The pilgrims started to climb the holy mountain around 3am, the first of some 30,000 or so people said to make the pilgrimage each year.
Reek Sunday, the annual pilgrimage to the summit of Croagh Patrick traditionally held on the last Sunday of July, returned to normal today for the first time since 2019. | More: https://t.co/JWbZZUMEiE pic.twitter.com/nEYjMpzklh
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) July 31, 2022
Some take part for a special cause or to ask for a blessing.
https://twitter.com/ForJohnnysGirls/status/1553720568691712002
And there are pilgrims of all ages.
Everyone says to us, “Safe up”. #CroaghPatrick #ReekSunday #DunleavyFamilyPilgrimage2022 @tuamarchdiocese @mayotourism @MayoDotIE @wildatlanticway pic.twitter.com/X81S8nXjGF
— Bernard Dunleavy (@DunleavyBernard) July 31, 2022
This photo from Fr Paddy Byrne shows the tough climb on shale near the summit.
One step at a time…… blessing on all pilgrims this morning on #CroaghPatrick pic.twitter.com/rtzdnSnlwq
— fr Paddy (@frpaddybyrne) July 31, 2022
There were plenty of pilgrims returning to make the climb – for some its a yearly event and an important expression of their faith.
Táimid anseo. Is maith a bheith ar ais
We are here, it is good to be back #croaghpatrick #reeksunday pic.twitter.com/BBXl4I1IER
— Pat Mc Ginn (@PocFada) July 31, 2022
Mass was offered at 12 noon at the small chapel at the summit under blue skies.
Pilgrims gather for 12pm Mass on the summit of #croaghpatrick for the annual #reeksunday pilgrimage. @tuamarchdiocese #faith pic.twitter.com/WiKBvY2g8D
— CatholicNewsIreland (@CatholicNewsIRL) July 31, 2022
Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe looked like he was taking it in his stride.
.@BishopFintan Monahan descending #croaghpatrick after 10am Mass on the summit for road safety. #reeksunday @KillaloeDiocese @tuamarchdiocese pic.twitter.com/mmEQ4bAthK
— CatholicNewsIreland (@CatholicNewsIRL) July 31, 2022
And some old memories were shared online of Reek Sundays from previous times.
https://twitter.com/swgannon/status/1553780703225167874