Part of our Celtic heritage and renowned throughout Europe since the Middle Ages, Lough Derg is a unique place of peace. In today's modern world - where everything is fast and instant - Lough Derg still manages to maintain a pace where people have to move more slowly, where the mind can be stilled.

This small island offers no distractions, no artificialities, but instead a warm welcome, for there are no strangers here.

If you are seeking an opportunity for calm, for renewal or growth, then this ancient Sanctuary of St. Patrick might well be the place. We invite you to become part of what has been an Irish tradition since the sixth century.

Given that it has survived for over a thousand years, that it continues to attract pilgrims and give them hope, there is nothing to suggest that it will not be here in another thousand years.

Death of Fr. Ragheed Ganni, Priest of the Chaldean Catholic Church, Diocese of Mosul, Iraq, member of staff 1997-2003.