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Our new website is coming soon
We are delighted to confirm that work on our brand new website is on-going and will be relaunching in 2012 with an up-dated, vibrant, interactive and informative site that will continue to connect us with both existing and new friends and pilgrims. We are trialling a concept for the site-redesign at the moment and are delighted that a number of volunteers have agreed to participate in this process. However if you would like to get involved with this trial process please contact Donal today by emailing web@loughderg.org. Having the support of our pilgrims in this process will ensure that our new site really promotes Lough Derg to it's fullest potential as well as being a communications tool to stay connect with you all.
Season 2011 Review
The 2011 Pilgrimage Season finished on Tuesday 20th September with a very successful run of Day Retreats. August and September was an incredibly busy time here at the Island with events including the National Lough Derg Pilgrim Walk, the Annual Family Day, the Ulster Regional Faith and Light pilgrimage and many others taking place within a 5-week period.
Although the weather and pilgrimage conditions were generally unfavourable throughout the summer, analysis of pilgrim and visitor numbers indicated the following:
- Increasing pilgrim number trend continues – pilgrim numbers increased by just over 1% on 2010 levels, marking an increase of 11% since 2008.
- Female pilgrims continue to outnumber male counterparts
- 20% of pilgrims in 2011 were making the trip to the Island for the first time
- 25 countries were represented during the 3-Day Pilgrimage Season, with pilgrims travelling from Australasia, South America, the US, Europe and Africa. The numbers of pilgrims from Great Britain has also continued to increase.
In June 2011 we introduced Phase 1 of our updated pilgrim registration programme. Development work on this system extended right across the winter and spring months to ensure that Lough Derg remained compliant with revised Health and Safety legislation. Following initial teething issues we were delighted with the response to this new system and will continue work on the next Phase of the project in the coming months to make registration procedures even more efficient in 2012.
Major development work on the Island this year included the launch of a dedicated bible and scripture reading room, which offered pilgrims and retreatants a space to familiarise themselves with the written word of God. This addition was warmly welcomed by all pilgrims and we hope that the success of this facility will continue to grow in the coming years.
As revealed recently, Lough Derg Manager, Deborah Maxwell will be taking part in the 2012 London Marathon. Deborah will be hoping to raise much needed funds for Lough Derg and will also be supporting the Get Kids Going Charity which enables young people with physical disabilities to get into sporting activities. In preparation for this, Deborah will be writing a regular blog which will allow friends of Lough Derg to keep up to date with her progress.
Sunday 4th September welcomed 540 retreatants to the Island, the single largest number of retreatants for a Day Retreat since 1997. This date also coincided with our very special “A Little Light on Angels “workshop – offered as part of the Life’s Journey Series. Preparations for Season 2012 are on-going with the recent release of our 2012 key events programme. 2012 will continue to build on the successes of the 2011 season and will continue the tradition of introducing new events ensuring that Lough Derg is a place of welcome to all regardless of religious creed or background.
Step back in time-walk in the footsteps of your ancestors at Lough Derg - Sunday 11th September 2011
Join us, support us and celebrate with us –that is the message as Lough Derg enjoys its National Pilgrim Walk next weekend.
Lough Derg, listed as one of the top 10 pilgrimage sites in Europe in The Times, has been around for 1500 years so it is fitting it should enjoy a National Day to celebrate that rich past in Ireland’s Christian heritage. Anyone who has had the privilege of being able ‘to do’ Lough Derg knows that it involves a fair bit of walking, indeed pilgrimage the world over is synomous with walking, a journey of sorts...the National Pilgrim Walk is not just any old trek but a walk following the ancient path to the famous pilgrimage site, which our ancestors would have travelled by foot.
Taking place on Sunday 11th September, it is a fitting way to celebrate another successful Season. For the third consecutive year there was a slight increase in the number of pilgrims to Lough Derg – a good news story when there is so much doom and gloom!
Lough Derg is welcoming ‘walkers’ and fundraisers to join together on this 9km path. This interesting walk is part of the Heritage Council's Pilgrim Paths network. The walk follows the footsteps of the medieval pilgrim, not to Station Island where pilgrims go today, but to the threshold of the larger Saints Island, which acted as the gateway to Station Island several hundred years ago.
Entry forms and an information pack can be requested directly from Lough Derg or downloaded from www.loughderg.org .
Manager, Deborah Maxwell commented,
“It should be a fun day out for all the family. Whilst yes it is an important fundraiser, more importantly it is an opportunity to unite friends of Lough Derg throughout out the country on one day. It also happens to fall on the 10th Anniversary of the awful 9/11 tragedy so maybe it s a fitting way to remember those lost in that act of violence.”
So bring the family, bring a friend but most importantly bring a good pair of walking shoes! If you can’t make it to Lough Derg for the National Day Walk-that’s okay there will be lots of opportunities to get involved. Unite with us in the spirit of Lough Derg in your own community.
The All-Ireland County Challenge!
For those who cannot make it to Donegal, Lough Derg is challenging pilgrims or walking clubs to organise or take part in a similar distance in every county in Ireland! So if you do a little bit of walking already, just mark the 11th September in your diary, invite along a few friends and family and register your walk with Lough Derg, who will fully support you with all you need to make the day a success. Pilgrims can check out which counties have signed up so far on the website or by calling the Island.
Fundraising makes all the difference
The Pilgrim Walk is only one of Lough Derg’s fundraisers-Deborah Maxwell, Manager has also just also announced she will be running the London 2012 Marathon in aid of Lough Derg, and children’s charity Get Kid’s Going which helps disabled children become involved in sport.
The Annual Fundraising Draw, which invites you to ‘spend a tenner’ to be in with a chance of winning €15,000, will take place on 7th October. Tickets are still available
Lough Derg continues to be on the rise
This small lake tucked away in Donegal seems to be surviving the tidal change of doom and gloom that is pervading society today. Entering the last week of the traditional Three Day Pilgrimage season, signs are encouraging that for the third consecutive year there will be a slight increase in the number of pilgrims to Lough Derg. If the trend holds until Saturday we will have seen pilgrim numbers increasing each year since 2008. Fasting, going without sleep and shoes is contrary to the world we live in today where everything is instant and too often about ourselves. But still the practice continues unabated - pilgrims have been travelling to this remote Donegal Island for centuries, from all over Ireland and indeed the world. There are records of pilgrims coming from Catalonia in Spain in the 1300s - and in 2011 pilgrims have travelled not only from every county in Ireland but also from 30 other countries as far away as Brazil and Bermuda!
Lough Derg’s motto “Bringing you the Gift of Hope” seems to pervade the air on the third morning when pilgrims depart a little lighter in their heart after this tough but rewarding experience.
It’s always encouraging when a ‘business’ gets repeat trade and Lough Derg is delighted to welcome back each year 80% of regulars, but they are equally encouraged with 20% of new blood embarking upon this ancient rite for the first time. What has been remarked this Season is the number of people coming back after a lapse of up to 30 years and those pilgrims have been impressed with the many physical improvements to the Island which has been quite transformed over the last 20 or so years. ‘There is a definite trend of ‘Come back to Lough Derg, and see what they’re all talking about’, says Manager, Deborah Maxwell. Recent exposure on television such as Nationwide has also been a great help.’
Inviting all media to spread the good news, Lough Derg is actively tweeting and using facebook to keep in touch with their pilgrims, bringing to reality their commitment of ‘Being with you on Life’s Journey’ .
For a place to have survived 1500 years it cannot stand still; Lough Derg certainly is passionate about creating new opportunities for people to enjoy the sanctity of the Island. 2011 has seen the biggest programme on offer ever - with a Mother and Daughter Retreat in May, a Father and Son Retreat in September, a special Family Day on August 19th, and not to be outshone on the festival circuit, an event called Pure Oxygen-a gig, on 25th August on the Island for young people. This event which may seem contrary to the ethos of the Island is all about welcoming young people from both sides of the community to enjoy some local talented music, without the pressure from their peers of alcohol and drugs.
There are still a few days left to take three days to yourself, to give yourself the gift of time, reflection and renewal - an opportunity to connect with yourself, and with this special place of prayer. There’s plenty other events remaining in the 2011 programme to allow you to experience this special Island where time has most definitely not stood still.
For more information, contact Deborah Maxwell, Manager call 071 986 1518 or email manager@loughderg.org www.loughderg.org
Some Dates to Remember
13th August - Last day for starting the Three-Day Pilgrimage
15th August - Last day of the Three-Day Pilgrimage
One Day Retreats are available on
August: 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
September: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20
LIFE’S JOURNEY SERIES – an optional extra to the One Day Retreat programme
22nd August Living In The Present
27th August Understanding Our Children
30th August Guided Prayer
4th September A Day With The Angels
14th September Meditation for Beginners
Full Day Workshops
19th August Family Day Retreat
9th September Father and Son Retreat
QUIET DAYS are available on
Thursdays 1st, 8th & 15th September
Bus Eireann and Translink extend Lough Derg Service for 2011
Lough Derg is delighted to announce that based on the success over the past number of years Bus Eireann will increase the frequency in services to Lough Derg from Ireland's main towns and cities this Summer. Services from Dublin (via Dublin airport), Galway, Westport, Sligo, Belfast, Derry and Omagh will connect with a Lough Derg commuter service in Enniskillen on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays from Friday 3rd June until Monday 15th August.
The increase in demand for this service in 2009 and 2010 has prompted Bus Eireann to increase the service frequency to Lough Derg and it is hoped that the service will continue to be a popular choice with both local, national and international pilgrims and visitors over the coming months.
Click here to download the complete 2011 Service Timetable
2011 Recruitment Process Draws to an end.
At Lough Derg we pride ourselves on employing the best people to meet the needs and requirements of our 20,000+ visitors and pilgrims each year, and we believe that this year's team will be one of the strongest to date.
In addition to the usual application forms which were released in February, a large number of new applicants were selected to attend interviews which took place in our winter home, the Friends of Lough Derg Office in Pettigo on Monday 4th, Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th April. Deborah had the monumental task of presiding over 65 interviews and was assisted during the process by her full time colleagues.
Although a significant number of applications were received for the 2011 Pilgrimage Season from individuals who have joined us in past seasons, it is important to give equal consideration to those applying for the first time as we believe that great strenght is drawn from new ideas, new friendships and working relationships. In total of 42 new staff members and 42 returning team members. Those chosen will undertake a training day in May in preparation for your arrival this coming Summer.
Hope Shines Through as Lough Derg Launches Biggest Ever Season (Updated 14th March 2011)
Despite a very blustery day, a large crowd gathered on a remote Island in Donegal, in a spirit of friendship and prayer-432 to be precise-a rather significant number on this Island, known as St. Patrick’s Purgatory-given that this was the year (432 AD) that Patrick himself was sent to Ireland as Bishop.
Lough Derg had invited people from different churches to come along and experience the sanctity and camaraderie this special Donegal Island offers-and it was evident that people were embracing the occasion of friendship with so many smiling faces despite the less than sunny weather. The event was a great success with Bishop Ken Clarke, Church of Ireland Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh giving the keynote address to a packed Basilica. Bishop Ken encouraged those who were present to find ‘a new heart’ during this Lenten period-within ourselves and within the Church.
Despite Lough Derg being at least 1000 years, they are not afraid of embracing technology with this special Ash Wednesday Service being streamed live to the World Wide Web-a first for this place of pilgrimage.
A great atmosphere of warmth and sincerity pervaded the Island on Wednesday, with people from all over the country travelling to a part of this unique service. Students from a local high school were also on hand and helped welcome people.
After the Prayer service, visitors were able to enjoy a light lunch together, and an opportunity to explore the Island, and enjoy some quiet time.
The 2011 season at Lough Derg could not have been given a better start with the One-Day Retreats commencing on the 1st of May and the traditional three day pilgrimage beginning on 1st June. There is much on offer in this year including Mother & Daughter Retreats, Father & Son Retreats, Family Days, and a series of ‘Life’s Journey’s’ Workshops which hope to again attract people from all denominations. If anyone would like a copy of this year’s Season Guide brimming with pilgrimage and retreat opportunities contact info@loughderg.org or call 0719861518 (from NI 028 68632391).
Browse through some photographs of the event, or why not watch Bishop Clarke's address now.
Job applications invited for 2011 Pilgrimage Season
Would you like the opportunity to work in Lough Derg in 2011. Why not join the team in this Ancient Sanctuary during the Summer and experience something very different. If you enjoy working as part of a team and are dedicated to meeting the needs of others positions are available in catering, administration, retail, domestics and boating. In addition we are inviting applications for Liturgical Support positions. All completed job applications must be returned no later than Friday 11th March 2011. Incomplete applications will be disqualified from the recruitment process. For further information please click here.
Call for memorial details
As existing pilgrims will be aware Lough Derg is proud to remember past generations of pilgrims, visitors and friends and has a dedicated Memorial area in St Mary's Chapel. In 2011 we are making an appeal for all those who have left memorial cards and photgraphs of deceased loved ones and friends for inclusion in this area over the last number of years to contact us with your name and contact details as we are in the process of updating our records in this regard. Many of you will already have given your contact details to a member of our staff but if not or your details have changed please email info@loughderg.org with your name, contact number and email address along with the name of the deceased person. We hope that with these details we will be better able to remember your loved one in future pilgrimage seasons.
2011 Season Guide is Unveiled
"Hope Shining Through!" an apt theme for the 2011 Lough Derg season guide which is launched today. Our biggest and brightest programme of events ever boasts an impressive addition of 13 new workshops and retreats. Following the successes of the 2010 pilgrimage season, 2011 will welcome a number of youth oriented events, build upon the Life's Journey workshop series and will introduce some new retreat concepts. Full details of the 2011 Programme is available on-line and the brochure is now available to download (PDF) format. We are very excited about the 2011 Season and look forward to welcoming One and All to the Sanctuary once again with the guarantee that 2011 really will have something for everyone.
