In the footsteps of St Patrick — hills, hikes and heroics

It's St Patrick's Day on March 17 and these pilgrim trails and monuments could be the way to commemorate our national saint while getting some fresh air and exercise

Tóchar Phádraig, County Mayo is a fully way-marked 35km route 

It's the time of year when we extravagantly strut our stuff to remind all other nations of their ill luck at not being Irish. Yet, we understand little about the British-born evangelist behind the great international goodwill fest for Ireland. The cult of sainthood has obscured much about Patrick with most hard detail falling through the cracks of history.

Mythology compensates, however, with a wonderfully colourful narrative. Let’s follow, therefore, in the mystical footsteps of our national apostle as he creates charming stories on his missionary journey across Ireland.