Pilgrim Paths of Ireland

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Trail marker of Pilgrim Paths Ireland Pilgrim Paths Ireland Marker.jpg
Trail marker of Pilgrim Paths Ireland

Pilgrim Paths Ireland (PPI) is a non-denominational representative body for Ireland's medieval pilgrim paths. PPI was founded in 2013 to oversee the development and promotion of Ireland's medieval pilgrimage paths, and consists of 12 community groups supporting specific paths. PPI holds an annual National Pilgrimage Paths Week during Easter, and issues a National Pilgrimage Passport to finishers of the 5 main trails: Cnoc na dTobar, Cosán na Naomh, St. Finbarr's Pilgrim Path, St. Kevin’s Way, and Tochar Phádraig.

Contents

Background

Cosan na Naomh at 500 metres Cosan na Naomh (Pilgrim's route) - geograph.org.uk - 219293.jpg
Cosán na Naomh at 500 metres

In 1997, a Pilgrim Paths Project was started by the Irish Heritage Council focused on seven medieval routes of pilgrimage. [1] [2] [3]

In 2013, Pilgrim Paths Ireland (PPI) was founded at a meeting in Nenagh "as an umbrella body for the volunteer groups promoting Ireland’s penitential trails". [2] [4]

Irish hillwalking guidebook author and journalist John G O'Dwyer, was elected Chairman and highlighted the "spiritual tourism" potential for Ireland. [2] [4] [5]

On 19 April 2014, Ireland's first National Pilgrim Paths Day was held on various penitential trails across the country, attracting over 1,700 participants. [6] [7] [8] On 4 April 2015, a second National Pilgrim Paths Day was held attracting over 3,000 participants. [9] [10] In 2016, the event was expanded to a National Pilgrim Paths Week to be held over the Easter festival; the following have been held:

National Pilgrim Paths Week 2020, which was scheduled to take place from April 9 to 19, was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic in Ireland.

As of June 2020, PPI represents 12 community groups associated with Ireland's main penitential paths and is considered the national representative body. [14]

Pilgrim Passport

Station of the cross, Knocknadobar Knocknadobar (Station).jpg
Station of the cross, Knocknadobar

During the Easter 2016 National Pilgrim Paths festival week, the PPI launched the National Pilgrim Passport. [15] [16]

At the launch, the Irish Independent described it as the Celtic Camino, and a "pedestrian version of the Wild Atlantic Way". [17]

The passport covers 124 km of Ireland's most important medieval pilgrim paths, with stamping points arranged at the conclusion of each path so that walkers can "earn" their completed passport, in a similar manner to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trails in Spain. [15] On completion of all five paths, participants can apply for a Pilgrim Certificate (Irish: Teastas Oilithreachta), from Ballintubber Abbey (which is at the start of the Tochar Phádraig pilgrimage route). [15] [18]

As of June 2019, the five routes included on the Pilgrim Passport are: [15] [18] [19]

NameCountyFormatStartEndLengthTimeDifficulty
Cnoc na dTobar [20] [21] Kerry Linear; Mountain St. Fursey's Holy Well Knocknadobar mountain9.5 km (5.9 mi)3.5 hoursModerate
Cosán na Naomh [22] Kerry Linear; Mountain Ventry Strand Brandon mountain18 km (11 mi)4–5 hoursModerate
St. Finbarr's Pilgrim Path [23] Cork Linear Drimoleague Gougane Barra 37 km (23 mi)2 daysStrenuous
Saint Kevin's Way [24] Wicklow Linear Hollywood or Valleymount Glendalough 30 km (19 mi)7 hoursModerate
Tochar Phádraig [25] Mayo Linear; Mountain Ballintubber Abbey Croagh Patrick mountain30 km (19 mi)10 hoursModerate

14 people were registered as finishers (Irish: Críochnóirí) of the five above walks in 2016, 30 were registered in 2017, and 44 were registered in 2018. [26]

On, 15 January 2017, Irish ultramarathon runner Susan Steele, became the first person to run all 5 paths of the Irish Pilgrim Journey, over a period of 5 consecutive days. [27]

Members

Saint Kevin's Way, Wicklow Gap. Wicklow Way.jpg
Saint Kevin's Way, Wicklow Gap.

Local penitential path organisations who are members of Pilgrim Paths Ireland are: [14] [28]

  1. Cnoc na dTobar, Kerry (at Knocknadobar mountain) [29]
  2. Cosán na Naomh, Kerry (Ventry Strand to Mount Brandon mountain)
  3. Kilcommon Pilgrim Loop, Tipperary
  4. Lough Derg, Donegal (St. Patrick's Purgatory)
  5. Rath/Dysert Pilgrim Path, Clare
  6. Sli Mor Pilgrim's Path, Offaly (Ballycumber to Clonmacnoise) [30]
  7. St. Brigid's Way, Louth/Kildare (Faughart to Kildare) [31]
  8. St. Declan's Way, Waterford/Tipperary [32] (Declán of Ardmore)
  9. St. Finbarr's Pilgrim Path, Cork (Drimoleague to Gougane Barra)
  10. St. Kevin's Way, Wicklow (Hollywood to Glendalough)
  11. Tochar Phádraig, Mayo (Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick mountain)
  12. Turas Cholmcille, Donegal

Books

See also

Related Research Articles

Hiking Walking as a hobby, sport, or leisure activity

Hiking is a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails or footpaths in the countryside. Walking for pleasure developed in Europe during the eighteenth century. Religious pilgrimages have existed much longer but they involve walking long distances for a spiritual purpose associated with specific religions.

MacGillycuddys Reeks Mountain range in Kerry, Ireland

MacGillycuddy's Reeks is a sandstone and siltstone mountain range in the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. Stretching 19 kilometres, from the Gap of Dunloe in the east, to Glencar in the west, the Reeks is Ireland's highest mountain range, and includes most of the highest peaks and sharpest ridges in Ireland, and the only peaks on the island over 1,000 metres in height.

Lists of long-distance trails in the Republic of Ireland Wikimedia list article

These are lists of long-distance trails in Ireland, and include recognised and maintained walking trails, pilgrim trails, cycling greenways, boardwalk-mountain trails, and interconnected national and international trail systems.

Croagh Patrick Mountain in Mayo, Ireland

Croagh Patrick, nicknamed the Reek, is a 764 m (2,507 ft) mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in Mayo, Ireland. It is 8 km (5 mi) from Westport, above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey. It is the fourth highest mountain in Mayo on the international P600 listing after Mweelrea, Nephin and Barrclashcame. It is climbed by pilgrims on Reek Sunday every year, which is the last Sunday in July. It forms the southern part of a U-shaped valley created by a glacier flowing into Clew Bay in the last Ice Age. Croagh Patrick is part of a longer east–west ridge; the lower westernmost peak is named Ben Goram.

Carrauntoohil Highest mountain in Ireland

Carrauntoohil or Carrauntoohill is the highest mountain on the island of Ireland at 1,038.6 metres. It is on the Iveragh Peninsula in the Reeks District in County Kerry, close to the centre of Ireland's highest mountain range, MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Carrauntoohil is composed mainly of sandstone, whose glaciation produced distinctive features on the mountain such as the Eagle's Nest corrie and some deep gullies and sharp arêtes in its east and northeastern faces that are popular with rock and winter climbers.

Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, Spain

The Camino de Santiago, known in English as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrims' ways or pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the saints are buried there. Many follow its routes as a form of spiritual path or retreat for their spiritual growth. It is also popular with hiking and cycling enthusiasts and organized tour groups.

Mount Brandon Mountain in Kerry, Ireland

Mount Brandon or Brandon, at 952 metres (3,123 ft), is one of the ten highest peaks in Ireland, being the 8th–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin list, and the 9th–highest on the Vandeleur-Lynam list. Brandon is the highest Irish mountain outside the MacGillycuddy's Reeks range and has the greatest prominence of any Irish peak except Carrauntoohil, Ireland's highest mountain.

Aughagower Town in Connacht, Ireland

Aughagower or Aghagower is a small village in rural County Mayo in western Ireland. It is located about 6 km from Westport. Aughagower has around 40 houses, 1 pub and a shop, with a clear view of Croagh Patrick from Reek View. It also forms the centre of a parish of the same name which covers an area of 86.1 square miles. The village is known for its links to Saint Patrick and Tóchar Phádraig, the pilgrimage route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick.

Ballintubber Abbey

Ballintubber Abbey is an abbey 2-kilometers northeast of Ballintubber, Mayo in Ireland that was founded by King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair in 1216.

Camino de Santiago (route descriptions)

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, extends from different countries of Europe, and even North Africa, on its way to Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre. The local authorities try to restore many of the ancient routes, even those used in a limited period, in the interest of tourism.

Saint Kevins Way Pilgrim path in County Wicklow, Ireland

The Saint Kevin's Way is a pilgrim path in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is 30 kilometres long and begins in the village of Hollywood, crosses the Wicklow Gap, and ends at the remains of the medieval monastery in Glendalough. An alternative spur route begins at Valleymount and joins the main trail at Ballinagee Bridge. It is typically completed in one day.

Knocknadobar Mountain in Kerry, Ireland

Knocknadobar at 690 metres (2,260 ft), is the 102nd–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 123rd–highest peak in Ireland according to the Vandeleur-Lynam scale. Knocknadobar is one of the main mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland, and has been one of the most important sites of pilgrimage in Ireland since medieval times.

Binn Chaonaigh Mountain in Galway, Ireland

Binn Chaonaigh at 633 metres (2,077 ft), is the 185th–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 223rd–highest peak on the Vandeleur-Lynam scale. Binn Chaonaigh is situated in the middle sector of the long north-west to south-east cental spine of the Maumturks mountain range in the Connemara National Park in Galway, Ireland. Binn Chaonaigh is the 4th highest mountain in the Maumturks range.

Cloondacon or Cloondachon is a townland in the Parish of Aughagower and Barony of Burrishoole in County Mayo. It is bordered to the northeast by Mace South, to the south by Tevinish East, to the southwest by Aughagower, to the west by Gorteen, and to the northwest by the Deerpark.
Cloondacon is situated on Tochar Phádraig, the ancient route from Ballintubber Abbey through Aughagower to Croagh Patrick.

Boheh Stone

The Boheh Stone, also called St. Patrick's Chair. is a piece of rock art a and National Monument located in County Mayo, Ireland.

North Wales Pilgrims Way

The North Wales Pilgrims Way is a long-distance walking route in North Wales, running from near Holywell in the east to Bardsey Island in the west. The first half of the trail takes an inland route, with the second half following the north coast of the Llŷn Peninsula. It measures 133.9 miles (215 km) in length, and was officially launched at Porth y Swnt, Aberdaron on 10 July 2014.

The English Way is one of the paths of the Camino de Santiago. It begins in the Galician port cities of Ferrol (118 km) or A Coruña (75 km) and runs south to Santiago de Compostela.

The Primitive Way is one of the paths of the Camino de Santiago. It begins in the old Asturian capital of Oviedo and runs west to Lugo and then south to Santiago de Compostela joining the more popular French Way in Melide for the last two hiking days. According to the Confraternity of St James, the Camino Primitivo is approximately 370 km in length.

Reenconnell Medieval Christian site, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Reenconnell is a medieval Christian site and National Monument located on the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland.

St Michaels Way

St Michael’s Way is a waymarked long-distance footpath in Cornwall. It runs for 12.5 miles (20 km) from Lelant on Cornwall’s north coast to St Michael’s Mount on the south coast.

References

  1. 1 2 Aoife Barry (28 March 2017). "Ireland's pilgrim paths: 'They're the great leveller - you could be Bill Gates or unemployed'". TheJournal.ie . Retrieved 3 June 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 Orla Ryan (18 April 2014). "Fancy finding your inner pilgrim this weekend?". TheJournal.ie . Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  3. ↑ "The Pilgrim Paths". Heritage Council. Archived from the original on 2015-03-28. Retrieved 2015-03-03.
  4. 1 2 John G. O'Dwyer (6 April 2018). "Time to unlock tourist potential of our pilgrim paths". Irish Times . Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  5. ↑ Eithne Shorthall (18 February 2018). "Our pilgrim routes 'can be paths of glory'". Sunday Times . Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  6. ↑ Nicola Anderson. "'Pilgrim Paths' Ireland's answer to Camino de Santiago". Irish Independent . The Heritage Council has now launched a national Pilgrim Paths Day which will take place on Easter Saturday, April 19 – with the initially modest aim that just 1,000 people will be out walking the trails that day.
  7. ↑ O'Dwyer, John (2014-01-14). "Retracing the paths of the pilgrims". The Irish Times . Retrieved 2015-03-04.
  8. ↑ "Pilgrims to walk ancient path from Drimoleague to Gougane Barra". The Southern Star . 17 April 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  9. ↑ John G. O'Dwyer. "Modern-day pilgrims are rediscovering our ancient pathways". Irish Examiner . Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  10. ↑ "Why are pilgrim walks popular again?". Irish Times . 10 October 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  11. ↑ Orla Ryan (25 March 2016). "Want to head outdoors this weekend? Here are some hiking and biking trails". TheJournal.ie . Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  12. ↑ "Walk along Ireland's answer to the Camino this Easter". TheJournal.ie . 18 March 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  13. ↑ "Pilgrim Paths Week 2019 – April 19th to 28th". Pilgrim Paths of Ireland. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  14. 1 2 "Ireland's Pilgrim Paths". Pilgrim Paths of Ireland. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Pól Ó Conghaile (13 August 2017). "Irish Camino: First fully guided pilgrim walk launched in Ireland". Irish Independent . Retrieved 3 June 2019. Walkers on Ireland’s first fully-guided pilgrim journey can collect stamps in a 'Pilgrim Passport', similar to Spain's Camino de Santiago. "Now that you can do a Camino in Ireland, people are delighted," says John G. O'Dwyer of Pilgrim Paths Ireland, the association of community groups behind the walks.
  16. ↑ "Retracing Christian Pilgrim Paths". Irish Examiner . 21 March 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  17. ↑ Nicola Anderson (18 April 2016). "New 'passport' to put pilgrim paths of Ireland on a par with the Camino". Irish Independent . Retrieved 3 June 2016. A Celtic Camino: A series of ancient Irish pilgrim paths has the potential to become the 'pedestrian' version of the Wild Atlantic Way if it gets the backing of a proper tourism marketing campaign, organisers have said. A new 'passport', like those given to pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, has now been issued by the Heritage Council - in the hope that it will revitalise routes not widely used since medieval times.
  18. 1 2 "Irish Pilgrim Journey 2018: five ancient and sacred routes to follow". Irish Times . 1 August 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  19. ↑ Aoife Barry (7 August 2017). "Walkers invited to journey along five ancient routes and pick up their 'Pilgrim passport'". TheJournal.ie . Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  20. ↑ "Cnoc na dTobar". Pilgrim Paths of Ireland. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  21. ↑ John G. O'Dwyer (29 June 2016). "Cnoc na dTobar Pilgrim Path: A walk for the weekend: Mountain magic underfoot". Irish Times . Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  22. ↑ "Cosán na Naomh". Heritage Council . Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  23. ↑ "St Finbarr's Pilgrim Path, Cork". Pilgrim Paths of Ireland. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  24. ↑ "St Kevin's Way". Heritage Council . Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  25. ↑ "Tóchar Phádraig Pilgrim Passport". Pilgrim Paths of Ireland. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
  26. ↑ "Críochnóirí/Finishers". Pilgrim Paths of Ireland. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  27. ↑ Maria Moynihan (2017-06-21). "Guardian of the Sea". The Southern Star (County Cork) . Retrieved 2018-04-04. Though if that was not challenging enough, in recent years, she has also become an accomplished endurance athlete, running her first marathon when her youngest son was five months old after reading The Non Runner’s Marathon Guide and going on to complete the 200k Kerry Way Ultra and Killarney Hardman, as well as becoming the first person to complete the 125km Pilgrim Path challenge covering five routes in five days in memory of her mother in January.
  28. ↑ "Contact Details for Individual Pilgrim Paths". Pilgrim Paths of Ireland. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  29. ↑ Doherty, Tony (2014-10-25). "Go Walk: Cnoc na dTobar (Knocknadobar), Co Kerry". The Irish Times . Retrieved 2018-04-04.
  30. ↑ "Slí Mór, Offaly". Pilgrim Paths of Ireland. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  31. ↑ "BRIGID'S WAY CELTIC PILGRIMAGE" . Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  32. ↑ O'Dwyer, John G (2014-02-15). "Take the pilgrim path". The Irish Times . Retrieved 2018-04-04.
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