Roy,

Thanks for allowing me to re-live my trek to the top of Croagh Patrick in August of 09.   I especially enjoyed seeing the 360 degree view of the area, looking down from the top, since I ran into clouds/fog about 2/3 of the way up.  For those who are heading to NW Ireland, if the weather cooperates, and you are physically able....this is a "do-not-miss" opportunity for a 4-6 hour outing, which for me, was the highlight of the entire 2 weeks!

Dan

Roy,

Roy,

Good show! Thanks for sharing your journey to the top with us. What a great day with clear photos from the top. I'm getting vertigo just thinking of the climb.

Michele

Congrats on your accomplishment of scsling the path and thanks for the view. 

My wife was determined to climb to the top, back in 2008, but we only made it as far as the gate at the cross fence.   

In my defence, I had cracked a rib in Amsterdam about a week before and we were under Gale Force 7 or 8 winds ...   

THAT was what finally convinced my wife to give up the Quest -- A woman and her two, 10-12 year old children passed us just before the gate, as they were heading back down.  She said that they turned back when it seemed likely that one of them might get blown off the ridge!

We MAy try again, one of these days ...   

Bob

In all fairness, the rib only caused discomfort when I lifted with my arms.

The BIG thing really was the wind -- the weather was pretty 'Spotty' that summer. 

The night before we went on the Rossaveal Ferry to Inis Mor, our B&B in Carraroe had trees uprooted in their front yard, but on the next day, though it WAS a 'Soft' day, the sea was smooth as glass and we had a very pleasant trip.

We spent four nights in Westport and seemed to have Gale Force winds every OTHER day -- but it usually rained, on the CALM days ....   

I was 56 that year --

Maybe I'll complete the climb on my 60th!   

Bob

I was also a member of the "50 plus club" when I made the climb. Now that I am closer to 60 than 50, I wouldn't hesitate one minute to do it again, esp if the weather was good. I was surprised at the age range of people attempting the climb when I went. Saw a couple of children 4-5 years of age, and many who were in their 60's and even 70's. I really paced myself, and I think that is the key.  A walking stick would have made life much easier, don't go without one! 

If I remember correctly, I believe there is, or use to be, an annual pilrimage to the top, made by thousands, at night and some barefoot? Must be quite a sight! Also I believe there is also an organized  "race"  to the top. Several younger folks went past me on a dead run...I think they were in training for this race. They passed me like I was standing still! 

Dan

My walking stick has a camera mount at the top (under a ball that unscrews), so I can use it as a mono-pod, which I will probably need to hold the camera steady, since I will probably be breathing rather erratically!

Thank you, Michele!