Croagh Patrick is considered the most holy mountain in Ireland. It is said St Patrick spent 40 days and 40 nights on its summit in the 5th Century. However the traditional pilgrimage to its summit stretches over 5,000 years with thousands climbing the heather covered hills and rough stone paths to the small chapel at the summit.

Today we will climb the 764 metres (2,500 feet) to the summit (known locally as the Reek) and take in the magnificient views over Clew Bay before descending to enjoy a pint of the Black stuff in the cosy pub at the foot of the mountain.

Today we’ll visit Achill Island, one of Mayo’s many offshore islands and the largest off the coast of Ireland. Here you’ll experience a landscape shaped by the force of the Atlantic.
The location for today’s walk is the tip of Achill Island – one of the most westerly points in Europe. Our walk involves a dramatic cliff top trail above the beautiful white sandy, horseshoe shaped Keem bay. We’ll have spectacular and every changing views of the magnificient cliffs of Achill Head and the valley below, views that will remain long in your memory.
This evening you can relax and enjoy some traditional Irish music in the vibrant town of Westport.

Leaving Westport behind we head futher south on the Atlantic Coast. At 814 metres (2,670ft), Mweelrea is not only the highest mountain in County Mayo but also the province of Connaught. Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, rising up from the golden shores of the Atlantic and overlooking Ireland’s only fjord, Killary, this is arguably the finest mountain in the west of Ireland.

With a fantastic day of hiking done, we will head to the quaint coastal town of Clifden, our base for the rest of the week.