I have had a profound sense of peace after completing the 3 day pilgrimage. My head and body felt lighter and all my worries are left in the hands of God. Thank you to all who make this journey so rewarding.
MC June 2025 Spent the day in prayer and reflection where I felt a calmness and oneness with others there.
Prepared me for Mass at the end of the day. Thank you everyone. JW 17th May 2025 From the minute you step off the boat there's a wonderful sense of peace and stillness on the island. As you go about the 3 day pilgrimage you immerse yourself in the sacrificing and fasting that comes with the pilgrimage. One feels and understands why this is known as Saint Patrick's Purgatory. There's a deep spiritual acceptance of this holy legacy while spending time on the island. It's not long before you're embracing the asceticism, and suddenly, the world of materialism you parted with for the 3 days fades into oblivion!
The gentle sounds of the water on the shores as you go about your devotions, the hush of life, the soft quiet chattering in pockets on the island as pilgrims momentarily take time to engage with other pilgrims, all lends to the divine warmth and charm of the place. You'll always meet many wonderful people. The chats, the stories and the powerful testimonies lay claim to the power of The Holy Spirit on the island and beyond. These chats and stories serve to remind us of our duty to serve Our Lord and refuel us as we journey through our faith. They're also a timely reminder of the value of our prayers, sacrifices and time spent on the island. Such is the power of the pilgrimage that when you leave to return home you immediately begin planning the next trip! More importantly, you leave knowing that you have been blessed with many graces to take home and help on the pilgrimage of life. While the island continues on the legacy of Saint Patrick and lends itself a piece of Purgatory, it offers a glimpse of Heaven too. Lough Derg truly is a special place. A. O'Brien June 2024 The 3 day pilgrimage is like going in for the birth of your children each is unique yes there is pain and discomfort, but leaving the Island each time a letting go, a joy, a peace, new life and an openness to allow God to work in your life.
Life is not without its crosses, but doing Lough Derg give you an openness to new hope and strength to go back into the world. Try it once at least in your life time you won't be disappointed! HB Imagine a place where nothing matters...
No social media. No phone, no communication with the world as you know it. Stripped of all that, you begin to pray, sacrifice food, sleep and comfort while doing so something shifts, you become more pure and authentic, you start to share stories with complete strangers, share your thoughts and feelings, and most importantly begin to have lots of fun conversations all while developing your spiritual health. I have had a wonderful experience with what I believe to be the holy spirit, it was amazing, I had no hunger, no sleep desire, just pure peace and tranquility There is no place on earth that will give you the unique experience of the 3 day pilgrimage in Lough Derg, personally it's a glimpse of heaven, if you can look beyond the sleep, food and physical demand. JME 01.06.2023 My family's link to Lough Derg goes back many decades. My mother worked on the island in the late 1950s-early 1960s before she married my father. When we were children we were fascinated by the stories she told us about Lough Derg. I personally couldn't wait to go there and so I was delighted to go there for the first time when I turned 14. I went there to pray for my upcoming exams.
It soon became the norm for me to go to Lough Derg every Summer with my mother and/or sisters. I love the peace on Lough Derg. I love to be given the chance to switch off from the outside world. I feel such a connection with Lough Derg. I feel completely at peace there. There's no other place like it on earth. I hope to return to Lough Derg again this year to do the three day pilgrimage as I have missed doing it the past two summers as I had bowel cancer. I did manage to do the day retreats instead. I can't imagine not ever being able to visit Lough Derg at least once a year. It helps me feel fulfilled. If you have never been to Lough Derg, do yourself a favour and go. You won't regret it! B McQuaid Lough Derg is the one place where I can fully switch off and allow God to talk to me without me being distracted by all the demands of daily living. I first went on the 3 day pilgrimage when I was in my late teens and went for the next 3 years. Life took over and I didn't return for the 3 day pilgrimage until 2022 - a gap of 35 years. I couldn't believe the changes in the facilities, but the core pilgrimage and the peace it brought was still there. I have continued to return over the last few years. I would encourage anyone to try and go to the island even for the 1 day retreat just to get a taste of what the island is like and to enjoy the feeling of being totally away. The sense of peace I come away with is wonderful.
Marie O'Neill, Ireland Visited July 2024 I went to Lough Derg on many occasions, but I feel that the one time I worked on the Island as a Priest was amazing. Of the many experiences I had was chatting to the people in the wet room. I heard amazing stories from amazing people. Some were struggling with life in health, mind and body. All had a common desire to be away from their world and be present to their God. For me I was given hope from the pilgrims. This is church, this is faith, this is Lough Derg.
Martin Gilcreest, Ireland Visited August 2024 Walking the Pilgrim Path around the shore of Lough Derg was an enchanting experience that deeply resonated with me. The serene landscapes, with their stunning views and tranquil waters, provided the perfect backdrop for reflection and contemplation. Each step along the path allowed me to connect not only with the beauty of nature but also with my own thoughts and feelings. The journey was both calming and inspiring, offering moments of solitude and clarity. As I walked, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and an inner peace that lingered long after I left the shores of Lough Derg.
LL, Galway Visited October 2024 From the moment I arrived, I felt a deep sense of peace enveloping me. The rugged beauty of the island, combined with moments of reflection and prayer, allowed me to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life. The communal experience of walking alongside fellow pilgrims fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose. Each step became a meditation, leading me to a deeper understanding of myself and my faith. This pilgrimage was not just a physical challenge, but a transformative spiritual experience that I will carry with me always.
LR, England Visited in June 2024 |