Father La Flynn, Prior of the pilgrimage island, attributed the increase in part to the Jubilee Year and the Pilgrim Passport initiative linking Lough Derg with Croagh Patrick and Knock.
“One in five pilgrims this year were first-timers,” Father Flynn said, noting also an increase in pilgrims aged 20-30.
Many expressed a longing for hope amid the ongoing violence in the world. “People are overwhelmed by what they see on the news. In a world in danger of losing its heart, people need a time to recover,” he said.
The pilgrimage season continues with one-day retreats through September.
“This tends to be the busiest time of the year,” Father Flynn said. “Our opening day is already booked out, and more pilgrims generally come during this period than even in May.”