Tóchar Phádraig—St. Patrick's Causeway—is one of Ireland's oldest pilgrimage routes, following an ancient chariot road that predates Christianity itself. For over 1,500 years, pilgrims have walked this path from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain where Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD.
📜 History & Significance
The route was originally built around 350 AD as a chariot road connecting Rathcroghan, the capital of Connacht, to the sacred mountain then known as Cruachán Aigle. When St. Patrick arrived in the 5th century, he Christianized this ancient way, and pilgrims have followed in his footsteps ever since.
Ballintubber Abbey was founded in 1216 specifically to serve Tóchar Phádraig pilgrims, and it remains the only church in Ireland founded by an Irish king that is still in daily use—over 800 years of continuous worship, unbroken even when Cromwell's forces burned the roof in 1653 and Mass continued in the open air.
🥾 Route Overview
The route covers 35 km from Ballintubber Abbey to the foot of Croagh Patrick, crossing over 100 stiles through quiet countryside, past fairy hills, holy wells, and medieval ruins. The path can be walked in a single long day or savored over two days.
Pilgrims must register with the Ballintubber Abbey Trust (€15 fee) before setting out. The route is well-marked with informational placards called "Legends" at key points, explaining the sacred sites and folklore of this remarkable landscape.
☩ Key Pilgrimage Sites
Ballintubber Abbey - The 13th-century abbey founded by King Cathal O'Conor, starting point of the pilgrimage with its remarkable Hiberno-Romanesque architecture.
St. Patrick's Well - The sacred spring at Ballintubber associated with the saint's missionary journey.
Holy Wells - Multiple ancient wells along the route, traditional stations for prayer and devotion.
Croagh Patrick (The Reek) - The 764m holy mountain where Patrick fasted, with a summit oratory and spectacular views over Clew Bay.
🕯️ Reek Sunday
On the last Sunday of July (July 26, 2026), up to 30,000 pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick for Reek Sunday, many walking barefoot as an act of penance. Mass is celebrated at the summit oratory at dawn.
📚 Further Reading
Curated resources to help you research and plan your pilgrimage on the Tóchar Phádraig (St. Patrick's Causeway).
