A writer who has walked the country’s ancient pilgrim paths said a
West Cork route would deserve the title of the ‘Camino of Ireland’.
Author John G O’Dwyer commended locals for the upgrading of the path from the village of Drimoleague to Gougane Barra.
“A wonderful job has been done in improving this ancient route,” said Tipperary-based Mr O’Dwyer.
“But much more needs to be done to get the word out about this fine
path which, up to now, has been very much part of the hidden Ireland.”
The popularity of Camino de Santiago, or Way of St James — the
pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in
north-western Spain— has prompted renewed interest in pilgrim walks in
Ireland.
Increasing numbers now have a particular sensitivity
to holy places such as Clonmacnoise, Croagh Patrick, Lough Derg, and
Glendalough.
Mr O’Dwyer penned Pilgrim Paths of Ireland after
walking from Slemish in Co Antrim, historically called Slieve Mish — the
first Irish home of St Patrick — to Skellig Michael, 12km off Kerry
where, in early Christian times, “the known world once ended”.
In the book, published by Collins Press in Cork and launched in Thurles
last week, each pilgrim walk description has directions, the degree of
difficulty, estimated time and maps.
The paths are varied and
suitable for all, from casual ramblers to committed hillwalkers. In each
route description, the author’s feelings and experiences are recounted
and the entertaining and insightful characters met along the way
described.
He says the search for spiritual fulfilment continues in 21st century Ireland.
A mountaineer and author, Mr O’Dwyer became the first person to walk
the ancient pilgrim trails from the north-east to the south-west.
He envisages the publication will be “snapped up” by organisations,
clubs and societies anxious to raise charitable funding for worthwhile
projects by organising sponsored walks along the ancient routes.
With the aid of his book, he said the paths have now become accessible to all.
A founding member of Mid-Tipp Hill Walkers, Mr O’Dwyer has spent a
quarter of a century leading not just large groups through the Irish
scenic uplands, but also climbing groups in Britain, Europe, and
Africa.
He said the publication, which focuses on 15
journeys, is aimed at pilgrims, walkers, history lovers, or those merely
seeking an informative and entertaining read.
During the
launch, he mentioned particularly the enjoyment of walking the ancient
trails located on the Dingle Peninsula — especially the Cosán na Náomh,
which leads from Ventry to Mount Brandon.
“West Kerry really
resonates with timeless appeal,” he said, “and places like Kilmalkeder
offer a beautifully subtle connection with our pilgrim past.”
* Pilgrim Paths in Ireland is available from collinspress.ie and from bookshops nationwide.