A Walk for the Weekend: Pilgrim Paths to Higher Ground
Follow in the ageless echo of medieval penitents, writes John G O’Dwyer
Celebrating Ireland’s dense network of penitential tracks, Pilgrim Paths Week is a new, non-denominational Easter festival that urges us to get into the Irish countryside and follow penitential trails trodden by our forefathers. Local guides will lead each outing, describe the story of the route and explain how medieval penitents coped with their arduous journeys. So, whatever your spiritual convictions, community groups across Ireland are inviting you to take up the pilgrim staff at any of the events listed when Ireland’s penitential paths will resonate to the ageless echo of pilgrim footfall.
St Brigid’s Way, Co Meath (Friday, March 25th)
Honour Ireland’s most beloved female saint. The walk follows part of St Brigid’s pilgrim journey from her birthplace in Louth to the Abbey she founded in Kildare.
Meet: Conyngham Arms, Slane at 10.30am
Distance: 24km
Contribution: €5
Description: Unchallenging
Information: 085 1970566
email: info@brigidsway.ie; brigidsway.ie
St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Weekend, Co Cork (March 25th-27th)
Authentic, two-day pilgrim walk recreating St Finbarr’s journey from Drimoleague to Gougane Barra. Memorable views and rich archaeology en route.
Meet: March 25, 8pm, Top of the Rock, Drimoleague
Distance: 35km
Description: For well-equipped pilgrims with reasonable fitness
Duration: two days
Contribution: €40 (includes lunches, bus transfers)
Information: 086-1735134
Bookings: davidross316@gmail.com
Accommodation: Gougane Barra Hotel; 026 47069 (gouganebarrahotel.com); Elizabeth Ross, 028 31547 (topoftherock.ie)
St Declan’s Way, Tipperary/ Waterford (Saturday, March 26th)
An opportunity to complete a part of the ancient route used by St Declan when going from Ardmore to Cashel.
Description: Reasonable fitness required
Meet: 9.30am, Goatenbridge from where walkers are bussed to Mount Melleray Abbey to start
Distance: 14 km
Contribution: €20; Advance booking essential from pilgrimpath.ie
Cosán na Naomh, Co Kerry (Saturday, March 26th)
Enjoy a Pilgrim Walk along the ancient Cosán na Naomh accompanied by an archaeologist telling the story of this pre-historic route.
Description: reasonable fitness required;
Meet: Trailhead, Ventry Beach, Dingle;
Departure: 10am;
Distance: 17km;
Information: 086 8191942.
Email: tp@iol.ie; Facebook: Cosán na Naomh/the Saints’ Path
St Kevin’s Road, Co Wicklow (Saturday, March 26th)
Weave your way in the footsteps of St Kevin through the Wicklow Gap to renowned Glendalough, while connecting with awe-inspiring beauty.
Description: Moderate;
Meet: Glendalough Visitor Centre;
Departure: 10am Distance: 12km
Contribution: €5;
Information: 083-4328842 or 087- 2702099
Booking: irishmountainherbs@gmail.com
Cnoc na dTobar, Co Kerry (Saturday, March 26th)
Cnoc na dTobar has been a sacred site since prehistoric times. Walk follows upwards 14 Stations of the Cross on the mountain’s ancient trail.
Meet: Old Barracks, Cahersiveen at 10.30am for carpooling;
Description: Walk to a mountain summit requiring suitable attire. Recital to start walk – musicians welcome;
Ascent: 650m;
Contribution: €5 (includes refreshments);
Information: skelligkerry@gmail.com; Facebook: cnoc na d-tobar
Tochar Phadraig, Co Mayo (Monday, March 28th)
Opportunity to complete half the ancient druidical and pilgrim path to Croagh Patrick. On subsequent days the second part of the Tochar can be completed, if desired.
Meet: Ballintubber Abbey;
Description: reasonable fitness required;
Departure: 11am;
Distance: 17km;
Contribution: €5;
Information: 094-9030934;
email: info@ballin tubberabbey.ie For additional information visit pilgrimpath.ie
Read the full article in the Irish Times here.
