March 2022

The 2022 Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival takes place from 11th March to 13th March.

The Festival is a three days guided walking festival along a 63km route on the Croagh Patrick Heritage trail including moderate and hard walking.

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is one of the most beautiful walking trails in the country and is an accredited National Way Marked Way.

It starts from the town of Balla heading westwards to Croagh Patrick in Murrisk and passes through boreens, minor roads, small sections of woodland, historic houses and archaeological remains. It reaches the villages of Ballintubber, Killavally and Aghagower heading towards the final destination: Murrisk and Clew Bay.

Walks start each day at 8.30 am sharp and arrives are planned around 6.00pm.

Meeting points are:

• Day 1 Ballintubber Abbey (Car Park opposite Ballintubber Abbey)

• Day 2 Aughagower Village (Community Centre)

• Day 3 Murrish Carpark (Base of Croagh Patrick)

On Friday participants will walk the first 18km long section of the trail from Balla to Bullintubber. The meeting point is in the car park in Ballintubber at 8.30 am sharp, and they will be transported by bus to the starting point in Balla. Refreshment stop will be at Clogher Community Centre.

On Saturday the second 27 km long walk from Ballintubber to Aughagower will take place. The meeting point is the car park near the church in Aughagower Village. The trail will lead to the village of Killawalla passing the Cullentrough Bog, the old mill on the river Aille and the Lazy Beds. . Participants will be transported to Ballintubber by bus.

On Sunday walkers will enjoy the last 19km long walk from Aughagower to Murrisk. The Refreshment stop will be at Brackloon National School. Also, walkers will hear the local myths and legends from experienced guides along their way.

Refreshments are provided at the start, middle and finish of each day.

Money raised will go to Croi.