St Patrick was a great hiker — here's how to follow in his footsteps and walk more

Renowned for bringing Christianity to Ireland, St Patrick also blazed a trail as one of our greatest hikers. Modern research confirms he was on the right path

Niall Twamley, chairperson, with committee members Pat Dineen and Siddhant Shahane of The Cork Backpackers. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

There is barely a sod of turf across the island of Ireland that doesn’t lay claim to the footsteps of St Patrick. From Downpatrick in the north to the Rock of Cashel in the south, Ireland’s patron saint traversed the length and breadth of the country, spreading his gospel and driving out snakes.

Not only was St Patrick Ireland’s first Christian, but arguably, he was the nation’s first hiker. By the time he died in 461, at the grand old age of 78, he had probably clocked up the equivalent of several circumferences of the earth. His longevity undoubtedly had much to do with his fitness.