AUDIO SLIDESHOW Pilgrims speak from The Reek

AUDIO SLIDESHOW Pilgrims speak from The Reek

Every year, on the last Sunday of July, over 30,000 pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick – the holy mountain of County Mayo, Ireland. The day is known as Garland Sunday. Many climbers set off before dawn, often in their bare feet, to view the sun rise over the peak of one of the most significant religious sites in the world. As legend goes, Saint Patrick fasted on the side of the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights in the fifth century. Every Garland Sunday, Mass is celebrated on the summit in a small chapel that was built in 1905 by local men, who brought all materials up the side of the mountain with the aid of donkeys.

Rowan Gallagher climbed Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday recorded the sights and sounds of the day.

Pilgrims speak from The Reek - Reek Sunday 2010 from The Mayo News on Vimeo.

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