Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail

Development of the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail,

Over many years of organizing at the grassroots and collaborating with the local authorities and LEADER, the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail was launched as a 61 km walking trail throughout southwest Co. Mayo.  As a National Waymarked Way, the trail meets high standards of quality.  The trail’s purpose is to encourage local people, regional tourists, and international walkers to appreciate the rugged landscape of Co. Mayo.  It was also designed to strengthen the local economy through opportunities for entrepreneurs, trail guides, B&B owners, and others through the knock-on effects of rural tourism.  In addition, TVRCN communities have been strongly encouraged to develop walks that loop of the main spine, so that communities also achieve benefits. 

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail stands out as a exemplar of grassroots communities working together with local authorizes and agencies to achieve a goal greater than any one community could achieve on its own.  The next steps in the Cr. Patrick Heritage Trail include organizing a management structure reporting to the TVRCN, supporting small business development along the trail, and managing the reservation/package system for walkers.