Tóchar Phádraig Walks.

The Tóchar Phádraig – St Patrick’s Pilgrim Path

The Tóchar Phádraig represents a venerable Irish pilgrimage route that dates back approximately 1500 years. This sacred journey commences at Ballintubber Abbey and culminates at the revered Croagh Patrick, the mountain sanctified by St. Patrick himself.  Spanning a distance of 35 kilometers, or roughly 22 miles, this trail, which follows the path of an ancient chariot road, traverses over 100 stiles within the picturesque County Mayo.  Along its meandering course, it unfolds before pilgrims, revealing fairy hills, ancient relics, and enigmatic locales where the enduring legends of St. Patrick continue to thrive.

Year after year, numerous pilgrims hailing from both Ireland and abroad embark upon this regal passage, seeking to immerse themselves in the medieval tapestry of Ireland and connect with its sacred heritage.  Spectacular views from Clew Bay on the Wild Athlantic Way can be enjoyed as you assent Croagh Patrick.  

The Tóchar Phádraig is one of the 5 pass ported trails of the The Pilgrim Paths of Ireland.  These are a collection of ancient religious routes with well-documented claims of having been used by pilgrims since ancient times. Walking these ageless trails not only offers the opportunity for spiritual renewal, but also provides a link to our past while contributing to sustainable tourism and community development in each area.  

Tóchar Phádraig is also linked with the Camino Society Ireland.

The Cathedral of Santiago has agreed to grant a Compostela to pilgrims who complete the 75km Camino Ingles route from A Coruña to Santiago, as long as they have already completed a certified 25km pilgrimage in their country of origin. 

Camino Society Ireland CLG (“The Society”) has undertaken the task of defining authentic pilgrim routes within Ireland. The Society has named the 25km walked in Ireland with the 75km walked from A Coruña, the “Celtic Camino.” This provides Irish pilgrims with a great opportunity to do part of the Camino at home before starting Camino Ingles in A Coruña. The Tóchar Phádraig is one of these listed walks. 

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  

GROUP WALKS 2025

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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 and Regulations:

ALL WALKERS MUST BRING THEIR OWN HI -VIS JACKETS 

ONLY REGISTERED WALKERS ARE PERMITTED ON THIS ROUTE AS IT IS PRIVATE PROPERTY

STRICTLY NO RUNNING, NO CYCLING AND NO DOGS

ALL WALKERS MUST REGISTER AT THE ABBEY, ANYONE FOUND ON THE WALK WITHOUT PRIOR REGISTERING WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE BY THE LANDOWNERS 

Minimum of Two people must walk together at all times for Health & Safety Reasons

 

 

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N.B. Minimum of Two people must walk together for Health & Safety Reasons

  1. There are usually four official walks organised by the Abbey in June, July, August and December (contact the office for details, please see below). A ‘back up car’ and transport back to the Abbey is provided.
  2. Other walkers may organise their own groups but must comply with the following details:
    • All walkers must register at Ballintubber Abbey and sign a declaration, exempting Ballintubber Abbey Trust and farmers from liability, should a mishap or accident take place. A minimum of 2 people walking is required at all times, there are no exceptions. The registration fee for group walks are €20 for Half Tóchar (17km) and €25 for Full Tóchar (35km).  Individual Self Guided Walks are €20pp
    • All walkers must comply with the regulations for walking the Tóchar
    • We rely heavily on the kind permission and goodwill of landowners on the Tóchar route. In the interest of their livestock, strictly no dogs are allowed on the Tóchar regardless of temperament. 
    • Those under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult (Health & Safety)
    • It is important that the walkers notify the Abbey on completion of Walk by leaving message on answering machine.
    • The Pilgrim Paths Passport can be purchased at Registration at Ballintubber Abbey at a cost of €5 per passpost, once you have completed the full trail (Ballintubber Abbey to Crough Patrick) you can have the Passpost Stamped at Campbell’s Pub, Murrisk which is located at the entrance to the carpark at Croagh Patrick.   
    • Passposts can be obtained for patrons doing the walk in two stages, Ballintubber to Aughower, Aughower to Crough Partick however you must register and pay for each walk. 
    • Passposts are not available for patrons whom partake in other walks that pass via Ballintubber Abbey or any other part of the Tóchar Phádraig.  NB.  Please note that other walks promoting links with Ballintubber Abbey are not associated with the original Tóchar Phádraig and do not traverses through the original chariot road as St Patrick walked. 

Booking:

Ballintubber Abbey
Ballintubber
Claremorris
Co Mayo
094-9030934
Email: info@ballintubberabbey.ie

About the Tóchar Phádraig

 

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