By Patrick J. Passmore
Dublin, Ireland, May 31, 2025 / 09:00 am
This weekend, the Jubilee of Hope pilgrimage season will open in Ireland as the first cohort of 2025 pilgrims set foot on the mystical island of St. Patrick’s Purgatory situated on Lough Derg, a secluded inland lake in County Donegal, following a brief 10-minute boat ride.
Lough Derg is famed for its physically demanding yet spiritually enriching three-day pilgrimage, known to be a transformative experience for the devout.
Simply mentioning Lough Derg in Ireland evokes tales of sleepless nights, discomfort, and hunger, yet it remains a place of profound spiritual rejuvenation and hope, where pilgrims often emerge transformed after the rigorous rituals of self-purification.
With a history dating back to at least the 1100s, Lough Derg captured the imagination of renowned figures like Dante and Shakespeare’s Hamlet, emphasizing its significance in spiritual literature.
Termed as the “Ironman of Pilgrimages,” Lough Derg demands a sense of resilience and humor from its participants, who carefully navigate the challenges of fasting, prayer, and barefoot walks, all leading to a profound sense of spiritual renewal upon completion.
Pilgrims are drawn to Lough Derg for various reasons – to express gratitude, seek penance, or out of love, grief, curiosity, tradition, or obligation, each finding solace and renewal in this sacred place.
Embarking on a pilgrimage to Lough Derg, located in Ireland, may not seem like the most glamorous or comfortable journey. The pilgrimage season coincides with cold, wet Irish weather, lack of sleep, fasting, and blisters, making it a challenging experience. However, despite the hardships, faith always remains at the forefront of this spiritual journey.
What Makes Lough Derg So Special?
Despite the tough conditions, pilgrims flock to Lough Derg year after year, with many becoming repeat visitors. Dr. Lee Casey from Derry is a frequent pilgrim, often making the journey twice in a single year. His parents even undertook the pilgrimage on their honeymoon. Lee, who is planning to return this year after a serious illness, describes Lough Derg as the only place on earth where one can find that unique spiritual connection.
During their time on the island, pilgrims spend two nights, arriving around noon on the first day and leaving on the morning of the third day. Fasting begins at midnight before arrival and ends at midnight on the third day. Pilgrims are allowed one meal a day consisting of black tea, coffee, dry toast, and oatcakes.
Upon arrival, pilgrims must relinquish food, drinks, phones, and electronic devices. They also remove their footwear for the entire duration of their stay, walking on bare rocks with rugged terrain under their feet.
Station Prayers and Penitential Beds
During their time at Lough Derg, pilgrims engage in station prayers on penitential prayer beds made of bare stone. These prayers are performed on their knees and feet, leaving a profound impact on the pilgrims. The challenging physical and spiritual journey at Lough Derg is a test of faith and endurance, but for many, it is a transformative and deeply rewarding experience.
Experience the ancient tradition of prayer beds at Lough Derg, remnants of the old beehive “prayer” cells used by ninth-century monks. These prayer beds form the central part of the prayer program, offering a unique and meditative experience.
Station prayers, known as “body” prayers, involve kneeling and walking while reciting basic prayers like the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Creed. Complete nine station prayers over three days, each taking about an hour to complete. Pilgrims find the experience to be deeply meditative.
The Vigil
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Embark on a 24-hour Vigil on the first night, the heart of the Lough Derg pilgrimage experience. Journey together in watchful prayer, staying alert despite the intense desire to sleep. Participate in liturgies including the Eucharist, the sacrament of reconciliation, and the Way of the Cross, with time for reflection.
“Lough Derg is a great place to bring burdens and leave them behind. It often surprises us with unexpected thoughts, new ideas, and a different perspective,” shared Monsignor La Flynn, prior of Lough Derg pilgrimage site. “This time away from everything provides an opportunity to be at peace, empty the mind, and listen to the whisper of our God.”
The pilgrimage’s ebb and flow, from strenuous exercises to peaceful reflection, aim to open us to receptivity, honesty, and humility that we can carry into our daily lives.
Returning Pilgrims
Aidan Gallagher, a frequent visitor to Lough Derg from Newry, County Down, finds the pilgrimage to be a powerful reset. He plans to attend again this year, seeking the transformative and renewing experience that Lough Derg offers.
