Reek Sunday Facts:
1) Reek Sunday is celebrated on July 27, 2014. 2) Reek Sunday (or Garland Sunday) is an annually pilgrimage in Ireland. 3) On the last Sunday in July, pilgrims climb Ireland’s “holiest mountain”, Croagh Patrick (Cruach Phádraig) in County Mayo, traditionally in their bare feet. 4) The pilgrimage has been held yearly for about 1,500 years. 5) It is held in honour of Saint Patrick who, according to tradition, spent 40 days fasting on the mountain in the year 441, following Jesus and Moses. 6) In reality, the modern pilgrimage is a long-Christianised variation of a ritual that dates back to pre-Christian, pagan Celtic Ireland, celebrating the festival of Lughnasadh. 7) Pilgrims come from as far as Australia, Europe the United Kingdom and United States to complete the climb. 8) Approximately 20,000–30,000 pilgrims participate on the day, compared to an annual climbing total of more than 100,000.    Croagh Patrick Facts: 1) Croagh Patrick is situated near the town of Westport in County Mayo, Ireland. 2) It is approximately 92 km from Galway City and 230 km from Dublin City. 3) The main pilgrimage route originates in the village of Murrisk, 8km outside Westport. 4) Westport is served by both bus and train from Dublin and Galway. 5) The Croagh Patrick Information Centre is a further 8 km west of the town of Westport. 6) The nearest airport is Knock International Airport providing flights to and from Dublin, Britain and European airports. 7) Generally it is best to climb in summer (April-September). 8) Croagh Patrick rises to a height of 762m above sea level. 9) Normally, it takes about two hours for the average person to reach the summit, and one and a half hours to descend. 10) It is advisable to take sturdy footwear, rainwear and some drinking water. 11) Croagh Patrick is situated five miles from Westport on the R335 road. 12) The Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre, Teach na Miasa, is situated in Murrisk on the Pilgrim’s path at the base of Croagh Patrick mountain and opposite the National Famine Monument.
16 Comments