An annual pilgrimage has seen 30,000 people take part in a journey to the top of Ireland's holiest mountain - a trip which has been undertaken for 1,500 years.
Thousands have climbed Croagh Patrick in County Mayo in commemoration of St Patrick's ascent to the summit.
The journey was by no means an easy task, with many falling foul of the conditions resulting in numerous sprained injuries, and one man was even airlifted off the mountain to hospital following what is a suspected heart attack.
The pilgrims were led by Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam, who led a huge service on the summit on Sunday.
During the journey, the Archbishop used the opportunity to promote a more peaceful way of life. He said: "The world in which we live has set an impossible pace. We are rushed from infancy to adolescence and then through those special years to an ill-timed adulthood.
"We live in the age of the instant, where there is no joy in the anticipation and no time to value the achievement."
The Archbishop urged pilgrims to "discover the need to reflect, to slow down the pace of life, to wonder at the beauty of the earth, and to really appreciate the value of our friends."
The pilgrimage has taken place on the last Sunday of July since 441 AD. It is believed that Saint Patrick fasted on the summit for 40 days and 40 nights, following the path laid down by Jesus Christ and Moses.
-
Evangelical vicar accused of abuse won't stand trial
-
Christians protest LGBT nativity play where Jesus is 'King of the Gays'
-
Sarah Mullally reiterates apology as safeguarding record comes under the spotlight
-
The mystery of the Wise Men
-
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations
-
Pro-life campaigner who silently prayed in abortion clinic buffer zone criminally charged
Most Popular
News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.