Wow thank you for your kind words Carol Ann! I'll pass them on to Ciaran 😊 He will be delighted to hear you enjoy our efforts. Great that you have those connections to your O'Sullivan roots and beautiful Co. Cork ☘💚
Croagh Patrick: Ireland's Holiest Mountain
Written by Ciaran Vipond on Jul 26, 2021 | 2 Comments
The last weekend of July is known as “Reek Sunday” in many parts of Ireland. This special celebration sees pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain.
Image from a three year long photography project called reek100 by David Smyth.
Photo Credit: © David Smyth Photography
The Reek
“The Reek” as the locals call it, is beautifully situated on the Wild Atlantic Way on the west of Ireland. And it's spectacular conical peak is steeped in mythology, ancient history, and spirituality.
Pagan Parties
Neolithic rock art at the base of the mountain suggests this was an important spot for ancient Irish people for close to 6,000 years. The mountain was a pagan pilgrimage site as far back as 3000 BC, with people gathering to celebrate the start of harvest season and Lunasa. Known as Cruachán Aigle in those days, Eagle Mountain to you and I, it seems this magical spot has been important to people on this island for quite some time.
St. Patrick and the Snakes
The mountain got the name many know today from Ireland's Patron Saint, St. Patrick. The story goes that after spending 40 days and nights fasting at the mountain peak, St Patrick was set upon by demons and snakes. He promptly banished them from the island. Ireland has been a snake free zone ever since!
But as snakes were never here to begin with, many see this tale as symbolic of St. Patrick bringing Catholicism to Ireland and banishing paganism.
Ireland's Holiest Mountain
To mark this religious significance, there is a small church at Croagh Patrick's peak where mass is celebrated throughout the year. On Reek Sunday, there are special ceremonies every hour from 8am to 2pm, and even there is even the opportunity to get married there!
A mountain-top Irish Wedding
Filipe and Anna made the news in Ireland by saying "I Do"in the little church on the top of Croagh Patrick in 2016. Very impressive as it's a tough enough climb without a wedding gown!
Irish Gold in that Hill
But with close to 1 million pilgrims climbing each year some are worried about preserving the mountain, in particular after gold was discovered there!
Photo Credit: Tom Szustek (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Discovered in the 1980s, it's estimated Croagh Patrick's gold seam could be worth over €300 million euros! Locals have quashed any plans to mine the mountain so this picturesque peak is safe for now!
Your own piece of Irish Gold
But if you fancy your own piece of Irish Gold you can still get it. Not from "The Reek," but from a mine farther inland in Co. Tyrone. Our Irish Gold pieces are made with 10K rare Irish rose gold, ethically mined with 100% Irish provenance.
We have a range of beautiful designs in our Irish Gold collection, with striking pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets, and cufflinks.
With designs inspired by the Irish landscape as well as Celtic mythology they are very popular pieces that make beautiful gifts.
Your Own Piece of Irish Gold
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Ciaran Vipond
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
Comments
Ask Gemma
Ciaran
Good morning from the USA. You all are amazing and I am so very proud to be of Irish descent. My grandfather’s family was from County Cork he was an O’Sullivan, but they dropped the O when they came to the states, and my mother
in law’s family were Moynahan’s. Your jewelry and the stories behind them are amazing keep up the great work.
Sincerely
Carol Ann Sullivan Johnson