Re-discovering Ireland's ancient trails at special Waterford event
Author John G O'Dwyer.
In recent years, history has come a full circle. People are taking, in large numbers, to Ireland's ancient pilgrim paths on 500km of waymarked trails that follow the footsteps of penitents' past.
If you are thinking of walking one of these paths in 2026 or want to know more about them, an illustrated talk on Monday evening, January 26, in the Lismore Heritage Centre will be of interest to you.
At the invitation of Lismore Conversation that Matters, John G O'Dwyer (author of Great Irish Pilgrim Journeys) will give an illustrated talk at 8pm titled Re-discovering Ireland's Ancient Trails.
He will focus on pilgrim walking with particular emphasis on St Declan's Way and recount his own experiences, some funny, when walking the Irish pilgrim paths.
Examining what motivated the modern pilgrim, he will also discuss the important differences between pilgrim walking and hiking.
Johnâ¯G. O’Dwyer is an author, hillwalker, contributor to the Irish Times and promoter of Ireland’s pilgrim heritage. He is best known for his guidebooks and narrative explorations of Ireland’s ancient walking routes and mountain landscapes.
His 2013 book titled "Pilgrim Paths in Ireland - a Guide" offered the first comprehensive introduction to the Irish Pilgrim Paths and did much to renew interest in walking them. Admission to the talk is free.
