Saint Patrick on the Reek.

New evidence suggests that the time St. Patrick spent on Croagh Patrick, (The Reek), outside Westport, in the fifth century AD may not have been the 40 days and 40 nights of penance we were told about at school.
A recent excavation at the top of the mountain has found that there was in fact a thriving community there at the time the saint lived. Indeed the original 2 meter square excavation pit of an ancient structure near the summit has expanded and now covers an area of more than 34,000 square feet. Features uncovered include over 300 bedrooms, four large areas that look like swimming pools, some form of ancient steam room, 8 Jacuzzi’s and a large hall possibly used as a recreational drinking area.
Dr. Erin O’ Ratheillaigh-Wong says that the evidence collected so far indicates The Reek was the site of the biggest Inn and Health Spa outside of the Roman Empire.
“The greatest mystery”, she said, “is not who built it or how it was built, but how in the name of God they got planning for it”.
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