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Established in 2009 The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is a 63km walking trail which extends from the town of Balla westwards to Murrisk, a small seaside village at the base of the holy mountain 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.

Traditionally the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is walked from east to west, walking towards Croagh Patrick. Beginning in the village of Balla which is 8 kilometres outside Claremorris and ending at the first station at the foot of Croagh Patrick beside the village of Murrisk. The trail does not include the ascent of the mountain.

The Trail in a Nutshell

Further Detail on the Trail

Trail Description Linear Trail: Balla (N60) – Clogher – Ballintubber -Killavally – Aughagower – Murrisk (Croagh Patrick)

Theme: National Waymarked Way (Yellow Walk)Overall Total Distance: 63 km

Level Difficulty: Strenuous. Mountain Ascent: 310m.

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.

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: Services available at Balla, Clogher, Ballintubber, Killavally, Aghagower & Murrisk.

Distance between Villages & estimated times for walking

Trailhead Locations

Trailhead and information areas are located at the following locations : Balla (Community Centre), Killawala (Community Centre), Aghagower ( Community Centre) and Murrisk (Carpark). Services such as Accommodation, Restaurants, Pubs and Shops are available at each of these locations.

General description of the Trail: The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail extends from the town of Balla westwards to Croagh Patrick. From Balla it passes through field’s boreens, minor roads and small sections of deciduous woodland and scrub en route to Ballintubber. From here the terrain includes tracks through bog and forestry and short sections through fields, boreens and minor roads to reach the village of Killavally. From Killavally the route follows tarred boreens, minor roads, forest tracks and short sections through fields and bog to arrive at the village of Aghagower. The trail then takes tarred boreens and minor roads all the way to the N59. There is a short section along the N59, caution should be taken here as it is a busy road. After 150 meteres turn left and follow the road past Brackloon School and onto tarred boreens, mountain tracks and open bog to reach a point where the official trail meets the main path to Croagh Patrick Mountain. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail finishes at this point. The village of Murrisk is approximately 400m on the descent

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.