Passport for Ireland’s
Medieval Pilgrim Paths 2016
www.pilgrimpath.ie
Includes your personal passport for completing Ireland’s ancient Pilgrim
1
St Kevin’s Way
Slí Mór
3
4
5
Tóchar Phádraig
2
St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Path
Cnoc na dTobar
Cosán na Naomh
6
PASSPORT STAMPING PANEL
Further Information:
To obtain further information on
where you can find the local stamping
place for a particular path, please
access the website and the relevant
page to your walk.
Here, you will also find details about
the evidence of path completion that
is required to obtain the stamp.
There will also be up-to-date
information about the walking route
along with details such as public
transport, hospitality, accommodation
and other relevant details.
Ireland’s Ancient Pilgrim Paths
Pilgrimage has been defined as “a meaningful
journey to a place of spiritual significance” and
the practice is almost as old as history.
well documented claims to have been used
by pilgrims since ancient times and are fully
waymarked.
In Ireland, the pilgrim journey has strong historic
resonance with early penitents journeying to
Clonmacnoise, Glendalough and Gougane Barra
while others pursued a spiritual experience by
ascending sacred mountains such as Cnoc na
dTobar, Mount Brandon and Croagh Patrick.
Described here is a collection of these ancient
routes through some of the most captivating
scenery in the Irish landscape. All come with
The inclusion of a pilgrim
passport offers an additional
incentive for Irish people and
overseas visitors to get out
and explore some of Ireland’s
most unforgettable landscapes,
while reconnecting with
pilgrims past.
Walk Information
Overview: Pilgrim trail from Hollywood to Glendalough, which
reputedly follows the journey of St Kevin to found a monastic
settlement in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. Well-marked
track rises gently to the sweeping viewpoint of the Wicklow Gap
before descending easily to finish at the ancient monastic site at
Glendalough, which was a renowned centre of pilgrimage and
learning in the medieval period.
Grade: Moderate grade, linear walk requiring transport at both
ends. Wet underfoot conditions in places. Raingear, trekking boots
and warm clothing required – take special care on public road
sections.
Distance: 30 kilometres
Time: Allow 7 hours
Trailhead: Take the N81 from Dublin or the R411 from Naas
through Ballymore Eustace to the small Wicklow village of
Hollywood. The trailhead is close by the village centre at 939 054.
Finish: Glendalough monastic site.
Further information: www.pilgrimpath.ie/St Kevin’s Way
Walk Information
Overview: Slí Mór, is a Pilgrim’s Road from Ballycumber to
Clonmacnoise, that has been used by pilgrims for centuries. It is
a pleasant Pilgrim journey beginning in Ballycumber village, and
passing through Boher with the Shrine of St Manchan leading on to
the monastic site at Clonmacnoise. The best scenery comes on the
final stretch along the Esker Riada from Bishop’s Hill to Clonmacnoise.
The route is entirely on public roads so it may be cycled or walked
while still remaining within the spirit of a pilgrim journey.
Grade: Easy: terrain contains nothing to challenge the rambler or
leisure cyclist.
Distance: 22 kilometres
Time: Walk time: 4 – 5 hours.
Return transport required from Clonmacnoise.
Cycle time: 1 to 1.5 hours, for a one-way journeys
Trailhead: Ballycumber village, Co Offaly, which lies at N620 730 on
the R436 between Clara and Ferbane.
Finish: The monastic site at Clonmacnoise
Further information: www.pilgrimpath.ie/Sli Mór
Walk Information
Overview: A charismatic pilgrim route offering unforgettable vistas
as it leads in fine style over the Sheehy Mountains and valleys to
Gougane Barra. Denoted by the brown Slí Bharra plates, the path
follows the route the Sheep’s Head Way and then Beara Breiffne Way
from north of Kealkil, it requires 2 days to complete.
Grade: Strenuous trail traversing a considerable amount of high,
isolated terrain. Most suitable for experienced walkers with good
boots, gaiters, warm clothing and raingear. If in doubt, join an
organized walk. Information on these at www.topoftherock.ie
Distance: 37 kilometres
Time: 6-7hrs on each of two days.
Trailhead: On the ring road around Cork city take the N71 to
Bandon. Then follow the R596 through Dunmanway to Drimoleague.
Walk begins at Top of the Rock, 1km north of the village.
Finish: Gougane Barra Church.
Highest Elevation: Lough Fadda (526m).
Further information: www.pilgrimpath.ie/ St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Path
Walk Information
Overview: Cnoc na dTobar (Knocknadobar) was a sacred pilgrim site
in prehistoric and medieval times. The Pilgrim Path from the traditional
start point near St Furze’s holy well is marked by 14 Stations of the
Cross leading to an imposing Celtic Cross on the summit plateau that
acts as the pilgrim destination. Here, a majestic 360° vista radiates
over the Skellig islands, West Cork, Carrauntoohill, the Blasket islands
and the Dingle Peninsula.
Grade: Moderate there and back trail that is clearly marked, starting
gently and becoming more strenuous near the summit. Be equipped
with sturdy walking boots/shoes, warm clothing, raingear, packed
lunch and, perhaps, walking poles which are useful for descending.
Distance: 9 kilometres
Time: 3.5 hours.
Trailhead: Turn off the N70, Ring of Kerry road, to cross the bridge
in Cahersiveen and take the first right and second left. Pass St Furze’s
Well and park at a space for 2 cars just beyond. Otherwise use limited
parking opportunities further on.
Highest Elevation: 690m
Further information: www.pilgrimpath.ie/ Cnoc na dTobar
Walk Information
Overview: Ancient pilgrim route with a strong penitential tradition
that finishes beneath one of Ireland’s highest and most revered
mountains. The attractions here are rooted within people and place
and completing this path is one of the best ways to experience the
elemental, skeletal topography of the west Kerry landscape. Route is
well way marked with information panels outlining stories from the
surrounding landscape with many antiquities, historic buildings and
religious sites along the route.
Grade: Moderate grade, linear walk requiring transport at both
ends. Care required on the relatively steep terrain that leads from
the summit of Reenconnell Hill.
Distance: 18 kilometres
Time: 4 to 5 hours
Trailhead: Follow the R559 west from Dingle. At Ventry, swing left
for Ventry strand. The Cosán na Naomh is signposted from here.
Finish: Ballybrack carpark.
Highest Elevation: Reenconnell Hill 274m.
Further information: www.pilgrimpath.ie/ Cosán na Naomh
Walk Information
Overview: The Tóchar follows the route of the ancient royal road
from Cruachán, the seat of the Kings of Connaught, to Croagh Patrick.
Holding many resonances from its pagan past; it was Christianised as
a penitential route by St Patrick, but remains stubbornly untamed and
much as it was for medieval pilgrims. Route is well way-marked with
the distinctive Tochar logo.
Grade: Moderately difficult pilgrim route with some tough,
demanding underfoot conditions in places. Altitude rises to almost
500m on Croagh Patrick. Raingear, trekking boots, warm clothing
are essential.
Distance: 30 kilometres
Time: At least 10 hours. Can be completed in 1 challenging or 2
more leisurely days.
Trailhead: Ballintubber Abbey is located just off the N84 about 14km
from Castlebar. Here you must register as a Tochar pilgrim before
setting out. This costs €10.
Finish: Car park at Murrisk.
Further information: www.pilgrimpath.ie/ Tóchar Phádraig
Map and guidebook available from Ballintubber Abbey.
We now trust you have enjoyed
your experience of walking
along Ireland’s medieval Pilgrim
Paths.
If you wish to claim your
Teastas Oilithreachta
(Certificate of Completion),
please ensure that all the panels
have been individually stamped.
Detach this panel, or send a
photocopy, along with €15 or
a cheque/postal order made
payable to: Ballintubber Abbey.
Please clearly print your name
and address for its return.
Name:.....................................................................................................................................
Telephone:........................................................................................................................
Address:..............................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Forward to: Teastas Oilithreachta, Ballintubber Abbey, Ballintubber, Co Mayo.