Waking up with a view and many “moo’s” at the Moran’s (Hadleigh’s cousins’) house in Castlebar.
Good morning hens! Feeding them some breakfast scraps on our way out the door.
And we’re off to climb Croagh Patrick (also known as “The Reek”) which we can see from the Moran’s backyard. The Reek is a holy mountain in Mayo with a height of 2,507 feet overlooking Clew Bay.
It is a steep and rocky trail that takes 3-4 hours total round trip. Legend says Saint Patrick spent 40 days and nights fasting and praying on the summit in 441 AD. He is said to have banished snakes from Ireland from the mountain.
Passing through Westport. Another cute, old town.
Off-and-on rain throughout the ascent. We’re glad to have layers and rain slickers with us!
There is a chapel at the top of the mountain built in 1905 by 12 local men. All the building material used for the chapel were hauled up by donkeys! There is also a mound of rocks at the top that is called “ Leaba Phádraig (Irish for “Patrick’s Bed”. It is said that this is the spot Patrick would sleep, rest, and pray.
We walked around the chapel to see if there was a break in the sky to get a glimpse of the view, but we were right in the middle of the clouds and couldn’t see a thing. We noticed some people were crowding around the chapel doors so we went to scope it out. Surprised, we saw a priest inside the chapel praying (which we’ve heard is a very rare sighting). We stood to listen and after he finished his prayers, the clouds began to disappear!! We were so happy to be able to catch a glimpse of the view – was a very special moment.
And now time for some lunch!
Quite wet we found the temps (mid 50’s) and light-to-strong winds bone chilling. Jake scrounged together some concrete and stone to create a bench out of the wind. Readers who visit The Reek will have to let us know if the bench is still there!
As we’re about to begin our descent, Hadleigh stumbles upon a beautiful bright-blue piece of glass— even rounded like sea glass!
Our legs and ankles already thoroughly worked, each steep step requires focus and strength. We relish each short, flat section.
We’re able to appreciate the gorgeous views even more on our way down. Lots of beautiful heather along the trail— thinking of Hadleigh’s mom, Heather!
We began lightly jogging down where we could, as we found this much easier on our body— knees especially.
Finally! We made it back down! 1 hour 13 minutes to descend. Thirty minutes quicker than our 1 hour 43 minute ascent.
Drove 10 mins down the road for a well deserved pint at a Michael Richard favorite- The Sheebeen!
Back at the Moran’s, Michelle and Claire surprised us with an engagement party— framed engagement photo and all!
Hadleigh surprised her cousins with American treats and Plum Island gear!
Michael has much love for his hens, chicks, and even the neighbor’s cat who comes looking for the same affection that Michael shows to his birds.
Hungry cows coming over looking for another feeding. They think we’re farmer Kyle who lives down the road.
Off to “Johnnie’s” to visit with cousins and friends.
Tomorrow, we explore Achill!
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