Things To Do: Croagh Patrick & Murrisk

Just five miles from the hotel, along the scenic coast road, is Ireland's holy mountain Croagh Patrick, or the Reek as it is locally known. Its conical peak dominates the landscape for miles around. At the base is a commodious car park, and a coffee-cum-craft shop which is open during high season. Climbing the Reek is a tough task - even if it's not carried out barefoot as tradition dictates.

Stout boots are a must, it's a good 3 hour round trip and not for the fainthearted. The traditional day of pilgrimage is Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July when up to 25,000 people make the ascent, many barefoot. This dates back to St. Patrick who fasted at the summit for 40 days.

Across the road from the car park is a dramatic and beautiful sculpture ‘The Famine Ship' which is the National Famine Memorial. It's well worth stopping to take a look at. To the right of the sculpture is a small road (or ‘boreen') which runs down to the sea and lovely Augustinian Murrisk Abbey dating back to the 1400s.

There is parking at the Abbey or it's a short and pleasant walk.

About half a mile further on, Blue Flag Bertra Beach is signposted to the right.