April-August 2024

Tochar Phadraig, also known as St. Patrick's Causeway, is a 35km pilgrim road that winds through unspoiled countryside and pre-famine villages, connecting Bullintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick.

Walking on the Tochar Phadraig is a spiritual pilgrimage and a journey through Mayo's heritage and history. Along the path, everything, including stones, rocks, trees and streams, is permeated with pilgrims' stories and gives walkers a unique experience.

The Tochar Phadraig is a walking route that consists of a combination of roads and cross-country paths, featuring a diverse range of terrains. As much of the walk takes place on private land, it is important for pilgrims to show respect for the property of the landowners who generously permit access to the route.

There are four official walks organised by the Abbey in April, June, July and August.

Support and transport are provided along the route; a ‘backup car’ and transport back to the Abbey is provided.

Here are the 2024 Tochar walks:

• Easter Monday, 1st  April , Half Tóchar from Ballintubber to Aughagower
• Saturday, 29th June, Half Tóchar from Aughagower to Murrisk
• Reek Saturday, 27th July, Full Tóchar
• Saturday, 31st August, Full Tóchar

The original route was a chariot road connecting the Roscommon seat of the King of Connacht to the Holy Mountain, Cruachan Aigli.

Several Bronze Age standing stones and the Neolithic Boheh Stone can be seen along the route.

St. Patrick walked a section of this route on his way to the Croagh Patrick, where he fasted for 40 days.

When his followers learned of his Lenten fast on the mountain, they began to follow in his footsteps, leading to the creation of this Christian pilgrimage.