Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo

One of the most famous features of County Mayo is Croagh Patrick, (Patrick’s Mountain), which rises 2,500 feet above the shore and islands of Clew Bay. A national pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick takes place on the last Sunday of July each year. Thousands of people, some barefoot, climb the mountain, and mass is celebrated in a little oratory at the summit. The boys playing on the beach in the foreground are Mary’s two sons, Kerry and Daniel.