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Croagh Patrick http://croagh-patrick.com/ Croagh Patrick’s history as a place of worship reaches back in time as far as 3,000 BC. The mountain’s popularity among religious pilgrims dates to the time of St. Patrick, who is said to have completed a forty-day Lenten ritual of fasting and penance here. Legend also has it that Croagh Patrick is the mount from which he banished snakes from Ireland forever! Each year, on the last Sunday in July, thousands of devotees from all around the world visit the mountain for what is known as \"Reek Sunday\", a day of worship in honour of Ireland’s patron saint. Some people even climb the mountainside barefoot, as an act of penance. Outdoor masses are held throughout the day, along with confessions at St. Patrick’s Chapel. Many Clarecastle, Ballyea parishioners have climbed the Reek. Here are some of their photos.