Croagh Patrick
Saint Patrick's Mountain
Croagh Patrick has been associated with ritual focus for thousands of years and it still is today. It is unique in an Irish and European context in that we have both the physical evidence of a major later prehistoric and early historic ritual, ceremonial and defensive focus combined with an unbroken pilgrimage tradition stretching back into the depths of recorded history. The main day of pilgrimage is the last Sunday in July (Reek Sunday).
The old Irish name of the mountain is Crochan Aigli. According to a medieval text, the mountain was called after Aigle, who was killed here by Crom Derg (Red Fist). Before this the mountain was called Cruchan Gabrois although the meaning of the name has been forgotten through time. ‘Aigle’ was frequently mistranslated in the 18th century as meaning Eagle Mountain.
It is believed the earliest Christians arrived in Ireland some 400 years after the birth of Christ. At this time Ireland was deeply submerged in pagan ritual and tradition. Saint Patrick is the most proficient Saint in County Mayo and he is accredited with single-handedly converting the vast populas of area to the Christian faith.
Glimpses from the East
Many of the pagan monuments in the landscape were christianised using Christian motifs and iconography.