Pilgrim Paths in Ireland - A Guide

From Slieve Mish to Skellig Michael

In recent times the popularity of the Camino de Santiago has prompted renewed interest in pilgrim walks in Ireland. Increasing numbers now follow ancient Irish pilgrim paths to such holy places as Glencolumbkille, Croagh Patrick, Lough Derg and Glendalough.

John G. O’Dwyer has walked – or, in the case of Clonmacnoise, cycled – the pilgrim trails of Ireland, from Slieve Mish in the northeast, where Christianity may have had its first dawning in Ireland, to Skellig Michael in the southwest, where the known world once ended. Each walk description has directions, the degree of difficulty, estimated time and a map. His well-received guide is now updated with five additional journeys of homage, including Kerry's Cnoc na dTobar and Tipperary's Rian Bó Phádraig. The author recounts his feelings and experiences, and describes the entertaining and insightful characters he meets along the way.

Praise for Pilgrim Paths in Ireland

'Great addition to the seasoned hillwalker's library'.
The Irish Times

'Entertaining read, even if you never leave the fireside'.
Irish Mountain Log

'May well end up being considered a minor classic'.
MountainViews

'This book acts as the perfect satnav. It leads you along your chosen path'.
Micheál O'Muircheartaigh

List of Pilgrim Paths

01: Slieve Mish (Slemish) | County Antrim | 2 km
02: Lough Derg | County Donegal | 12 km
03: Slieve League | County Donegal | 7 km
04: Turas Colmcille | County Donegal | 5 km
05: Tóchar Phádraig | County Mayo | 35 km
06: Croagh Patrick | County Mayo | 7 km
07: Maumeen | County Galway | 9 km
08: Clonmacnoise Pilgrim Cycle | County Offaly | 22 km
09: St Kevin's Way (Hollywood to Glendalough) | County Wicklow | 30 km
10: St Kevin's Way (Valleymount to Ballinagee Bridge) | County Wicklow | 8 km
11: Kilcommon Pilgrim Loop | County Tipperary | 7 km
12: The Rian Bó Phádraig | County Tipperary & Waterford | 23 km
13: Ardmore Pilgrim Loop | County Waterford | 4 km
14: Mount Brandon Pilgrim Path | County Kerry | 8 km
15: Cosán na Naomh | County Kerry | 18 km
16: Mount Brandon Saint's Road | County Kerry | 6 km
17: St Finbarr's Pilgrim Path (Drimoleague to Kealkill) | County Cork | 19 km
18: St Finbarr's Pilgrim Path (Kealkill to Gougane Barra) | County Cork | 19 km
19: Cnoc na dTobar | County Kerry | 9 km
20: Skellig Michael | County Kerry | n/a km