Thousands of pilgrims have begun the annual climb to the summit of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo today.
Around 20,000 people are expected to complete the pilgrimage before darkness falls tonight.
This year's climb marks the centenary of the church built at the top of the 765 metre (2,510ft) mountain.
The pilgrimage is associated with St Patrick, who in the year AD 441 apparently spent 40 days and nights fasting and meditating on the mountain-top.
Pilgrims have been carrying out the climb for over 1,500 years.
Last year, atrocious weather conditions ensured around 30 people were stretchered down off the mountain top, while over a hundred more were treated for injuries and hypothermia on site.
