Climbing Ireland's Holy Mountain Croagh Patrick - Spiritual Travel in Ireland
Thursday June 25, 2009
Why do people climb mountains? Because they are there. And because Croagh Patrick was not only there but also very visible, it has been used for worshipping for at least five thousand years. Today thousands of pilgrims attempt the ascent side by side with mere tourists - the one looking for penitence and resulting salvation, the other for a fine view. No one would describe scrambling up the slopes as fun though.You might in any case doubt the wisdom of attempting this climb barefooted. Occasional drops of blood on the scree are par for the course here, even though the Catholic Church discourages this particular expression of devotion.
Photo © 2009 Bernd Biege licensed to About.com, Inc.
I saw Croagh Patrick for the first time in April. It is quite a site and I definately plan on climbing it one day although not necessarily as a spritual quest more a physical one, a personal challenge. I do recommend that you at least walk up to the statue of St. Patrick at the base and get the view of Clew Bay and get photos there.