Grade: Moderate Half Tóchar - Strenuous Full Tóchar
Markings: The route is marked with Yellow walking pilgrim and arrows – Linear Trail
Distance: Half Tóchar 17km
Full Tóchar 35km
Estimated time: 5/7 Hrs Half Tóchar
8/10hrs Full Tóchar
Terrain underfoot: Forest trail, fields, country roads, boggy terrain and mountain paths
Suitable for: Walkers with a good level of fitness.
Travers throug one of Irelands oldest Pilgrim paths.
This trail, which follows the path of an ancient chariot road, traverses over 100 stiles within the picturesque County Mayo.
Along its meandering course, it unfolds before pilgrims, revealing fairy hills, ancient relics, and enigmatic locales where the enduring legends of St. Patrick continue to thrive.
Notes: This is a long route with some very remote parts, halfway point in the small village of Aughagower.
Minimum of two walkers permitted at any time.
No dogs allowed as much of the trail goes through farmlands.
Option 1: Half Tóchar (17km)
Ballintubber Abbey → Aughagower
Parking: Please park at Car Park B, Ballintubber Abbey.
7:30am – Registration at Ballintubber Abbey
8:00am – Pre-Walk Talk & Pilgrim Blessing
8:15am – Walk Commences
Approx. 17km pilgrimage, arriving into Aughagower around lunchtime.
Return Transport: Bus will bring walkers back to Ballintubber Abbey after the walk.
Option 2: Full Tóchar (35km)
Ballintubber Abbey → Croagh Patrick
Parking: Please park at Car Park B, Ballintubber Abbey.
7:30am – Registration at Ballintubber Abbey
8:00am – Pre-Walk Talk & Pilgrim Blessing
8:15am – Walk Commences
12:45pm – Lunch break in Aughagower (pickup point for those finishing Option 1).
1:00–1:30pm – Walk recommences once all pilgrims are ready.
Continue pilgrimage via Murrisk to Croagh Patrick.
Return Transport: Walkers will be collected in Murrisk Car Park after descending Croagh Patrick and dropped back to Ballintubber Abbey.
Option 3: Aughagower → Croagh Patrick (18km)
Halfway Point → Croagh Patrick
Parking/Arrival: Please make your own way to Aughagower.
12:45pm – Check-in at Aughagower
1:00–1:30pm – Walk Commences (after lunch break for full-route pilgrims)
Approx. 18km pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick.
Return Transport: Walkers will be collected in Murrisk Car Park after descending Croagh Patrick and dropped back to Aughagower (if required).
🚍 Return & Pick-Up Information
Option 1 (Half Tóchar): Ballintubber Abbey - Aughagower walkers will be picked up after lunch in Aughagower and dropped back to Ballintubber Abbey.
Option 2 (Full Tóchar):
After descending Croagh Patrick, walkers will be collected in Murrisk Car Park and returned to Ballintubber Abbey.Option 3 (Aughagower to Croagh Patrick):
Walkers can park at Aughagower Village. After descending Croagh Patrick, walkers will be collected in Murrisk Car Park and dropped back to Aughagower (if required).
🧳 What to Bring
Sturdy footwear – Preferably waterproof hiking boots or walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain and spare socks.
Weather-appropriate clothing – Layers are ideal. Include a waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves (just in case).
Sunscreen and a sunhat – For those brighter Irish days!
A packed lunch – Something nourishing to keep you going.
A reusable water bottle – We’ll have top-up water stations along the way.
Snacks and fruit – Some will be provided by Ballintubber Abbey, but feel free to bring your favourites too.
Tissues or biodegradable wipes – Handy for freshening up or unexpected needs.
Personal medication – Especially for allergies, blisters, or any regular medical needs.
Walking poles – Optional, but helpful for support on hills or uneven ground.
A small backpack – To carry everything comfortably.
Please note that there are no public toilets directly along the trail itself, walkers can access facilities before departure at
Ballintubber Abbey and again at the halfway point in Aughagower Village.
• Guides to uncover the rich history of one of Ireland’s oldest Pilgrim Paths.
• Certificate of Completion and Memento of Walk.
• Hi-Vis Jacket
• Light Refreshments, Fruit and Water Top Up.
• Support Driver
• Return Bus
Option 1 & 2 – Ballintubber Abbey Start
Full Tóchar Walks (Option 2) & Half Tóchar Walks (Option 1)
Check-in Location: Ballintubber Abbey Gift Shop / Visitor Centre
Check-in Time: 7:30am – 8:00am
Pre-Walk Talk / Pilgrim Blessing:
Full Tóchar: 8:15am walk commencement
Half Tóchar: 10:00am walk commencement
Option 3 – Aughagower Start
Check-in Location: Aughagower Village
Check-in Time: 12:30pm – 1:00pm
Walk Commencement: 1:00 – 1:30pm (after lunch break for full-route walkers)
Important Notes for All Walkers
Waivers: All participants must pre-sign waivers online prior to check-in, particularly for Option 3 walkers.
Wear sturdy walking shoes/boots.
Bring rain gear, sun protection, and sufficient water.
Ensure you arrive on time for your check-in slot to allow for registration and safety briefing.
🌿 Trail ImprovementsWe hope you enjoy the journey even more this year, as we’ve made significant upgrades to the trail, thanks to the hard work of Seamus and Richard, with support from the South West Mayo Development Company under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
There have also been substantial repairs carried out following extensive damage caused by Storm Éowyn. We are grateful to everyone who helped us restore and enhance this special pilgrim path.
💚 Giving BackWe’re proud to donate €1 from every registered walker in 2025 to the Croagh Patrick Path Team in support of sustainable access and habitat restoration efforts on Croagh Patrick.
🚜 A Note of GratitudeOur Tochar walk passes through private farmland. We deeply appreciate the generosity of the local landowners who grant us access each year. Please respect the land and their hospitality – without them, this walk would not be possible.
Cancelatipn policy is 48hrs prior to event commencement.