Pilgrimages

Past + today - significance

What are the three pilgrimage sites

Croagh Patrick - Mayo

Glendalough - Wicklow

Clonmacnoise - Offaly

Where is Croagh Patrick

Mayo

Religious practices from Croagh Patrick - past

• Pilgrims climbed the mountain, barefoot as act of penance

• They did this in remembrance of St Patrick’s 40 day fast on mt summit.

• Pilgrims prayed at various stations

• They fasted and made sacrifices

Where is Glendalough?

Wicklow

Religious practices from Glendalough - past

• Founded by St Kevin in 6th century as monastic settlement

• Monks lived, studied, prayed + fasted

• Pilgrims visited to pray at St.K grave

• The Round Tower used as place of refuge + prayer

• People came for Blessings + Healings

Croagh Patrick- today

• Pilgrimage continues - Reek Sunday (last in July)

• Pilgrims climb for prayer + reflection

• Barefoot

• Spiritual event

Glendalough - today

• Still popular site

• On St. Kevin’s Day (June 3rd)

• Pilgrims walk ancient pilgrim paths , reflect at lakes

• Pray at sacred sites

• Spiritual Retreat in nature

Religious practices from Clonmacnoise - past

• Founded by St. Ciarán in 6th century as monastic settlement

• Monks lived, studied, worked

• Pilgrims came to pray at St.C grave + other sacred spots in monastery

• The site was major centre of learning + manuscript copying

• Relics of saint kept here

Where is Clonmacnoise?

Offaly

Clonmacnoise - today

• Pilgrims still visit

• On St.C Feast day (September 9)

• Visitors see Early Irish history + ruins

• It’s peaceful place for prayer