The road beckons to Colmcille's (Columba, c. 521-97) Well and the Durrow Abbey known during Columba's lifetime and for centuries after as a center of education and spiritual pilgrimage...
As we begin to prepare our hearts for the journey to Sacred Ireland in May of 2022 and then again in September, we'd like to share a bit of Durrow, County Laois with you.
The Durrow Abbey...
We will travel by private coach from Dublin to Clonmacnoise on Day Four of our Sacred Ireland Pilgrimage, and we will take the time to visit this charming medieval church along the way, built on the site of first monastery established by St. Columba. It was here that one of the earliest decorated manuscripts, the Book of Durrow, was written.
(For the detailed Sacred Ireland itinerary and destinations, visit these links!)
A page from the Book of Durrow
Along with the amazing Book of Kells, said to have been written by Columba's monks on the island of Iona, the even more elaborately decorated Book of Durrow, written in Durrow in the 700's is also housed in the museum at Trinity University in Dublin. We will visit the museum on Day Two of our Pilgrimage and entrance is included!
Moved indoors to preserve the High Cross of Durrow for history and contemplation....
The 10th century High Cross that has been moved inside the Abbey for preservation, shows the Sacrifice of Isaac, David and the Christ in glory on the east side, the soldiers guarding the tomb, the Arrest of Christ and other biblical scenes, making picture stories in stone for all to learn from. It is wonderful to think about how for hundreds of years people of faith have been led to pray and worship around this cross.
Will we follow the signs?
Sacred wells are not uncommon to find in the Irish countryside, and we will visit two during our Pilgrimage. Considered to be "thin places", where eternity is especially close to the present, many come to pray at these locations, bringing the deepest requests of their hearts to God. Before departing one can dip a finger into the water of the well and touch it to the forehead or make the sign of the cross. Sometimes pilgrims leave a note or memento to signifying their requests.
Emerging from a quiet meditation inside St. Oran's Chapel...
We will spend a quiet time in the peace of St. Columba's well in Durrow and then gather back at the Abbey to continue our journey to Clonmacnoise. Durrow is a key location on our way to Glendalough where we will prepare our hearts for retreat.
Let the beauty of Ireland, and of Durrow, (Darú in Gaelic meaning "plain of the oaks"), and the rich Celtic spiritual traditions refresh your soul...
We hope you will join us!!
Now is the time to get your application + $25 non-refundable application fee in! We will gather applications and then issue the invitations to join us for our May & September 2022 Pilgrimages!
Celtic Way Pilgrimages 2022 Dates:
May 2022, Celtic Way Pilgrimages
Sacred Ireland: May 3rd - 11th
Iona, Scotland: May 11th - 16th
September 2022, Celtic Way Pilgrimages
Sacred Ireland: September 20th - 28th
Iona, Scotland: September 28th - October 3rd
Pricing for Sacred Ireland is $2,600 and for Iona, Scotland is $1,600.
Discounts and timed payments after initial deposit are available.
For more details, visit our website here....
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