Walk the 22-mile Tóchar Phádraig in the footsteps of royal subjects, saints, and medieval pilgrims

This path was abandoned for 400 years but was revitalised and reopened thanks to a clever priest and 64 obliging landowners

Mayo’s Tóchar Phádraig Pilgrim Path.  Pictures: John G O'Dwyer

Mayo’s Tóchar Phádraig Pilgrim Path was originally a paved road from Rathcroghan, the seat of the Kings of Connaught, to the mystical summit of Cruachán Aigle, County Mayo.

Later, St Patrick is reputed to have Christianised the route as he followed it on his journey to the mountain, which then became Croagh Patrick.