This is a heritage walk to the archaeological complex at Kildangan near the village of Murrisk taking place on or around 21st December to witness the Winter Solstice. This ancient site contains a Bronze Age circular enclosure and a stone row of five stones, situated east of Croagh Patrick; this suggests it was a site of major importance. At circa 1.40- 1.50 p.m. on December 21st (Winter Solstice), the sun is observed to rest in a niche on the eastern shoulder of Croagh Patrick at which point it is directly in line with the stones before disappearing the far side of the mountain, the phenomenon lasts roughly for 10 minutes weather permitting.

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is being extended from Knock to Balla an extension of nearly 30km. This is an exciting development and work is ongoing on this.

The townland of Boheh, Co Mayo contains a remarkable example of prehistoric rock art, the Boheh Stone, which dates from the Neolithic period (4000-2500BC). The stone can be found along a narrow side road, hidden away behind a derelict house and unkempt vegetation, it is a large natural outcrop of rock known as ‘St. Patrick’s Chair’. Upon its surface (spread out over 4 m²) over 250 individual petroglyphs are carved. Standing at Boheh Rock/St. Patrick’s Chair on April 18th and 24th of August, looking west, the sun appears to set right on the peak of Croagh Patrick itself. Not only that, but it then subsequently appears, to an observer standing at the Boheh stone, that the sun rolls down the north side of the conical peak itself, revealing the phenomenal ‘rolling sun’ effect. The CPHT hosts a walk to the stone on both occasions of the Rolling Sun phenomena. Next walk: 18th April, 2019 at 7:30 pm Meeting at Brackloon Community Centre (which is located 8km from Westport on the Leenane road beside Liscarney Post Office) at 7:30pm Walk distance >2km – rated “easy”, no specialised gear required. Refreshments served before the event. Cover charge of €5 requested and children are free. […]