Do you believe today’s festivals are contrived? All sugary experiences, second-hand activities and warnings about health and safety? If so, this coming Easter offers an opportunity to escape the cotton -wool clutches of modern recreation on a determinedly uncontrived outdoor experience that reaches unbroken from time immemorial.
Celebrating Ireland’s ancient network of penitential tracks, Pilgrim Paths Day, next Saturday, April 19th, is a new festival that urges us “to take up the pilgrim baton and follow the sacred trails of our forefathers”.
Ideal for those who enjoy exploring tracks imprinted with the footsteps of generations past, this festival is primarily aimed at those who have been going abroad for symbolic trails.
Themed around the idea of thanksgiving, Pilgrim Paths Day, supported by the Heritage Council, offers a nationwide series of trail-based pilgrim events to which all belief systems are welcome.
So, whatever your beliefs, you can get both feet working next weekend at one of the 10 events listed below when Ireland’s penitential paths will resonate again to the timeless echo of pilgrim footfall.
Lough Derg, Co Donegal
Since medieval times the mystical call to Lough Derg has never subsided. Appropriately, the pilgrim route along the lakeshore is far removed from 21st century living and remains little altered from its early Christian past. It offers a sublime means of escape from the present on a hill-free route along walker-friendly forest tracks.
Departure: 11am
Distance: 12km
Duration: 3 hours
Contribution: €5
Meeting place: From Pettigoe on the Fermanagh/Donegal border, take the R233 to the assembly at Station Island pier
Information: 071-986 1518 or email sharon@loughderg.org
Turas Cholm Cille, Co Donegal
Genuinely unsanitised pilgrimage marked by pagan standing stones that were later adroitly knotted together to form the Stations of the Cross. Pilgrimage is traditionally conducted barefoot but this is not required next Saturday. In fact, walking boots are essential.
Departure: 10am
Distance: 7km
Duration: 3 hours
Meeting place: From Donegal town take the N56 to Killybegs and the R263 to Glencolumbkille. Assemble at the Oideas Gael Centre
Information: 074-9730248 or email oideasgael@eircom.net
St Kevin’s Way, Co Wicklow
An opportunity to weave your way along St Kevin’s Road to Glendalough. The undemanding terrain allows plenty of time for connecting with Wicklow’s inspirational beauty. Opportunities to linger will come with background information on St Kevin and moments for quiet reflection.
Departure: 9.30am
Distance: 11km
Duration: 3 hours
Contribution: €4
Meeting place: Take the N11 from Dublin and then follow signs for Glendalough. Assemble in Glendalough visitor centre car park. Bus then drops participants to the startpoint
Information: 086-4090289 or email bebhinnramsay@gmail.com
St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Way, Co Cork
A recently revived pilgrim path that is justifiably referred to as the “Camino of Cork”, this offers a magnificent two-day journey across three mountains and four valleys. Memorable views over Bantry Bay, the Cork coastline and a rich archaeological history are surpassed only by the spectacular Easter Sunday descent into Gougane Barra.
Departure: 9am
Distance: 37km
Duration: 2 days
Contribution: €45 (concessions €40). Includes lunches, bus transfers and guide
Meeting place: From Cork take the N22 to Macroom and the R596 to Drimoleague. Assemble at Top of the Rock, 1km north of the village
Information: 086-1735134 or email davidross316@gmail.com
Accommodation: Packages from Gougane Barra Hotel: 026-47069 or Elizabeth Ross: 028-31547