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Ireland’s Pilgrim Paths
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A Unique Look into Ireland’s History
In response to the recent revival of interest in walking Ireland’s pilgrim paths, Pilgrim Paths Ireland are planning a host of big events for 2020.
The fi rst is Pilgrim Paths Week, an Eastertime festival celebrating Ireland’s pilgrim inheritance. Taking place from April 10 – 19, over the coming Easter period thousands will retrace their ancestral heritage as they take to Ireland’s ancient paths.
These walking trails include Tochar Phadraig in Co Mayo, St Kevin’s Way in Co Wicklow, Scattery Island Pilgrim Path in Co Clare, Cosán na Naomh and Cnoc na dTobar in Co Kerry, St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Path in Co. Cork and Kilcommon Pilgrim Loop and St Declan’s Way in Co Tipperary.
As well as a nationwide series of walks, Pilgrim Paths Ireland’s Eastertime festival will see guides from local communities lead these pilgrimages where return transport will be organised from the endpoint of the path.
According to organisers, Pilgrim Paths Week provides a warm welcome for participants of all religious backgrounds and those without religious affi liations. It is planned as a unifying time emphasising Ireland’s common Christian heritage and is designed
to facilitate a deeper understanding of the country’s history.
Organisers say every effort will be made to facilitate the participation of families, the less fi t, and in so far as possible, those with special needs. Most of the walks will be single day events while a few will be multi-day outings. To fi nd out more about National Pilgrim Paths Week and to see the full
week-long programme of events go to www.pilgrimpath.ie or email info@pilgrimpath.ie.
Meanwhile, from August 22 – 29, the fourth annual Irish Pilgrim Journey 2020 will be taking place. Proving increasingly popular with both Irish people and overseas visitors, the event sees pilgrims embark on five ancient penitential trails - St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Path in Co. Cork; Cnoc na dTobar in Co Kerry; Cosán na Naomh in Co Kerry; St Kevin’s Way in Co Wicklow and Tóchar Phádraig in Co Mayo. This is in order to complete the Irish Pilgrim Passport.
Prior to the walks, pilgrims can purchase the passport for the cost of €5 from various locations including the Camino Information Centre at St. James’s Church on James Street in Dublin (for the full list of places, see www.pilgrimpath.ie/pilgrimpassport/). Then participants will collect a stamp after completing each of the walks listed above. This is before being awarded a Teastas (a completion certificate) when they arrive at Ballintubber Abbey in Co Mayo after finishing all five paths.
Speaking about Ireland’s fourth annual pilgrim journey, Chairman of Pilgrim Paths Ireland, John G, O’Dwyer said in a statement: “The medieval pilgrimage was originally a journey combining prayer and sacrifice - with an element of physical discomfort. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in following the footsteps of these pilgrims past and over the last number of years Ireland’s penitential trails have echoed to ever-increasing footfall.”
Knowledgeable local guides will lead each walk of the Irish Pilgrim Journey. They will also allow time for personal contemplation, outline the story of the route and explain how medieval penitents coped with their arduous journeys.
Many of the paths are of historical significance to Ireland. For example, St Kevin’s Way reputedly follows the journey of St Kevin to found a monastic settlement in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. Meanwhile,
Tóchar Phádraig follows the route of the ancient royal road from Cruachán, the seat of the Kings of Connaught, to Croagh Patrick – one later Christianised as a penitential route by St Patrick himself.
Speaking about why people embark on these pilgrimages, O’Dwyer added: “The Irish Pilgrim Journey is not just for those who enjoy exploring Ireland’s ancient tracks, but also the growing numbers seeking to escape the daily grind of life and take time out to reflect and meditate a little while enjoying the outdoors. But for those who cannot make it for the organised pilgrim walks in 2020, it is important to remember that the pilgrim paths of Ireland are open for walkers all year round and are fully waymarked. They can, therefore, be completed alone or as part of a private group.”
Advance booking is essential and must be made individually to each path. Information on how to book can be found at www.pilgrimpath.ie.
