Longford pilgrims climbing Croagh Patrick in 1924

This stunning photograph from a century ago shows Kenagh pilgrims about to commence their steep climb of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo.

It is tradition that on the last Sunday in July, or ‘Reek Sunday’, thousands of pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, and masses are held at the summit chapel. Some pilgrims climb the mountain barefoot, as an act of penance.

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.