Situated north of Galway, this 640 meters high mountain has been sacred to the people of Ireland since ancient times. In the pre-Christian era, the Celts revered the mountain as a place of fertility. The harvest festival of Lughnasa was held here each year. Women climbed the mountain to improve their hopes of fertility.

The remains of an ancient Celtic hill-fort have been found on the summit of the mountain. One of the oldest stone churches has also been uncovered by archaeologists. The dry stone walled church has been dated to the 5th Century, the time of Saint Patrick’s ministry.

In the Christian tradition, Croagh Patrick is the mountain Patrick climbed during the harvest festival. He spent 40 days fasting on the mountain. Legend has it that it was here that he banished the snakes from Ireland.

Croagh Patrick is now a place of pilgrimage. The last Sunday of July is known as Reek Sunday. Pilgrims head up the mountain, performing rites at 3 stations along the route. Many undertake the journey barefoot to emulate the penance of Saint Patrick.