Croagh Patrick, Saint Patrick`s Stack, Nicknamed The Reek Royalty-Free Stock Photo

This is a photograph of Croagh Patrick Saint Patrick`s Stack, nicknamed the Reek on a beautiful summers days. County Mayo, Ireland. Croagh Patrick, which overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo, is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland. The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption. Its religious significance dates back to the time of the pagans, when people are thought to have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season. Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland`s patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation.