Thousands climb Croagh Patrick in annual pilgrimage

An estimated 25,000 people have begun climbing the Mayo mountain of Croagh Patrick.

It is part of the annual pilgrimage for the summit of the holy mountain, where saint Patrick is believed to have fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.

A Mass will take place in the mountain's church, which was bulit 100 years ago.

Harry Hughes of the Croagh Patrick Archeology Committee says for most climbers, it is a spiritual experience

“But throughout the summer months, in July and August, we have many other visitors and tourists that climb it”, he said.

“They climb it for exercise, for a day out. Most people when they reach the summit realise they are on a sacred mountain and that this is a sanctified place."