Walkers departing from Lismore on the fourth stage of the St Declan’s Way Walk during the recent May Bank Holiday Weekend.
The annual 115km St Declan’s Way Walk from the Rock of Cashel to Ardmore attracted a record number of hikers this year, reports Knockmealdown Active, which has thanked the 100 volunteers who helped make the event such a success.
The epic five-stage trek began in Cashel during the St Patrick’s Weekend and finished on the May Bank Holiday Weekend of April 29 and 30 with the completion of the final two stages.
The final two days of walking from Lismore to Aglish and onto Ardmore were as eventful as they were enjoyable.
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Stage four began with a blessing from Dean Paul Draper at historic St. Carthage’s Cathedral in Lismore, where pilgrims were also greeted by Fr. Denis Luke O’Hanlon from Mount Melleray Monastery.
Following this warm welcome, walkers strolled along Lady Louisa’s Walk from Lismore Castle along the River Blackwater, before arriving into Cappoquin, for a quick break.
Outside the town, participants crossed the unique Hindu Gothic Dromana Gate bridge before meandering through some of Dromana’s wonderful forests on the way to lunch in Villierstown.
The Cruiscín Lán Pub and Tory’s Cakes and Bakes made everyone feel especially welcome in the village.
Post lunch, the final third of the walk took the group to Dromore, a stunning viewing point to watch the River Blackwater meander across the West Waterford countryside.
The weather remained fine for both of the pilgrim walk’s final stages, which was remarkable, as there was a good deal of rain forecast.
Sunday, despite a foggy start, turned into a gorgeous day for taking on the final push into Ardmore.
A group of almost 300 walkers checked in at St. Declan’s Hall on Ardmore’s main street, where they were met by local historian, Liam Suipéil, happily entering into conversation with anyone seeking historical context on St. Declan and his presence in Ardmore.
The walkers were bussed to Aglish and exited the village behind the St. Declan’s Way banner.
This stage contains a myriad of ancient stone-wall corralled trails, back-roads and woodland tracks.
One of the highlights of the entire route is the welcome received by walkers along the way. Majella and Andrew atRobinsAcre.ie put on a wonderful array of treats for passing pilgrims.
Not to be outdone, parents, teachers and students at Ballycurrane National School fed the weary walkers at the half-way point. Leaving lunch, the group traversed the wooded Lickey Valley, before crossing the N25 and descending along lanes and back-roads onto Ardmore beach. It was a fitting end to a memorable 2023 event, which drew record crowds to a route that is now gaining national prominence, in recognition of its environmentally friendly credentials.
It is now possible, and very enjoyable, to participate in a Camino without ever leaving Ireland. Knockmealdown Active would like to give special thanks to all the volunteers who helped out at any point during the five stages.
“Logistically, it is a large and difficult event to organise. Without help from the almost 100 volunteers that assisted us along the way, it would just not be possible to run the event.
“Our gratitude to them is deep and heartfelt,” said Diarmaid Condon of Knockmealdown Active.
Photos from all stages of the walk can be found on the St. Declan’s Way Facebook
page. If you wish to find out about other events on the route, sign up for the newsletter at www.StDeclansWay.ie.
Pictured below: Walkers reaching Ardmore Beach at the end of the fifth and final stage of the St Declan’s Way Walk
