My annual climb up Croagh Patrick (the Reek) is often rewarded with the most glorious views over Clew Bay. Breathtaking and stunning, you can see miles and miles of azure blue sea dotted frequently with little islands and land masses (which probably don’t even qualify as islands!). According to tradition, there is an island in the bay for every day of the year. The bay is overlooked by Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain, and the mountains of North Mayo. Clare Island, sits as the dominant island and guards the entrance of the bay and, a little bit of history, was the home of Ireland’s notorious 16th century pirate queen Grainne Uaile (Grace O’Malley) from where she ruled the seas around Connaught. So the sweat and toil up the Reek fades to nothing when you see this view. Enjoy below!
Well you don’t ALWAYS get rewarded with the view, sometimes its just the sweat and toil!
