This Sunday is Reek Sunday, when thousands of pilgrims are expected to Climb Croagh Patrick (2,510ft/765m), Ireland’s Holy Mountain, to pray and participate on the summit in the celebration of Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The 2026 theme for the annual national pilgrimage is ‘Road Safety’
Father John Kenny, the Administrator of Westport parish, which includes Croagh Patrick, is encouraging participants travelling by road to participate in the climb, to do so safely.
He is also urging climbers to stay on the Pilgrim’s Path in the interest of their own safety and to preserve the mountain’s habitat, and to sustain the pilgrimage for future generations.
Numbers climbing on Reek Sunday are expected to be impacted this Sunday by Mayo’s participation in the All Ireland Football Final in Croke Park.
However, numbers attending the traditional Garland Friday climb, may well be up as a result of the exodus to Dublin at the weekend and some pilgrims will opt to climb on Saturady too.
Fr Kenny spoke to Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley about Reek Sunday, and a weekend pilgrimage in many ways….
