Now that we have all recovered from our first Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations since 2019, I wanted to share a little bit about the real Saint Patrick and Ireland’s Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick. Locally known as “The Reek”, Croagh Patrick is the fourth largest peak in Ireland at 764 m (2,507 ft) and overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo, located just outside of Westport. According to local legend and historical accounts, Saint Patrick climbed to the mountain’s summit and spent 40 days fasting and praying as he banished snakes and evil from Ireland in 441 AD. The mountain has since become a holy site of worship and pilgrimage, with some opting to hike barefoot just as Saint Patrick did as a sign of penance and atonement.

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