Pyramid peak
Above the bay.
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Croagh Patrick is a 764-metre mountain in County Mayo, western Ireland, rising above the village of Murrisk and Clew Bay, about 10 km west of Westport in a straight line. Locals call it «the Reek», meaning a stack. The mountain has a pyramid-shaped peak and has been seen as sacred since prehistoric times, later becoming associated with Saint Patrick. A small church has stood on the summit since the 5th century; the current one dates from the early 20th century. Thousands of pilgrims climb it on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, a custom going back at least to the Middle Ages. It is the fourth-highest mountain in Connacht. The sharp grey pyramid rises above green and brown slopes of heather and grass, and the winding stone path to the summit shows as a white line along the mountain's shoulder. From the top a view opens over Clew Bay, studded with dozens of small green islands, and the Atlantic beyond. Walkers climb the path from the car park at Murrisk in about two hours and come down in about an hour and a half. The upper section of loose stone is very steep, so good walking boots and rain and wind gear are essential; avoid misty days.
Above the bay.
Small islands.
To the summit.
Murrisk, near Westport, County Mayo, Ireland
Yes, the upper section is very steep.
Walking boots and rain gear.