Welcome to Lough Derg

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St Patrick’s Purgatory, Lough Derg, is a unique pilgrimage site in a small lake in County Donegal-once considered to be at the end of the earth and therefore on the threshold of the ‘other world’. Tradition has it the first abbot of the monastery of Lough Derg was St Davog, a disciple of St. Patrick. The tradition of pilgrimage certainly dates back to the early days of Christianity....and possibly even further. Some aspects of the pilgrimage-fasting, going without sleep or shoes make it seem absurd, and it is well documented as the toughest pilgrimage in western Europe-maybe even the world! Yet pilgrims keep on coming…from Ireland and from all over the world.

The traditional three day pilgrimage remains very much at the heart of what we do and will run from 31^st May and 15th August. In addition to that there are many opportunities to experience the Island and we welcome you to enjoy our Day Retreats, Tailored Workshops, Faith-Based Seminars and Family Focused Events and Special Events. 

Download a copy of our 2013 Season Guide now which contains all the information you will need to plan your visit. [Download PDF]

Join us for a Day this May.

Monsignor Richard Mohan, Prior of Lough Derg takes time out from the busy preparation for the May One Day Retreats. 21 year's ago Lough Derg answered the call of our pilgrim friends to create a special day of prayer and reconciliation. The month of May is dedicated to One Day Retreats and this special day is a great way to keep connected with the Island. We hope you will come to this unique sanctuary. We invite you to reserve your place now