Sign at foot of Croagh Patrick "When climbing the mountain keep strictly to the path. Do not climb on wet or foggy days.
Image details
Contributor:
Stephen Barnes/Ireland / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
BDCR7FFile size:
49.4 MB (1.2 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5099 x 3387 px | 43.2 x 28.7 cm | 17 x 11.3 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
26 July 2009Location:
Croagh Patrick, Teevenacroaghy, County Mayo, IrelandMore information:
Reek Sunday (also Garland Sunday), is the annual national pilgrimage of Ireland. On the last Sunday of the month of July, pilgrims climb Ireland's holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick (Cruach Phádraig) in County Mayo, traditionally in their bare feet. The pilgrimage has taken place annually for around 1, 500 years, held in honour of Saint Patrick who, according to tradition, spent forty days fasting on the mountain in 441, following Jesus and Moses. In reality, the modern pilgrimage is a long-Christianised variation of a ritual that dates back to pre-Christian, pagan Celtic Ireland, celebrating the Festival of Lughnasadh. Approximately 20, 000–30, 000 pilgrims participate on the day, compared to an annual climbing total of more than 100, 000. The Archbishop of Tuam leads the climb each year. 150 personnel from eleven mountain rescue teams from across Ireland, including the local Mayo Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT) for whom it is the busiest day of the year, as well as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Civil Defence Ireland and members of Garda Síochána are involved in the climb. Injuries ranging from cuts and broken bones to hypothermia and full cardiac arrest have occurred in the past.