On St Patrick’s Day, 6 places to visit connected to Ireland’s patron saint, from the country’s holiest mountain and finest church to a craft beer brewery
- From a pilgrimage route he took up a sacred mountain and places in which he baptised people to a grand cathedral, Ireland has many sites linked to St Patrick
- We look at six of the best to visit, which also include picturesque churches, a 1,000 year-old tower and a brewery
St Patrick’s Day has become a kitsch event in many parts of the world, an excuse to don garish green outfits and drink heavily every March 17. But in Ireland there’s deep reverence for the country’s patron saint, whose tale can be traced through mountains, churches, beaches and villages.
Here are six places in Ireland connected to the holy man, who was born in Britain and is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland 1,600 years ago.
1. Croagh Patrick
The country’s holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick looms over County Mayo, in western Ireland. The Irish have been visiting the mountain since 3,000BC to pray for a good harvest.
On the last Sunday of July each year – Reek Sunday – thousands of hikers ascend this mountain 764 metres (2,500ft) high to visit a small church, St Patrick’s Chapel, at its peak. Some particularly devout pilgrims trek barefoot.
From the peak, hikers earn memorable views: inland, across ancient, green stone-walled fields; and out across the crystalline waters of Clew Bay towards the Atlantic Ocean.
