Lough Derg is one of the oldest places of pilgrimage in the Christian world, dating back to the 6th century, and one of the few remaining penitential pilgrimages. Tradition has it that St. Patrick retreated for a spell of prayer and penance in a cave on this lonely lake island.
What is Lough Derg famous for?
Lough Derg or Loch Derg (Irish: Loch Dearg) is a lake in County Donegal, Republic of Ireland. It is near the border with Northern Ireland and lies about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) north of the border village of Pettigo. It is best known for St Patrick’s Purgatory, a site of pilgrimage on Station Island in the lake .
Can you visit St Patricks purgatory?
St Patrick’s Purgatory involves three days of fasting and prayers, while standing on sharpened rocks. ... The site, on Station Island in Lough Derg, County Donegal, receives 15,000 visitors a year , and despite the cold, hunger, midges and tedium, people rave about it, emerging rejuvenated.
How long is Lough Derg pilgrimage?
I’ve completed just 45 minutes of a 40-hour pilgrimage on Lough Derg island in Co Donegal, which reputably is an entranceway to the pits of hell, where St Patrick witnessed the tortures of eternal damnation in the 5th century and Knight Owein in 1148 was dragged through into the underworld by demons with iron hooks.
What rituals are carried out in Lough Derg?
The Stations involve a ritual of sitting, standing, kneeling and walking while praying continuously . In the Basilica, around the Basilica, at the cross, walking around the beds, standing and kneeling by the water’s edge. Walking around the ‘penitential beds’ was the strangest part of all.
Can you swim in Lough Derg?
Lough Derg, Killaloe
Located approx 5 km outside Killaloe, this swimming spot on one of Ireland’s most picturesque lakes is a well kept grassy area with sandy beach . The water is quite shallow on entry (ideal for children) and so swimmers must wade out for depth. Alternatively there is a slipway for deeper water.
Is Lough Derg deep?
Lough Derg is 24 miles (39 km) long and 0.5 to 8 miles (1 to 13 km) wide. It is 37 square miles (96 square km) in area, with a maximum depth of 119 feet (36 m) .
Where is the entrance to purgatory?
St Patrick’s Purgatory is an ancient pilgrimage site on Station Island in Lough Derg, County Donegal, Ireland . According to legend, the site dates from the fifth century, when Christ showed Saint Patrick a cave, sometimes referred to as a pit or a well, on Station Island that was an entrance to Purgatory.
How much does it cost to go to Lough Derg?
The cost price for the three day pilgrimage is €55 per adult . There is a special concession rate of €50 for Senior Citizens and Students. Please be advised that student cards must be presented in order to avail of this discount.
How many Lough Derg are there in Ireland?
Lough Derg is the name of two lakes in Ireland: Lough Derg (Shannon) a large lake on the River Shannon, bordering counties Clare, Galway and Tipperary.
Will Lough Derg Open this year?
The Lough Derg office is open Monday – Sunday during the Three Day Pilgrimage Season from 8.00am – 9.00pm. Contact +353 (0) 719861518.
Is the River Shannon in Northern Ireland?
The River Shannon is also linked to Lough Erne in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. ... This 63km stretch of waterway runs between Leitrim Village (a town on the River Shannon) to the north of Belturbet, 36km from Enniskillen.
Who is associated with Lough Derg?
Many of the historic sites on the lake are associated with Brian Ború, High King of Ireland , who ruled from Killaloe between 1002 and 1014. Don’t miss the Brian Boru Heritage Centre, East Clare Heritage Centre, Holy Island, Portumna Castle and Nenagh Castle.
Does liscannor have a beach?
There’s plenty to keep you busy in and around Liscannor. ... The Cliffs of Mother are just 4km/2.5 miles from the village – while angling is a very popular activity both at the pier and at the beach .
Where can I swim in Lough Derg?
Mountshannon Beach is a small lakeside bathing area located at Lough Derg in Mountshannon, County Clare. Mountshannon Beach is located at Lough Derg, which is one of the major freshwater lakes of Ireland.
