Published: March 2017
Available as e-Book
Category: Lifestyle
Ireland's ancient network of sacred paths means there is no need to travel abroad to enjoy symbolic trails in the footsteps of generations past. John G. O'Dwyer has walked these pilgrim trails. His well-received guide is now updated with five additional journeys of homage, including Kerry's Cnoc na dTobar and Wicklow's St Declan's Way.
In recent times the popularity of the Camino de Santiago has prompted renewed interest in pilgrim walks in Ireland. Increasing numbers now follow ancient Irish pilgrim paths to such holy places as Glencolumbkille, Croagh Patrick, Lough Derg and Glendalough. John G. O'Dwyer has walked - or, in the case of Clonmacnoise, cycled - the pilgrim trails of Ireland, from Slieve Mish in the northeast, where Christianity may have had its first dawning in Ireland, to Skellig Michael in the southwest, where the known world once ended. Each walk description has directions, the degree of difficulty, estimated time and a map. The paths are varied and suited to a range of abilities, from casual ramblers to committed walkers. In each route the author recounts his feelings and experiences, and describes the entertaining and insightful characters he meets along the way.
'Great addition to the seasoned hillwalker's library.' The Irish Times 'Entertaining read, even if you never leave the fireside.' Irish Mountain Log 'May well end up being considered a minor classic.' MountainViews 'This book acts as the perfect satnav. It leads you along your chosen path.' Micheal O Muircheartaigh
John G. O'Dwyer is a travel consultant and a regular contributor to The Irish Times. A keen hillwalker and rock climber, he founded the Mid-Tipp Hillwalkers Club and has almost thirty years' experience of leading hillwalking and mountain-climbing groups in Ireland, the UK, Europe and Africa.