Top Places of Pilgrimage in Ireland
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While Ireland is well known for its ancient churches, high crosses and abbeys these places are perhaps less well known, places where traditions live on and where modern pilgrimage still takes place. They all represent quite different experiences and will not be for everyone, but they are living history in a way, proof that even in an increasingly secular society religious ritual still matters to a large number people.Croagh Patrick
St Patrick reportedly spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting on this mountain in Mayo, but its reputation as a holy place predates even that event. In his efforts to bring Christianity to Ireland St Patrick adopted a successful strategy...Read More >>
Lough Derg
This is an island in Co Donegal (not to be confused with an Island of the same name on the Shannon) to which pilgrims go for three days at a time, any time between April and October. Lough Derg is also closely associated with St...Read More >>
Knock Shrine
The scene of an apparition of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist on August 21st 1879, Knock has grown a considerable industry around the gable wall where the event occurred. The focus of most activity is now a large...Read More >>
Glencolmcille
Less well known than St Patrick, St Colmcille brought Christianity to the north-west corner of Ireland and the area is named, and its annual pilgrimage held, in his honour. The pilgrimage at Glencolmcille takes place on the on the...Read More >>
Holy Wells
Almost every part of Ireland has at least one Holy Well, places usually associated with local saints and whose water is believed by many to have healing properties. There are over 3000 of them. Some wells are still tended to carefully...Read More >>
Roadside Shrines and Grottoes
Nobody can travel for any distance in Ireland without encountering a roadside shrine or grotto. They vary from just a small statue set into a wall, to large, elaborately constructed tableaux and the vast majority are Marian Shrines,...Read More >>
