Mayo endurance enthusiasts tackle ultimate 'pilgrim' cycling challenge

A group of former sportsmen from Mayo, under the name Raceface, are gearing up for a new challenge that blends spiritual adventure with history, deeply connecting them to Ireland’s rich heritage.

The group is embarking on a unique cycling pilgrimage, tracing the footsteps of St. Patrick across Ireland, north and south of the border.

This epic journey, covering over 400 kilometers, is no ordinary cycle. It’s a challenging route that touches 14 significant sites linked to St. Patrick, potentially paving the way for a future Irish Camino connecting the north and south of the country.

Cycling through the heart of Ireland’s spiritual and historical landscape, the Raceface group will visit key locations such as Saul, Downpatrick and Armagh before tackling the final ascent up Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain.

Along the way, they will immerse themselves in the rich history, breathtaking scenery and profound sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering St. Patrick’s Way.

This challenging route, stretching from Co. Down to Co. Mayo, highlights major sites in each county along the way, including: Strangford Lough in Co. Down, where St. Patrick first arrived in Ireland; Saul in Co. Down, the site of St. Patrick’s first church and his burial place; St. Patrick’s Grave in Co. Down, the final resting place of the saint in Downpatrick; St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Co. Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland; Jaundice Well in Drumcru, Co. Monaghan, a historical well with ties to St. Patrick; the Cathedral of St. Patrick and St. Felim in Cavan town, a cathedral rich in religious history; and Rathcroghan in Co. Roscommon, a site synonymous with the ancient kingship of Connacht.

In Mayo, the challenge continues with visits to: Knock, the site of the famous Marian apparition; Mayo Abbey, a historic site with links to early Christian Ireland; Clogher Forge, the starting point of the Clew Bay Heritage Trail; Ballintubber Abbey, renowned as 'the Abbey that refused to die' and linked to St. Patrick’s pilgrimage; Boheh Stone, an ancient site with views of Croagh Patrick; Kilgeever Abbey, a monastic site on the path to Croagh Patrick; and Croagh Patrick, the mountain where St. Patrick fasted for 40 days and nights, marking the culmination of their journey.

In a special tribute, the Raceface group will retrace St. Patrick’s steps by cycling the 400 kilometers over two days, raising funds for the local Order of Malta, which is in dire need of a new ambulance.

This years marks the 80th that the Order of Malta have provided medical support for events on Croagh Patrick so to honour this journey, the cyclists will collect a shell at Strangford Lough and a symbolic item from each site (hopefully some shamrock), bringing them to their final destination at Croagh Patrick as an offering to St. Patrick.

This pilgrim challenge is not for the faint-hearted and, as far as can be ascertained, has never been cycled before. It promises to highlight Ireland’s stunning beauty and offer a profound connection to its rich spiritual history.

For more information on how to support this incredible journey, contact info@raceface.ie. To donate to the Order of Malta, log on to https://gofund.me/c48ff9a4.

The challenge takes place on September 28 and 29, finishing with a hike up Croagh Patrick at approximately 4 p.m. on the 29th (Sunday). Follow the team for live updates here.