As is the case with so many Christianly annexed sacred sites, Croagh Patrick was held in numinous regard long before the arrival of Christianity. In Celtic times the mountain was believed to be the home of the deity, Crom Dubh. And during the Celtic harvest festival of Lughnasa, traditionally held around 1st August, women would sleep on the summit to encourage fertility.
It's said that St Patrick made the ascent at festival time in 441 AD. He's supposed to have fasted on the top for 40 days and, from there, banished all the snakes and demons from Ireland. It's certainly true there are no snakes in Ireland, but I'm sure there's a more down-to-earth, a more evolutionary or geographical reason ... (No snakes in New Zealand either, Kiwi Nomad!)
On the last Sunday in July, known as 'Reek Sunday' - it's approaching soon if anyone fancies it - tens of thousands of pilgrims make the trek to the summit as an act of penance. Or to scratch a superstitious itch. Or even just to enjoy a good day out. Who knows or cares? I think you can layer the ascent with as many meanings and motives as you wish, and that's wonderful. Myself, I love the religious, mystical, traditional import and history of this shapely peak. But I've nothing against the climb as a good walk either, for, as walks go, it's a very fine one ...
At the foot of the final slog up the loose scree slope of the mountain proper, there's the first of three pilgrimage stations ...
Looking south east towards the Partry mountains. (Note the extensive area of peat digging ...)
It's fabulous high up here, though the path can obviously be a bit of a pilgrim motorway. But I climbed late in the afternoon, when most walkers and pilgrims were coming down, so most of the time I had the place to myself. Which is bliss, of course, for a Solitary Walker ...
Wow, those views are terrific, don't you think ..?
