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Irish Examiner
04-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Pilgrim trails have come full circle and are so popular now
A feature of our time has been that the ancient paths once footed by medieval pilgrims are having a renewed moment. Seeking meaning beyond materialism and recourse, for a time at least, to a less complicated way of living, increasing numbers are seeking the elusive butterfly of fulfilment and self-awareness by walking the Pilgrim Path to Canterbury, St Olav's Way in Norway and the Via Francigena to Rome. Above all else, however, modern day pilgrim walkers are discovering a New Jerusalem on the Camino of St James — a fishing net of paths all leading to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Numbers completing this mystical Spanish trail have risen from fewer than 100 in 1967 to almost 500,000 in 2024 as increasing numbers of wayfarers heed the ageless call of a long walk to a place of sanctity. Until recently, few of those seeking a pilgrim walk in Europe would have considered Ireland as a possible destination, mainly because this country was believed to lack penitential trails. On the contrary, Ireland has a network of mystical paths and a vibrant pilgrim tradition, with all major routes long predating the Camino, some by up to 1,000 years. Throughout history, pilgrimage was an important devotional expression for Irish people with penitents journeying to Glendalough, Gougane Barra, Croagh Patrick, Mount Brandon, and Lough Derg. Later, during the 19th and 20th centuries, when the Catholic Hierarchy emphasised more formal in-church worship, interest in the Irish pilgrim paths evaporated and they became overgrown and largely forgotten. St Declan's Way is a 115-kilometre route reputed to have been walked by St Declan when he travelled to Waterford to meet with St Patrick. Pictures: John G O'Dwyer It is sometimes said that the past never completely dies but eventually comes to revisit us. And so it is that Irish history has come a full circle; in the 21st century people are again taking to these ancient tracks on about 500 kilometres of fully waymarked trails that follow the steps of penitents past. The pilgrim journey is, however, vastly different these days, with little overt emphasis on the penance and prayer of former years. Instead, those who follow our ancient spiritual trails are generally a casual and relaxed bunch — more interested in the benefits from the walk itself than reaching the penitential destination. Unlike penitents past, many will have their backpack moved ahead each day, while none will take on the arduous task of footing it back to the starting point, as medieval pilgrims were obliged to do. And unlike hikers, who generally prefer to explore pristine environments with the minimum of human influence, pilgrim walkers are happier with the well-trodden trails followed by past generations with more emphasis on history, mindfulness and engaging with the surroundings than on the religious origins of the route. St Declan's Way To some, pilgrim walking may seem just another form of hiking, but for most participants, it hides a quest for deeper meaning, which is rarely found among general trekkers. As the modern expressions of spirituality becomes more informal and individual, pilgrimage is now as much a voyage of personal renewal as a physical journey. With the decline of formalised religious practice, consumerism has increasingly become a value that we use to give purpose to our lives, but what do we replace it with when our physical needs have been satisfied? The growing numbers who are, once again, following the ancient tradition of a pilgrim walk are proof of a renewed desire for higher meaning that the rampant materialism of our age leaves largely unsatisfied. While not presented the same challenge as mountain climbing, pilgrim walking, nevertheless, takes us out of our comfort zone, and in doing so, enables us to know ourselves better. Footing these ageless trails not only offers this opportunity for self-discovery, it also provides a link to the past and provides the feelgood experience of bringing additional visitor spend to rural communities. Since pilgrim paths, in the main, follow routes through populated areas they also expose us to chance encounters with local people which are rare for those visiting on fully packaged holiday experiences. Great Irish Pilgrim Journeys by John G O'Dwyer In my new book titled, Great Irish Pilgrim Journeys, I describe the paths followed by medieval Irish pilgrims both here and abroad, such as The Celtic Camino, The Pilgrim Passport Journey, St Declan's Way and many other well-walked trails. Accompanied by detailed maps and photographs of the landscape along the paths, the walks described take anywhere from four hours to eight days to complete. In this way, I believe the book offers a pilgrim walk for everyone and will act as a complete resource for Irish people and overseas visitors wishing to discover the rich history of the ancient pilgrim trails trodden by our forefathers. Great Irish Pilgrim Journeys is now available from bookshops nationwide and the publishers at
BBC News
30-04-2025
- BBC News
Nun's hope for new Pope after 1,200m pilgrimage
A nun who is walking 1,200 miles (1,931km) on a pilgrimage to Rome said she hopes there will be a new Pope elected by the time she Elizabeth Carr, from Newark in Nottinghamshire, began her walk of the Via Francigena on 6 March, and is currently at Lausanne in is due to land in the Italian capital on 16 July, and said she is "a little ahead" of cardinals set to meet in Vatican City to elect a new Pope next week, she said she hopes the new leader of Catholics honours the legacy of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday. 'Spiritually enriched' Sister Carr, 50, is raising money for the Newark Emmaus Trust charity, which helps young homeless said she watched Pope Francis' funeral over the weekend, as hundreds of thousands of mourners poured into Rome to pay their respects, and said the late leader will leave a lasting legacy of kindness, especially to people in need."Having chosen the name Francis, it just speaks volumes to me really, that he had a great love for the poor," she said."He made himself accessible, that's the main thing I'll remember about him."I do feel like he's left a great love for people, and a great openness to all sorts of people."Sister Carr said she will soon be making her way down through the mountain passes of Switzerland into adapted to the rigorous demands of the trek, she said she has been "spiritually enriched in many, many ways" during the pilgrimage, and is praying for a smooth end to her journey."We're going much better than we were at the beginning in terms of the feet - the blisters, thank God, [but] the pack is still pretty heavy," she said."It's just been amazing to do this walk - each day is a grace."I have said to myself 'we'll try and get there' [on time], and it's been worth it even if I have to stop at some point, but hopefully we'll get there."I really am hoping that they will have elected a new Pope by then, and I'll get a chance to place myself in his shadow."
The Independent
29-04-2025
- The Independent
Five of the best pilgrimage routes to walk this summer
The UK and Ireland offer various pilgrimage routes for walking enthusiasts, providing both physical and mental health benefits. The South West Coast Path, England's longest national trail, stretches 1,000km and follows the coastline of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. The Stonehenge Ancient Day Pilgrimage offers a shorter 11km route exploring Neolithic sites and the surrounding landscape. The Via Francigena, a 2,000km path from Canterbury to Rome, includes a 31km section in England featuring historical ruins and art installations. Ireland boasts St. Patrick's Way, a 132km trail marking key sites related to the patron saint, and St. Declan's Way, a 115km route with historical significance.
The Independent
28-04-2025
- The Independent
The UK and Ireland's best pilgrimage routes to walk this year
Putting one foot in front of the other is a simple process with the power to relieve some of life's most complex and complicated problems. For thousands of years, religious devotees and spiritual pilgrims have hiked long distances on personal journeys that carry them much further than the kilometres covered on a map. The benefits have been medically proven. Walking increases endorphin production and reduces cortisol levels, with studies showing a 12% improvement in mood after just 20 minutes of walking. According to NHS England, 150 minutes of weekly walking reduces depression symptoms by 30%. The British Heart Foundation, meanwhile, suggests that that consistent walking can lead to a 25% reduction in coronary heart disease risk. Throughout May, there's a push to get people out on trails as part of National Walking Month. But at any time of year there are coastal cliff walks, cross-country rambles and mountain stomps to enjoy. Find fulfilment along some of these worthy routes. South West Coast Path England's longest national trail is the subject of a new film due for release at the end of this month. Based on the best-selling memoir by Raynor Winn, The Salt Path follows the story of a couple who lose their home and embark on a long-distance walk with only a few pennies in their pockets. It took them two summers to complete the 1,000km South West Coast Path, which follows the coastline of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. Those with a bit more cash to spare can complete the full journey on a new 56-night itinerary from Minehead to Poole. How: Macs Adventure offers the 56-night Full South West Coast Path tour from £7,469pp, including B&B accommodation and luggage transfers. Visit Not every pilgrimage route requires strong legs and an even tougher resolve. In the space of less than 24 hours, hikers can reflect on the ancient relationship between land and the cosmos by following a path along sacred terrain connected to Stonehenge. Starting at Woodhenge, a Neolithic timber circle aligned with moon cycles and ancestral rites, the 11km trail weaves through lesser-known sacred sites and ends at the Cuckoo Stone. Pass the King Barrow Ridge Bronze Age burial mounds, where east-facing tombs are illuminated by the rising sun, and follow a ceremonial route linked to the River Avon, which has been used for more than 5,000 years. How: Stay at country inn The Great Bustard, where rooms starts from £200 per night including breakfast. Visit The Via Francigena Travel through fields, farmland, chapels and castles to experience part of the Via Francigena (The Road to France), a 2,000km path from Canterbury to Rome. Running to Dover on the south coast, this 31km section of the trail is packed with historical ruins, including former 13th century inn La Maison Dieu. Following major restoration work, the Grade II listed building opens to the public this month for the first time in history. As part of the new North Downs Art Trail, several art installations have been placed along the route, inspired by their surroundings. How: Hope Walking offers a guided one-day excursion from £20pp. Visit St Patrick's Way Key sites relating to Ireland's patron saint form the backbone of this 82-mile signed walking trail which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Starting at the Navan Centre in Armagh, walk along paths slicing through dramatic landscapes before reaching the apostle's final resting place at Down Cathedral in Downpatrick. A literal highlight is a section traversing the 12 peaks of the Mourne Mountains – although trails are reassuringly easy to follow. Walkers can collect stamps in a special Pilgrim's Passport which includes a map of the trail to collect a Certificate of Achievement. How: The Natural Adventure Company offers a nine-day St Patrick's Way self-guided walking tour from £1,045, including luggage transfer and accommodation in local guest houses. Flights to Belfast extra. Visit Although little known outside Ireland, a 1,500-year-old pilgrim route has the potential to be as popular as the Via Francigena or even Spain's Camino de Santiago following plans for major investment. For centuries, devotees have walked in honour of St Declan, an evangelist famous for spreading gospel teachings to residents of Ireland. Starting in his birthplace of Ardmore in Waterford, the 115km route continues through the Knockmealdown Mountains to the Rock of Cashel, where he was said to have paid homage to St Patrick.
