Fundraising Tóchar Phádraig Group Walk

Due to popular demand, we are hosting another Tóchar Phádraig Group Walk on Saturday, 28th September 2024. This time, all proceeds from the walk will go towards two local community projects: the Ballyheane Ballintubber Community First Responders and the Celtic Furrow Outdoor Museum and Garden reopening as a community facility.

The Tóchar Phádraig is a venerable Irish pilgrimage route that dates back approximately 1,500 years. This sacred journey begins at Ballintubber Abbey and follows the path of an ancient chariot road, crossing over 100 stiles within the picturesque County Mayo. Along its winding course, it unveils to pilgrims fairy hills, ancient relics, and mysterious places where the legends of St. Patrick still thrive.

The Tóchar Phádraig is one of the five Passported Trails of The Pilgrim Paths of Ireland—a collection of ancient religious routes with well-documented claims of use by pilgrims since ancient times. Walking these timeless trails not only offers spiritual renewal but also connects us to our past while contributing to sustainable tourism and community development in each area.

With all proceeds from this walk directly donated to two local charities, the funds raised will be vital for community development. The first charity, Ballyheane Ballintubber Community First Responders, will use the money raised to purchase more essential lifesaving equipment. This fantastic service, run entirely by volunteers, covers an 8km radius around Ballintubber and is dispatched by the Ambulance Service throughout the community.

The second project is the Celtic Furrow, a unique visitor centre that traces Ireland’s cultural, historical, and spiritual roots over 5,000 years. Created by Fr. Frank Fahey and opened in the late 1990s, the facility has been closed since the Covid pandemic in 2020. Ballintubber Abbey Trust is working to restore and reopen the Celtic Furrow as a communal facility for families and friends to enjoy. This will be a fantastic resource for visitors to Ballintubber, especially with the newly opened café, Crave at the Cottage, run by two sisters from the community. While some funding has already been secured to restore the facility, further funds will help enhance it with picnic benches and other family-friendly resources.

In addition to these two causes, Ballintubber Abbey Trust has pledged to donate €1 for every registered walker on the Tóchar Phádraig to the Croagh Patrick Path Project, which provides sustainable access and habitat restoration on Croagh Patrick.

Please book and enjoy this unique, unforgettable experience while supporting local community projects.

 

Registration  open for all our 2024 Walks

Our Final Group Walks are:

Saturday 28th of September 2024 – Full Tóchar

 BOOK NOW

Pre-booking is essential as numbers are required for return bus.  Anyone who registered on the day cannot be guaranteed a place on the return bus. 

 

  • Registration from 7:15am
  • Welcome and Information Talk in the Abbey at 8:00am 
  • Walkers depart Ballintubber Abbey at 8:10am. 
  • The full Tóchar takes approximate +8/10 Hours. Dependent on Fitness Levels.
  • Prebooking is essential and unfortunately we cannot accept walk ins on the day as we need accurate numbers for buses and to ensure we have enough leaders and resources. 
  • A Bus will depart the Carpark at Croagh Patrick and return to the Abbey once the last walker has returned to the bus. 
  • Hi-Vis Jackets and goodie bags for all walkers. 
  • Please note payment is required at the time of booking.  If you wish to cancel your booking refunds are available for up to 7 days prior to the event.  The cost of this walk is €35pp.
  • This is a Fully guided historic walk where you will learn some significant history at points of interest along the way. 
  • There will be a support driver on this walk whom will carry any luggage that you may require and even yourself if you get tired. 
  • Please bring a packed lunch, we will provide some refreshments and goodies that will keep you energized along the way.  
  • Ballintubber Abbey Trust are proud supporters of Croagh Patrick Stakeholder and will donate €1 for every registered Tóchar Phádraig Walker to the Croagh Patrick Path Project 
  • Walkers are asked to respect leaders and volunteers and instructions at all times/
  • Walkers to do climb to the Summit of Croagh Patrick.
  • The Bus departs from Murrisk to Ballintubber Abbey once all walkers have return to the bus and are accounted for.