Overview of the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail extends from the town of Balla in central Mayo, to the village of Murrisk at the base of Mayo’s holy mountain, Croagh Patrick. The trail is 61km in length and mainly at low level, but the walker should note that the trail does reach a high point of 310 metres around the foothills of Croagh Patrick.

The trail itself does not include the ascent to the summit of Croagh Patrick.

From the starting point in Balla, the trail passes through deciduous woodland and across rolling fields and raised bog. The trail also utilises boreens and ancient pathways as it makes its way through a number of picturesque villages towards its destination on the shores of Clew Bay.

The trail is at the heart of rural West Mayo, it includes outstanding heritage sites and many features of great natural beauty. Services such as accommodation, food & transport links are available along the route.

The trail can be walked in its entirety over a number of days, or if you prefer, you can walk a section as part of a one day walk.  For more information contact www.mayowalks.ie or tocharvalley@eircom.net

Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail at a Glance

Linear Trail                    Balla - Murisk

Theme:                                   Waymarked Way (Yellow Walk)

Overall Total Distance:         61 km

Level Difficulty:                     Hard

Ascent:                                   310m

Terrain:                                  Woodland, Bog, Forestry, Fields, Boreens & Minor Roads. Mountain Tracks & Open Bog.

Minimum Gear:                      Trekking Boots, raingear, snacks & fluid. Camping Gear will also be required if the walker is intending to hike the trail over a number of days.

Map Reference:                    OS  Discovery Sheet 31, 38 & 30.

Services:                                 Services available at Balla, Clogher, Killavally, Aghagower & Murrisk.

Distance between Villages

Balla – Clogher                       08 km

Clogher – Killavally               17 km

Killavally – Aghagower          16 km

Aghagower – Murrisk             20 km

Downloadable Maps

Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Map

Section 1 Balla to Clogher

Section 2 Clogher to Killavally

Section 3 Killavally to Aghagower

Section 4 Aghagower to Murrisk

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is an accredited national Way Marked Way and is part of a countrywide network of high-quality walks.