Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick , nicknamed “the reek” is 764 metres high and is known for its patrician pilgrimage in honour of St Patrick, Ireland’s favourite saint. It was on the summit of Croagh Patrick that st Patrick fasted for 40 days in 441AD and the custom has been handed down from generation to generation. The “ Black Belt” on Croagh Patrick was a highly venerated relic for many years. The first stop on the pilgrimage is saint Patrick’s statue erected in 1928 by Fr.Patterson. Each year “the Reek” as it is colloquially known as attracts about 1,000,000 pilgrims yearly . On Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July over 25,000 pilgrims visit the reek.
At the top there is a modern chapel where mass and confession take place. Individuals and groups from all over the world travel here and include pilgrims,hill climbers,historians,archaeologists and nature lovers. It takes over 3 hours to ascend and descend the mountain
