A new pilgrim path at Croagh Patrick has been officially opened.
Minister for Community and Rural Development, Heather Humphrey’s travelled to the mountain where she laid the final stone to mark the completion of a landmark restoration project.
Delivered in collaboration with the ‘Croagh Patrick Stakeholders Group’ this flagship project was hand-built over the course of three years.
The upgraded pilgrim path will provide sustainable access to Croagh Patrick and address the substantial erosion of the mountain.
Thousands of tonnes of rock and soil were removed from the Reek to make it safe and accessible, as well as protecting the mountain.
The 4km path runs from the statue of St Patrick near the base of the mountain to the church at the top of the Reek.
Minister Humprey’s praised the incredible toil and collaboration that went into the project.
“The overall spirit of collaboration is an example to communities all over the country and what can be achieved. The work undertaken by the team will ensure that people can continue to enjoy climbing the Reek in a sustainable way that protects the habitat of the mountain whilst also protecting the safety of the users. The work has secured the future of this beautiful mountain by protecting the natural environment and it can be enjoyed by future generations,” she stated.