Saint Declan’s Way is a 115km pilgrim walking route linking Cashel in County Tipperary with Ardmore in County Waterford. It follows the route that Declan took when going to Cashel to meet Saint Patrick in the fifth century.
St. Declan’s Way
Saint Declan’s Way is a 115km pilgrim walking route linking Cashel in County Tipperary with Ardmore in County Waterford. It follows the route that Declan took when going to Cashel to meet Saint Patrick in the fifth century. In turn, it is the way that Pilgrims have taken to visit Saint Declan’s monastery, holy-well and grave in Ardmore for the past one and a half thousand years.
A walk along Saint Declan’s Way brings you through the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. On your journey you will encounter many historic places and hear incredible stories and legends from ancient Ireland. We hope you will come to appreciate the deep roots that Christianity has set down across this land over the centuries, and that your adventure will prompt you to delve deeper and explore further this fascinating heritage.
Did You Know
• How did Declan come to build his monastery at Ardmore? When Declan was returning from Rome he sailed for the coast of Ireland with his disciples. Rúnán was in charge of Declan’s special bell, but he forgot to put it on the ship.
• They all prayed earnestly to God for its recovery, whereupon a rock floated by the ship and on it was Declan’s little bell. Declan said to his disciples that he would build his monastery wherever the rock made landing. That rock can still be seen on the sea-shore at Ardmore. Pilgrims seeking a cure for back-ache endeavour to wriggle through the narrow space beneath it.
Walk details
St-Declans-Way
550.95 KBDistance
115km (total); Approx 65km Co. Waterford.
Type
Linear
Grade
Predominantly Moderate
Time
6 days (total); 3 days Co. Waterford.
Terrain
Minor roads, forest roads /paths, upland tracks, farmland lanes and paths, riverside walks, coastal and cliff paths.
Waymarking
Blue arrow on white background
Trailhead
Ardmore
Trailhead OSI Map No, Grid Ref/GPS
82, X 192 776; 51.95106, -7.72142
Nearest Towns / Villages
Lismore, Cappoquin and Ardmore
Minimum Gear
Walking shoes/boots, wind/rain gear, snacks/ water, mobile phone
Map
Overview
Saint Declan’s Way is a 115km pilgrim walking route linking Cashel in County Tipperary with Ardmore in County Waterford. It follows the route that Declan took when going to Cashel to meet Saint Patrick in the fifth century.
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