What is recorded here
From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) w112156377
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Picture notes
- Computer-made picture. It does not show this monument.
- William Frederick Wakeman (1822-1900), Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- Computer-made picture. It does not show this mountain top.
- Andreas F. Borchert, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Andreas F. Borchert, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Computer-made picture. It does not show this garden.
- Kenneth Allen, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Computer-made picture. It does not show this walking route.
Enclosure in Saints IslandEnclosure · 1706 ydComputer-made pictureExplorer Tom Enclosure in Saints Island was St. Patrick's monastic base, founded back in the fifth century. The east half is basically a graveyard now, so don't get too cosy with the stones. It’s a weird little patch on Lough Derg, and I imagine pilgrims once arriving here to check their souls.
Saints IslandIsland · 1708 ydExplorer Tom Saints Island sounds like the place to land for the Lough Derg pilgrimage, but that is Station Island next door. This island held the early monastery; Lough Derg calls it overgrown and inaccessible. Even my map needs the two islands kept straight.
Grave YardGraveyard · 1732 ydComputer-made pictureExplorer Tom Saints Island's graveyard belongs to a much older Lough Derg story. The account says pilgrims once used a road and a wooden bridge to reach the island; the survey wondered whether boulders in the lake were bridge supports. Tom would like to know who first drew that route.
Ardmore HillMountain / peak · 1.0 miComputer-made pictureExplorer Tom Ardmore Hill is doing its best to look important in County Donegal, but let's be honest, it's just a hill with a big ego. It probably thinks it's guarding something sacred, or maybe just a lost sheep that wandered off years ago. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll, if you ask me.
CroaghadaloughMountain / peak · 1.5 miComputer-made pictureExplorer Tom Croaghadalough has been standing there longer than most human relationships last, so be gentle. It looks like it’s waiting for someone to explain the plot of the day. Give it a pat on the way past, it's had a long life and deserves the affection.
St. Parick's Catholic BasilicaChurch/chapel · 1.7 miExplorer Tom St. Parick's Catholic Basilica is an octagonal masterpiece on Station Island, designed by William Scott who based the plan on San Vitale in Ravenna. It cost over £80,000 to build and features stained glass by Harry Clarke, making it a stunning pilgrimage site.
Station IslandIsland · 1.7 miExplorer Tom Station Island is the Lough Derg pilgrimage island; the older monastery island is its neighbour, Saints Island. The traditional pilgrimage lasts three days. I would want the current dates and a proper booking sorted before I packed, because a lake crossing deserves more planning than my usual wandering.
monument1.7 miExplorer Tom Monument in Station Island has three marble saints standing on sandstone blocks, but only one was made locally. I picture St. Joseph arriving from Italy via a very slow boat in 1891 while Patrick O’Neill’s Virgin Mary just stands there waiting for the unpacking to finish.
The CloisterGarden · 1.7 miComputer-made pictureExplorer Tom The Cloister in County Donegal is probably where monks went to complain about the canteen food. I bet they hid extra biscuits under the floorboards just to be spiteful. Count the crows, then count again and panic slightly.
Patrick the PilgrimMemorial · 2.1 miExplorer Tom Patrick the Pilgrim is a memorial that’s clearly been on a long journey to get here. St. Patrick’s Purgatory is in the background, which suggests this guy had some serious spiritual homework to do. Stand where the owner stood and practise looking smug.
Lough Derg Pilgrim PathOfficial walking route · 2.3 miComputer-made pictureExplorer Tom Lough Derg Pilgrim Path is nine kilometres of easy walking where people go to find peace and get blisters instead. It’s a loop, so the suffering comes back around to you. Get there early and have it all to yourself, unless they’re meditating nearby.
Bannadoo TrailWalking route · 3.5 miComputer-made pictureMore islands in County Donegal · All of County Donegal
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