Explore the varied and rich cultural heritage of county Mayo.

Around 350 AD a chariot road was built from Rath Cruachan near Tulsk in County Roscommon, (seat of the Kings of Connaught) to 'Cruachán Aille now known as Croagh Patrick. Croagh Patrick was a pagan shrine at that time. In 441 AD. St Patrick spent Lent in prayer and reflection on the mountain, and later travelled the chariot road eastwards to Ballintubber.

This is how the road got its name-Tochar Phadraig. For more than one thousand years pilgrims used this route until the Penal Times, when it fell into disuse. Fortunately under the direction of Fr Fahey C.C. Ballintubber, the Tochar has been restored, and is now used by hundreds of pilgrims each year. Registration for the pilgrims doing the walk takes place in Ballintubber Abbey. Contact us for further information..

Find out more about Ballitubber Abbey