And sure why would I need to, when it is said that if you complete Lough Derg three times you receive a “Plenary indulgence into heaven” so when I got an invite to join a few friends, I have to admit I did hesitate at first when I remembered how hard it can be, but then I thought a fourth visit might gain me some extra favour, so I joined my friends in that holy place on Thursday 10th July 2025. Looking across at St. Patrick’s Basilica, with the sun shimmering on the water and the temperature in the mid to high twenties, it’s a breathtaking vista. I quickly take a few photos with my companions, then disconnect my phone from the iCloud and begin to reconnect—with myself, and with the man above. It’s the first time for a few of my colleagues, and as we step onto the boat with our sunglasses on, one could easily mistake us for holidaymakers heading to a weekend spa retreat at an exclusive island resort. That fantasy is short-lived. The moment we set foot on the holy island and remove our shoes and socks, the sharpness of the well-trodden concrete beneath our bare feet delivers our first reality check: this is a very different kind of retreat. Early into my first station, on the stones outside St Patrick's Basilica, I’m reminded why Lough Derg is known as the toughest pilgrimage in the world. However, knowing that saints once walked on this holy ground does sustain you in moments of discomfort. Time here, even in the sunshine is still hard going, it forces us to take stock, It is designed that way to challenge us. When life becomes too comfortable maybe this is exactly what many of us need. And here I am again—barefoot, walking the sacred soil and stones—for another three days of discomfort: fasting on dry bread and water, keeping a 24-hour vigil, steeped in continuous prayer and reflection, detoxing from digital devices. It forces us to let go of the daily stressors and distractions that so many of us have become addicted to. In letting go of all that stuff, in the stillness, we can hear God whisper. We’re given back time—for ourselves and for genuine conversations. Those moments when other pilgrims share their stories of grief, resilience and faith, makes you pay attention and listen with empathy, uninterrupted by texts, emails and app notifications. We are reminded what human connection feels like: Our feet grounded to the earth, we're on land and off line, our souls connected to something greater. And that truly matters. With every sharp stone beneath me, I’m reminded how lucky I am to carry memories of walking this holy ground 30 years ago with my father (RIP). At that time, our family was still overwhelmed by grief following the death of my brother Laurence (RIP). In those stormy moments, every station felt harder. The whole Lough Derg experience was far more difficult to endure than this one in the glorious sunshine. This time, I was drawn back to Lough Derg for a few personal intentions—but mostly, out of gratitude. Three days of sacrifice here feels modest compared to the unimaginable hardship faced daily by people in war-torn regions across the world. Thankfully, the Ireland we know today lives in relative peace. How many prayers have been whispered on this island during the Troubles, begging for that very peace? From this position of comfort, it’s sobering to witness the suffering that still persists elsewhere. The night before my pilgrimage, I saw the towering bonfires of the 12th July—some displaying sickening effigies that do nothing but inflame hatred. Moments like that remind me how deeply conflict, chaos, and contempt for one another continue to stain our human story. Even though walking barefoot is gentler when the ground is warmed by the sun. But one can easily forget to protect the tops of the feet from sunburn. As if barefoot walking weren’t challenging enough—add sunburn and a few blisters and it’s another layer of discomfort. 2025 is a Jubilee Year—also known as a Holy Year—centred around the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Here in Ireland, pilgrims are invited to visit three sacred sites: Lough Derg, Croagh Patrick, and Knock Shrine, each offering the opportunity to have your Pilgrim Passport stamped. All three are steeped in history, meaning, and spiritual significance—and each one is well worth the journey. Nowadays, we’re steeped in comfort, convenience, and instant gratification. There’s an app for everything, and it’s tempting to always choose what’s easy. The one-day trip to Lough Derg might feel more accessible—and for many, due to medical limitations or time constraints, it’s the right option. Even so, it offers a glimpse into the transformative power of this holy place. But for those who choose to immerse themselves fully—embracing the extended sacrifice—the rewards run deeper. Beyond the discomfort lies something richer: the enduring value of delayed gratification, a greater appreciation for simplicity, and a profound sense of connection that comes only when we step away from what's easy... and walk barefoot into purpose. Day 1: The 24-hour vigil was the toughest for me. Rolling into Day 2 sleep deprived and hungry, I was running on spirit alone. But then came the Sacrament of Reconciliation—Confession—which lifted some weight from my shoulders. It’s amazing how unburdened and light you can feel, even after so little rest. The fast continued, bringing us to a full 72 hours, and by 10pm on Night 2… I didn’t need any bedtime stories. Day 3: We rose at 6am for the final stretch—barefoot once more, kneeling, walking, praying, and reflecting deeply before slipping our socks and shoes back on. We say our goodbyes and lined up for the first boat off the island. Feeling proud of ourselves for completing this once dubbed "The Iron Man of pilgrimages" Onboard in a last moment of silence before departure, we received a final blessing and I swear, it raised our vibration one last time. All of the above makes you very aware of a few of the many paradoxes in life: To heal, we must first suffer; to find peace, we must first face chaos. When we do things that are hard, it’s often because they truly matter. When we ground ourselves, we become uplifted. When we persevere, we’re rewarded—with a deep sense of accomplishment. I have it on my bucket list to walk the Camino de Santiago, the path of St James, which would take many weeks and numerous trips, it won't happen for me this year. However, first I fully intend to complete my Irish Pilgrim Passport and get it stamped for Croagh Patrick and Knock Shrine before this year is out. Your Jubilee 2025 Pilgrim Passport is awaiting you. If you feel called to pause, reflect and reset, these holy places are calling for you, will you answer? Pilgrim Justin
10th July 2025 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 |
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Lough Derg
Sanctuary of Saint Patrick Pettigo County Donegal F94 PC60 |
Phone: +353 (0) 71 9861518
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Email: [email protected]
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