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- Last Sunday of July
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Reek Sunday draws thousands to Ireland’s Croagh Patrick every last Sunday of July for a historic pilgrimage. This ancient tradition invites participants to reflect, seek repentance, and connect with a profound spiritual legacy. Join the ascent to experience a unique blend of physical challenge and spiritual introspection.
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History of Reek Sunday
Reek Sunday in Ireland, also known as Garland Sunday, is a religious event where pilgrims climb a sacred mountain. The climb takes over three hours and is a famous pilgrimage spot as it is believed St. Patrick summited the mountain and stayed there for 40 days. During this period, he fasted and prayed to the higher power. It is believed that at the end of the fast, St. Patrick threw a bell down the mountainside and banished the snakes from Ireland. It is due to this gift from St. Patrick that Ireland became habitable.
Today, thousands of people honor St. Patrick by reaching the top of Crough Patrick and attending a mass held in a chapel situated at the mountain. Some of the rituals of the pilgrimage include praying while walking ‘sunwise’ around features on the mountain: seven times around the cairn Benan’s grave, fifteen times around the circular perimeter of the summit, seven times around Patrick’s bed, and then seven times around three ancient burial cairns that are called Mary’s cemetery. While the basic traditions of the pilgrimage have changed, the importance of Reek Sunday remains the same. For instance, around 1970, pilgrims would climb the mountain after sunset. However, people realized that this practice was dangerous and challenging for many pilgrims. Hence, people started to embark upon the mountain in the morning.
While the rituals related to the expedition have religious origins, no one can deny that St. Patrick summited the mountain. Excavations revealed a small oratory on the mountain dating to 430 A.D.
Reek Sunday timeline
Saint Patrick spends 40 days fasting on the mountain.
Walter Heneghan builds a church at the top of Croagh Patrick.
25,000 pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick.
Over 5,000 people take part in Reek Sunday.
Reek Sunday FAQs
When is Reek Sunday?
In 2026, Reek Sunday falls on Sunday, July 26. This date marks the annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain.
How many people climb Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday?
Each year, approximately 25,000 to 30,000 pilgrims undertake the climb of Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday. This number can fluctuate based on weather conditions and other factors.
What is the significance of Croagh Patrick?
Croagh Patrick is considered Ireland’s holiest mountain, deeply associated with Saint Patrick. It is believed he fasted on its summit for 40 days in the 5th century, establishing it as a site of penance and pilgrimage.
Can anyone climb Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday?
While anyone can attempt the climb, it is a challenging ascent, especially on Reek Sunday due to crowds and potentially adverse weather. It requires good physical fitness and appropriate gear.
Reek Sunday Activities
Climb Croagh Patrick
To best celebrate the special Sunday, climb Croagh Patrick and experience the festivities firsthand. Grab some of your close friends and family members to make the occasion more memorable.
Spread the message
As time passes, the traditions are becoming unpopular amongst the youth. You can make a difference by spreading the importance of the occasion and why the day holds cultural relevance. You can make a post about the day on social media.
Spread the history
On this day, search for articles, movies, and documentaries and share them with people around you. It is important to keep history alive, and the easiest way to do it is by encouraging people to read up on Reek Sunday.
5 Facts About Croagh Patrick And The Pilgrimage
Participants of the pilgrimage
There are 20,000–30,000 pilgrims who participate on the day.
Pilgrimage without shoes
Some pilgrims climb the mountain barefoot to attain atonement.
The height of the mountain
Croagh Patrick is 2,510 feet high.
Black Bell of St. Patrick
The National Museum of Ireland keeps the bell.
The pilgrimage is an old ritual
The original festival was known as “Lughnasadh.”
Why We Love Reek Sunday
Brings back tradition
This day is a cultural and religious blast from the past! It encourages people to connect with their roots and adapt traditions that have been ignored due to modernization.
It is a day to connect with religion
If you are the religious sort, this is the time to reconnect with God and your spiritual self. Hence, the day is perfect for bringing back some peace into your heart.
Brings families together
The day is important since it focuses on family bonding. Reek Sunday is a traditional event, and it requires families to get together and embark on the journey atop the mountain together.
