Peak of the Reek Community Climb for Western Alzheimer's

What to Expect

Peak of the Reek is a community fundraising climb of Croagh Patrick, Mayo’s famous pilgrim mountain overlooking Clew Bay, organised in support of Western Alzheimer’s and its dementia care services. Participants tackle the same steep, stony path used by pilgrims on Reek Sunday, taking in sweeping views over the bay’s islands on the way up. It is listed among Westport Parish’s community events as a way for locals to support dementia care locally while getting outdoors together, and suits both regular hillwalkers and first-time climbers looking for a good cause to aim for.

Charity climbs of Croagh Patrick have become a well-established fundraising format in Mayo, giving participants a genuine physical challenge alongside a clear community purpose, and this one channels its funds specifically into local dementia care rather than a national body, so the impact stays close to home. Taking part is as much a chance to spend a September Saturday outdoors with a group as it is a fundraising exercise, and many participants treat the climb itself as the reward alongside the cause.

Good to Know

The climb takes place on Saturday 12 September 2026 at Croagh Patrick, Murrisk, just outside Westport. Registration is through westernalzheimers.ie or by phone on 094 9364900, and the charity’s website should be checked for the exact meeting time, route details and any entry fee, as these were not specified in the parish announcement. As with any Croagh Patrick climb, sturdy walking boots, weatherproof clothing and enough water are recommended given the loose scree near the summit and Mayo’s changeable weather. Funds raised go directly toward Western Alzheimer’s work supporting people living with dementia and their families across the west of Ireland.

Getting There

Croagh Patrick is reached from the car park at Murrisk, on the coast road roughly eight kilometres from Westport town, with the pilgrim path starting directly from there. The Murrisk car park is signposted from the N59 and fills quickly on climb days, so an early arrival is worth planning for.