25-07-2010 A barefoot pilgrim climbing Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo. Photograph : Keith Heneghan

---

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. It is held in honour of Saint Patrick who, according to tradition, spent forty days fasting on the mountain in 441, following Jesus and Moses.

---

Size: 4256px × 2831px
Location: Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Photo credit: © Keith Heneghan / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: christian., climb, climbing, croagh, holy, mountain, patrick, pilgrim, pilgrimage, pilgrims, reek, religious, saint, st.