Including wonderful photographs and illustrations, Harry Hughes’ book describes the pilgrimage and details the history, archaeology, ancient traditions and folklore associated with Croagh Patrick.
Category: Religion, Travel/Guides/Walking
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Download Extract from Chapter Two: The History of Croagh Patrick
Set on the Atlantic shore in County Mayo, Croagh Patrick is known as Ireland’s Holy Mountain and attracts almost one hundred thousand pilgrims and visitors every year. In particular on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July, over twenty thousand people climb the mountain, some at night and some in their bare feet.
Harry Hughes’ book describes the pilgrimage and details the history, archaeology, ancient traditions and folklore associated with ‘The Reek’.
Wonderful photographs and illustrations capture the sheer beauty of the mountain and surrounding countryside, the devotion of the pilgrims, both historical and contemporary, the buildings and sacred artefacts associated with the peak and the spirit of one of Ireland’s most sacred places.
Harry Hughes, author of a number of local history books, lives in Westport, County Mayo. He is chairman of the Croagh Patrick Archaeological Committee and chairman of the Croagh Patrick Famine Memorial Committee and is a member of the Croagh Patrick Millennium Park Committee. The Croagh Patrick Archaeological Committee organised the FÁS sponsored archaeological survey of Croagh Patrick and its environs. The author is also a former chairman of the Clew Bay Archaeological Trail and Friends of Clew Bay.
'New book captures the Reek’s spirit and beauty'
'a beautifully illustrated publication'
'the photography ... is picture perfect'
'absolutely packed with fact, myth, folklore and handed down stories about Croagh Patrick itself’ ‘peppered with fantastic black and white and colour photographs, which depict the mountains and its pilgrims over the last 150 years'
'makes a most interesting read, especially for those who have more than a passing interest in Croagh Patrick as a place of pilgrimage and a place of beauty'
'a beautiful publication ... beautifully written and laid out'
'captures the mystical mystery of this imposing mountain'
'wonderful potpourri of history and folklore, archaeology and etymology'
'each busy chapter in this poignant book chronicles an essential tale that pits human frailty and determination against the steadfast power of nature mediated by our integral quest for the transcendent - that elusive world beyond the horizon'
'[the author’s] enthusiasm and affection for Croagh Patrick come across in every page making this an enjoyable and informative read'
'wonderful photographs and illustrations capture the sheer beauty and spirit of Croagh Patrick'
'This book brings together stunning photographs of the mountain and the surrounding scenery as well as detailing the history, archaeology, ancient traditions and folklore of the area ... The author brings his profound knowledge of this fascinating subject
