July 2024

The 2024 Reek Sunday Pilgrimage will take place on Sunday 28th July.

The theme will be “To pray for and honour grandparents and the elderly,” following Pope Francis's lead in designing 2024 as the” Year of Prayer.”

Also, this year, the pilgrims’ path was completed by the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders’ Group after three and a half years of hard work.

Garland Friday 26th July

It is the day of the Local Pilgrimage. Native Fr. Tod Nolan will celebrate Mass at 10 am on the summit of the Holy Mountain. At 7.30, Mass will be at Croagh Patrick's car park.

Reek Saturday 27th July

The annual full Tochár Phádraig will begin at Ballintubber Abbey. Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam will celebrate Mass in Westport at 6:30 pm in Saint Mary’s Church.

Reek Sunday 28th July

Masses will be celebrated from 8.00 am, 9.00 am, 10.00 am, 11.00 am, 12.00 noon, 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm in the old church on the top of Croagh Patrick, the Holy Mountain.

Pilgrims can continuously confess on the summit from 7.30 am to 2.00 pm.

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There are three pilgrimage stations on the way to the summit of Croagh Patrick:

First Station (Leacht Benáin): Base of the Mountain

• Walk seven times around the mound of stones saying 7 Our Fathers, 7 Hail Marys, 1 Creed.

Second Station: The Summit

• Kneel and say: 7 Our Fathers, 7 Hail Marys, 1 Creed
• Pray near the chapel for the Pope's intentions.
• Walk 15 times around the chapel while saying 15 Our Fathers, 15 Hail Marys
• Walk seven times around Leaba Phádraig (Patrick's Bed), saying 7 Our Fathers, 7 Hail Marys, and 1 Creed.

Third Station: Roilig Mhuire

• Walk seven times around each mound of stones, saying 7 Our Fathers, 7 Hail Marys, and 1 Creed.
• Walk seven times around the whole enclosure of Roilig Mhuire praying.

Pilgrims must be prepared and remember that this is a very challenging ascent.

They must dress appropriately, wear proper footwear and walking sticks, and bring snacks and drinks.

They must also be responsible for themselves and others and remember that ascent is the climbing of the Holy Mountain.

It is essential to adhere to the Leave No Trace principles.