Reek Sunday 2025: A pilgrimage of ‘Christian Hope’

Pilgrims from across Ireland and beyond are being invited to take part in the annual Reek Sunday pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick on this weekend from July 25 to 27, as the ancient tradition continues into its 1,600th year.

This year’s pilgrimage takes on special significance, with ‘Christian Hope’ chosen as the central theme in harmony with the Jubilee Year 2025, designated by the late Pope Francis as a universal ‘Jubilee Year of Hope.’

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Ireland’s Holy Mountain – rises 765 metres (2,520 ft) and is steeped in spiritual, cultural, and natural heritage. Reek Sunday commemorates Saint Patrick’s legendary 40-day Lenten fast on the summit in 441 AD and has drawn the faithful for centuries.

Pilgrimage Schedule

The Reek Sunday Weekend begins on Garland Friday, July 25. There will be a Mass on the summit of Croagh Patrick celebrated by Fr Tod Nolan, PP, Newport at 10am. It is hoped this Mass will also be streamed online.

That evening, there will be a 7.30pm Mass at Murrisk Community Café, Croagh Patrick Carpark for those for people who cannot make the climb.

On Reek Saturday, July 26, at 8.30am the Tochar Phádraigh – Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Pilgrimage departs from Ballintubber Abbey.

There will be a Vigil Mass in St Mary’s Church, Westport, celebrated by Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam at 6.30pm.

On Reek Sunday, July 27, there will be Masses on the summit from 8am to 2pm on the hour.

Confessions will be available from 7.30am to 2.00pm.

There will be a Mass in Irish, celebrated by Bishop Fintan Monahan, Bishop of Killaloe, outside the oratory at 10.00am.

It's a busy schedule and after a call-out for priests, all but one half an hour slot have been filled. Organisers are confident that they will fill the slot between now and the weekend.

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Archbishop Duffy will be present on Sunday morning to greet and encourage pilgrims.

In keeping with the Jubilee Year theme, Croagh Patrick is one of three national pilgrimage sites identified by the Irish Bishops, alongside Knock Shrine and Lough Derg. Pilgrims can now obtain a ‘Pilgrim Passport’, which will be stamped at each location. Completion of all three pilgrimages during 2025 makes pilgrims eligible for a Jubilee Year commemorative medal.

Croagh Patrick stamps are available at The Presbytery Office, Westport (F28 TN28); at the hut at the foot of Croagh Patrick and Murrisk Community Café (F28 KX75)

Warm welcome

Fr John Kenny, Administrator of Westport Parish, welcomed pilgrims and praised the successful completion of the Pilgrims’ Path restoration project, which enhances both safety and environmental sustainability on the mountain.

“As Reek Sunday is the largest gathering on Croagh Patrick each year, it’s vital that all pilgrims help protect its fragile ecosystem. We encourage everyone to stay on the defined Pilgrim Path, respect stewarding instructions, and embrace the principle of ‘Leave No Trace’,” said Fr Kenny.

“I've lived in Mayo all my life, and Croagh Patrick has been visible from my home parish and from every parish that I worked in. It was always somewhere distant in the horizon. So it's like a magnetic mountain in terms of its presence, but also, of course, patron saint of our country, and the faith that we that I've grown up with, and the faith that I try to live and share in my ministry as a priest.”

Fr Kenny also wants to express “a big thank you to all the people who help out. That's the Gardaí, Mayo Mountain Rescue, the Order of Malta, all the various voluntary groups and bodies who help out on the day, the community locally, as well as the Murrisk Development Association.”

Croagh Patrick is a challenging climb. Pilgrims are advised to wear suitable clothing and footwear. Bring water, walking stick/staff, and rain gear and to follow the guidance of stewards, mountain rescue teams, Order of Malta, and Gardaí. Note that dogs are not permitted on the mountain.

For more details, visit: www.westportparish.ie, www.tuamarchdiocese.org, www.loughderg.org, www.knockshrine.ie. For more information on safety guidelines - visit mountaineering.ie and mayomountainrescue.ie