Hundreds take to new Irish Camino trail

St Declan’s Way became Ireland’s longest pilgrim path after receiving recognition from Sport Ireland, with Irish Pilgrim Path’s founder comparing it to the famous Camino de Santiago.

More than 200 people embarked on the 115km trail, which begins in Cashel and ends in Armdore, Co. Waterford, July 24, which John G O’Dwyer said is a “fantastic sign” for the future.

“Up to now we’ve had relatively short pilgrim walks, not comparable to the Camino,” Mr O’Dwyer of Irish Pilgrim Paths told The Irish Catholic.

“The demand was there and that desire has now been satisfied with this lovely walk.”

Sports Ireland recognised the path as a fully waymarked long-distance walking trail, which Mr O’Dwyer said is “testimony to the high standard of the trail”.

He hopes that it will match the Camino de Santiago in terms of popularity and devotion.

“It fills a market for spirituality, it’s different for the type of walking on the Kerry Way, which is very meritorious,” Mr O’Dwyer explained. “Pilgrim walking is deeper, it’s a journey of inner discovery.

“People expect on a walk like this – and also the Camino – that it will be transformative. That’s what we’re looking forward to here.”