The route follows parts of an older pilgrim route and also the steps of St Patrick himself on his way to the mountain, passing by a number of historic monuments and buildings including early churches, holy wells and castles. Pilgrims may want to visit the Romanesque Abbey of Ballintubber or linger in the village of Aghagower, a monastic site where they will find a 12th-century church and the remains of a round tower. Also on this route is Brackloon Wood, a rare oakwood, and a survivor from the time when much of Ireland was covered with such trees.