What you need to know as you Plan your Three Day Pilgrimage...
You will be on the Island for two nights
Pilgrims usually arrive around mid-day on the first day of the pilgrimage and stay on the Island until the morning of the third day.
Fasting begins at 12 midnight prior to your arrival.
The period of fasting (one simple Lough Derg meal each day) lasts until 12 midnight on the third day.
Your 24 hour Vigil
begins at 10.00pm on the first day of the pilgrimage and ends at 10.00pm on the second day. There is an opportunity for a pre-vigil rest between 7.30pm and 9.00pm on the first day.
Bring your travel bag
and include: warm and waterproof clothing, change of clothing, towel & toiletries, Rosary beads (available in gift shop on Island if needed), prescribed medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable repellent.
Hostel-style accommodation is provided
Male and Female accommodation is separate. Wash basins and foot baths are available to pilgrims in their accommodation location.
Private car & coach parking facilities
There is a large private parking space at the lake shore. Public transport is available from across the island of Ireland. For more information on public transport links contact us directly on +353 (0) 719861518.
Organised Groups come by coach
There are a number of Pilgrimage Organisers across the Island of Ireland who organise travel to and from Lough Derg. To find out more please contact us and we can help put you in touch with your nearest pilgrimage organiser.
Admission: General Admission €80 (subject to change, please check the booking page)
Booking advised | Concessions available for students, seniors and groups
Coming on the Three Day Pilgrimage pilgrims agree to undertake the pilgrimage programme of prayer and quiet reflection in bare feet, keeping Vigil and maintaining the Fast. Pilgrims must be at least 15 years old, physically fit and able to kneel unaided and free from any illness aggravated by fasting.
Pilgrims usually arrive around mid-day on the first day of the pilgrimage and stay on the Island until the morning of the third day.
Fasting begins at 12 midnight prior to your arrival.
The period of fasting (one simple Lough Derg meal each day) lasts until 12 midnight on the third day.
Your 24 hour Vigil
begins at 10.00pm on the first day of the pilgrimage and ends at 10.00pm on the second day. There is an opportunity for a pre-vigil rest between 7.30pm and 9.00pm on the first day.
Bring your travel bag
and include: warm and waterproof clothing, change of clothing, towel & toiletries, Rosary beads (available in gift shop on Island if needed), prescribed medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, suitable repellent.
Hostel-style accommodation is provided
Male and Female accommodation is separate. Wash basins and foot baths are available to pilgrims in their accommodation location.
Private car & coach parking facilities
There is a large private parking space at the lake shore. Public transport is available from across the island of Ireland. For more information on public transport links contact us directly on +353 (0) 719861518.
Organised Groups come by coach
There are a number of Pilgrimage Organisers across the Island of Ireland who organise travel to and from Lough Derg. To find out more please contact us and we can help put you in touch with your nearest pilgrimage organiser.
Admission: General Admission €80 (subject to change, please check the booking page)
Booking advised | Concessions available for students, seniors and groups
Coming on the Three Day Pilgrimage pilgrims agree to undertake the pilgrimage programme of prayer and quiet reflection in bare feet, keeping Vigil and maintaining the Fast. Pilgrims must be at least 15 years old, physically fit and able to kneel unaided and free from any illness aggravated by fasting.
What you need to know as you Plan your One Day Retreat...
- Boats are available from 9.15am. The crossing is less than 10 minutes from the lakeshore.
- On arrival on the Island, tea/coffee and scones are served.
- One Day Retreats commence at 10.20am when everyone gathers in St Patrick’s Basilica.
- The Retreat follows a set programme of prayer and reflection. The day concludes with the celebration of Mass in St Patrick’s Basilica.
- A light lunch is served: soup, sandwiches, tea & coffee.
- It is advisable to wear warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can be changeable (pilgrims keep footwear on)
- Boats return from the Island to the lakeshore from 4.00pm.
- Organised Groups come by coach. There is a number of Pilgrimage Organisers across the Island of Ireland who organise travel to Lough Derg. To find out more please contact us and we can help put you in touch with your nearest Pilgrimage Organiser.
PRACTICAL NOTES for Lakeshore Pilgrimage along the Lough Derg Pilgrim Path
- The Pilgrimage is completed outdoors on the Pilgrim Path along the lakeshore.
- Pilgrims will be accompanied by a member of the Lough Derg team as they ‘Walk and Pray’ the pilgrimage on the Lough Derg Pilgrim Path.
- There are two distance options. 8km Pilgrimage or 12km Pilgrimage.
- Two groups per day with staggered start times.
- The Pilgrimage lasts approx. 5 hrs
- The walk begins and ends at the Visitor Centre
- The Pilgrim Path offers a moderate walk on gentle terrain. Pilgrims are advised to wear good walking shoes/boots and to be prepared for the changeable weather conditions at Lough Derg.
- In addition to what is available on the information boards each pilgrim will receive a Guide to the Lough Derg Pilgrim Path and Prayer Resource booklet that will be used along the way.
- A small bottle of water and a piece of fruit will be provided to each pilgrim.
- Pilgrims may wish to bring a snack/packed lunch.
- Weather permitting, pilgrims will have the opportunity to gather for a simple Mass before the final stretch on the return route.
- Saint Brigid’s Chapel will be open for written prayer petitions, to light a candle or to have loved ones included in Lough Derg Masses.
- Numbers are limited. Only those who have pre-booked can be admitted.
- Lough Derg will be implementing any Public Health Measures that are required by Government Guidelines at any given time.
