The Tóchar Valley, Mayo Abbey in Co. Mayo

The Tóchar Valley is a beautiful area of rural communities stretching from Balla to Murrisk. Croagh Patrick has drawn pilgrims in their droves since pre-Christian times.

It still has a magnetic attraction and many of the faithful continue to climb barefoot, especially on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July. A small church at the summit marks where Saint Patrick spent 40 days in contemplation and prayer. This is the ultimate destination of the Tóchar Phádraig.

The Tóchar Valley is a beautiful area of rural communities stretching from Balla to Murrisk and includes all the following communities:

  • Aughagower

  • Balla / Manulla

  • Ballintubber

  • Ballyglass

  • Ballyheane / Errew

  • Belcarra

  • Clogher

  • Drummin / Brackloon

  • Killawalla

  • Mayo Abbey

  • Murrisk

  • Partry / Kilkieran

Steeped in antiquity the unspoiled countryside is liberally sprinkled with churches, Celtic artefacts and historical sites.

The Tóchar Phádraig pilgrim route, which links these townlands and villages for a distance of 55 km, follows a section of the ancient chariot road of the Kings of Connaught which ran from Tulsk in Roscommon to Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain.

A wide varietry of tourism products are available throughout the valley.

These include:

  • Walks

  • Golf

  • Angling / Fishing

  • Abbeys

  • Heritage / History

  • Wildlife

  • Retreats and Reflection

  • Pilgrimages

Access to the Tóchar Valley

Airports

  • Knock (30 minutes)

  • Galway (60 minutes)

  • Sligo (60 minutes)

Railway Stations

  • Claremorris

  • Manulla

  • Castlebar

  • Westport