Road safety chosen as theme for Reek Sunday 2026 on Croagh Patrick
Thousands of pilgrims are expected to climb Ireland’s Holy Mountain on Sunday, July 26 2026
A special prayer intention for road safety will be at the heart of this year’s Reek Sunday pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo, as thousands of pilgrims prepare to make the annual climb on Sunday, 26 July.
The 2026 pilgrimage theme has been announced by Fr John Kenny, Administrator of the Westport Parish, who is encouraging everyone travelling to and from the pilgrimage to do so safely.
Each year, pilgrims from across Ireland and overseas ascend Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain, to take part in Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the summit.
This year’s pilgrimage will include a special focus on praying for the safety of all road users.
Fr Kenny has invited pilgrims to pray: “Arise with me in the morning, Travel with me through the day. Welcome me on my arrival. God be with me all the way. Amen.”
An Irish-language version of the prayer has also been included as part of this year’s pilgrimage: “Éirigh liom, a Dhia, Fan liom i rith an lae, Sa bhaile agus ar gach turas, Ná lig dom dul ar strae. Áiméan.”
The celebrations will begin on Garland Friday, July 24, with a 10am Mass on the summit for and a 7.30pm Mass at Murrisk Community Café on Croagh Patrick’s carpark.
On Reek Saturday, 25 July, Tochar Phádraigh Pilgrimage will begin at 8.15am at Ballintubber Abbey. At 6.30pm a Vigil Mass will be celebrated in Saint Mary’s Church in Westport.
On Reek Sunday, Masses will be celebrated hourly on the summit of Croagh Patrick from 8am to 2pm, with confessions from 7.30am to 2pm.
Fr Kenny praised the work of the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders’ Group in preserving and safeguarding the mountain while reminding pilgrims of their responsibility to protect its unique environment.
“As it is the largest annual gathering on the Reek, it is essential that Reek Sunday pilgrims – and indeed all pilgrims – play their part in respecting the mountain,” he said.
Fr Kenny urged climbers to remain on the designated Pilgrim’s Path throughout their ascent, saying this is important for the safety of walkers and the protection of the mountain’s fragile ecosystem. The Pilgrim’s Path saw three-year long restoration works being completed in 2024, offering climbers increased safety.
Croagh Patrick, which rises 765 metres (2,510 feet) above Clew Bay, has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and remains one of Ireland’s most significant religious sites, attracting thousands of visitors each year.