- The Iona Institute - https://ionainstitute.ie -

Lough Derg summer pilgrimage cancelled for first time in 192 years

Pilgrimages to Lough Derg have been suspended [1] for the first time in 192 years due to Covid-19, the organisers have confirmed [2].

The pilgrimage season which usually runs from June 1st to August 15th was suspended for safety reasons because pilgrims who walk bare-footed on the island touch stones with their feet and hands and congregate in a small space.

Father Laurence (La) Flynn, the prior of Lough Derg since 2013, said that confined space on the island, both indoors and outdoors, was the deciding factor behind the decision.

“There is nothing we would wish for more than to welcome pilgrims for the Three Day Pilgrimage,” he said.

“The Lough Derg team have examined every aspect of the relevant Government guidelines and following a thorough analysis the reality was clear: the traditional pilgrimage will not be possible.”