The Pilgrims of Lough Derg (5)

"Like most people my age, I first came to Lough Derg struggling with college exams. Then didn't come back for another 20 years.

It was my father who brought me back. He came here every year, and I was curious — what was it that kept drawing him back?

When I came with him, I found something I hadn't expected. It was the first time I had been completely quiet. Work was always busy, the phone was always on.

But here there was peace. Time to think. Time to reflect. Time to be grateful for everything I had."