Distance : 63 km
Start Point: Balla
End Point: Murrisk
Time : 3+ Days
Grade : 2
Difficulty : Strenuous
Dogs : Not permitted
Phone : +353 94 9360891
Emergency: Phone 999 or 112 for emergency services
Trail Description: Linear Trail passing through Balla (N60) – Clogher – Ballintubber -Killawalla – Aughagower – Murrisk (Croagh Patrick)
Theme: National Waymarked Trail (Yellow Walk)
Level Difficulty: Strenuous. Mountain Ascent: 310m.
Terrain: Woodland, Bog, Forestry, Fields, Boreens & Minor Roads. Mountain Tracks & Open Bog.
Minimum Gear: Trekking Boots, raingear, snacks & fluid.
Map Reference: OS Discovery Sheet 31, 38 & 30.
Services: Some services available at Balla, Clogher, Ballintubber, Killawalla, Aghagower & Murrisk.
Distance between Villages & estimated times for walking
Balla –– Ballintubber 17km – 4 hours approx
Ballintubber –– Aghagower – 27km – 6 hours approx
Aghagower -– Murrisk 19 km – 5 hours approx
Trailhead Locations
Trailhead and information areas can be found at the following locations:
Balla (Community Centre)
Killawala (Community Centre)
Aghagower ( Community Centre)
Murrisk (Carpark)
The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail was established in 2009 as a 63km linear walking trail. It starts in the central Mayo town of Balla and heads west toward Murrisk, a small seaside village at the base of Croagh Patrick. It is 1 of 44 National Way-marked Trails in Ireland and features a yellow man symbol on a black background with a direction arrow.
The trail does not include the ascent of Croagh Patrick.
General description of the Trail:
The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail extends from the town of Balla westwards to Croagh Patrick, passing through fields, boreens, minor roads and small sections of deciduous woodland and scrub.
The final section includes a short but steep mountain ascent and descent, followed by a section of mountain bog that can be wet in places. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail finishes at the point it meets the main path to Croagh Patrick mountain. The village of Murrisk is approximately 400m down from this point.
Leave no Trace:
The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail promotes the outdoor recreation principles of the Leave No Trace programme. See the website Leave No Trace for further details.
Trail Grades Explained
https://www.sportireland.ie/outdoors/trail-grades explains trail grades. A strenuous trail is one which is physically demanding, which will typically have some sections with steep climbs for long periods and the going underfoot can be extremely rough including many obstacles. Suitable for users accustomed to walking on rough ground and with a high level of fitness. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required.
