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19 images Created 5 Aug 2014

The Reek

Every year, on the last Sunday in July, up to 30,000 Christian pilgrims climb Ireland's Croagh Patrick Mountain, "The Reek." The mountain is Ireland's holiest, where St. Patrick fasted for 40 days in 441 A.D. Legend has it after his fast he banned snakes and demons forever from Ireland. On the way to the summit three pilgrimage stations exhibit signs with instructions on the proper rituals and prayers to be performed. Many pilgrims perform the climb for penance, or for the benefit of a sick loved one. In the ultimate act of penance, some pilgrims climb in their bare feet. This is a difficult task as the mountain is steep, rocky, and often slippery with rain. A small chapel rests on the summit, where mass is celebrated every half hour on Reek Sunday. On average, it takes about two hours to reach the summit, with one and a half to get down. As per custom, upon completing the climb, pilgrims enjoy a Guinness from the pub at the base of the mountain.
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  • Every year, up to 30,000 Catholic Pilgrims climb Ireland's  Croagh Patrick Mountain on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July.
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  • Mount Croagh Patrick "the Reek" was the site of St. Patrick's 40 day fast on the summit in 441 A.D. He then banished all the snakes from Ireland.
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  • A fence at the base of the mountain serves as a temporary storage area for pilgrims making the climb.
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  • Many climbers participating in the pilgrimage do so as an act of penance, some in their bare feet.
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  • Lawrence Cauldron has climbed the mountain over 30 times. "We used to climb it at night with candles, but they don't allow that anymore."
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  • A pilgrim smokes a cigarette as he makes his way up the mountain.
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  • With Clew Bay in the background, pilgrims slowly make their way up the mountain.
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  • As part of their penance, pilgrims walk seven times around stations on the mountain in prayer.
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  • A pilgrim makes his way up the mountain in his barefeet.
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  • A pilgrim uses a walking stick as support through the heavy scree on the mountain.
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  • This Reek Sunday, Mayo Mountain Rescue reported 17 casualties, mostly minor breaks and strains. Two more serious injuries required air evacuation by helicopter.
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  • A climber accompanied by his best friend.
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  • A barefoot pilgrim negotiates the rocks on Croagh Patrick mountain.
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  • Climbers struggle up the steep grade nearing the summit.
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  • On Reek Sunday Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam celebrates mass every half hour on the summit.
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  • Pilgrims line up for confession at the summit.
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  • A pilgrim kneels in prayer at the summit.
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  • A cold mist covers the chapel on the summit of Croagh Patrick mountain.
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  • Pilgrims pray after placing memorial offerings on St. Patricks  Bed, Croagh Patrick mountain summit.
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