Valley Rural Community Network, which encompasses a necklace of 18 communities stretching from Balla to Murrisk.
Since then, the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail won second place in the Pride of Place Awards, and 65 farmers have benefited from funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development for allowing the trail to go through their land.
Sister Maureen Lally, manager of the Tochar Valley Rural Community Network, told The Mayo News that the trail also aims to showcase local farms and local produce. “Food is a very important part of our pilgrim walk,” she said. “That’s why I say ‘savour the flavour’.”
Paul Cunnane, Croí Third Age Mayo Project Coordinator, was also at the launch. He is enthusiastic about his organisation’s association with the walk.
“We all know the benefit of exercise and how important it is for our cardiovascular health,” he said, adding: “Proceeds from events like this go towards supporting our health and support initiatives and community programmes, including a free nurse-led community telephone helpline, blood-pressure check events and the Croí Courtyard Apartments, which are available to families in need while their loved ones receive heart or stroke care at University Hospital Galway.”
On April 22, festival participants are invited to assemble in Murrisk car park at 8.15am, and from there they’ll brought to Aughagower Community Centre for tea, coffee and registration. The walkers will set off from Aughagower at 9.30am, stopping at Brackloon NS for lunch, before hitting for Murrisk, where they’ll be treated to a no-doubt very welcome barbecue.
The final word goes to Michael Kingdon, Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Project Worker: “Perhaps 2024 will see our festival back to the usual three-day format. For now, we just look forward to welcoming old friends and making new ones, while increasing the profile of one of County Mayo’s most interesting walking routes.”

To register (€20 per person), visit www.croi.ie/croaghpatrick.