Croagh Patrick
Information Centre
Teach na Miasa, Murrisk,
Westport, County Mayo
Location
The Croagh Patrick Information Centre is situated in
Murrisk on the Pilgrim's Path at the base of Croagh Patrick
and opposite the National Famine Monument.
Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of
Westport and its conical shape soars majestically above the
surrounding countryside. Magnificent views of Clew Bay and
the surrounding south Mayo countryside are spectacular from
all stages of the ascent of the mountain.
The Archaeology
An archaeological excavation licensed by the National
Monuments service commenced on August 2 1994. It discovered
evidence of Christian activity but also showed that Croagh
Patrick was a place of tremendous importance in the
pre-Christian era, as indicated by the discovery of a Celtic
hill fort encircling the summit of the mountain. The
exciting discovery of a dry stone oratory push back further
in time our knowledge of pilgrimage architecture on the
summit. It is akin to the Gallarus Oratory in County Kerry
and has been radiocarbon dated to between 430 and 890
AD.
The Centre
The director of Archaeological Excavations on the summit
of Croagh Patrick, Gerry Walsh, and his wife Gabrielle
opened the Croagh Patrick Information Centre at the foot of
the mountain in March 2000. The Centre stems from the
interest shown by the thousands of pilgrims and climbers in
the archaeological discoveries on the summit.
Gerry realised that people would like more information in
an accessible and user-friendly way and he set about making
his dream a reality. He also reaalised that people visiting
the mountain were not being supplied with general
information on the South Mayo region, an area of unspoilt
natural beauty, so he decided to incorporate this into the
Centre.
The building housing the Centre maintains the natural
appeal of the area with a profile which blends in with the
existing environment.
Céad Míle
Fáilte
The Croagh Patrick Information Centre heralds a new era
in the ancient tradition of the holy mountain of Mayo.
Céad Míle
Fáilte
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