Brigid’s Way – Pilgrim Paths Day Event – Saturday April 4th 2015
St. Brigid in Kildare – Brigid’s Way Celtic Pilgrimage’s final day route.
Overview: Brigid’s Way Celtic Pilgrimage has recently become the 13th National Pilgrim Path in Ireland, the first female Irish Saint to be so honoured. On Pilgrim Paths’ Day, we walk the route of the final day of this 9 day pilgrimage (which charts St Brigid’s journey from her birthplace & Shrine in Faughart, County Louth to her Abbey, Healing & Garden Wells in Kildare). We will start at Pollardstown Fen (pictured) in Kildare along the boardwalk of this picturesque hidden local treasure, then continue through country lanes to the magnificent Curragh & into the heart of Kildare Town to St. Brigid’s sacred sites including her Fire Temple in the grounds of the Cathedral, both her wells and finally new Solas Bhríde Centre (pictured below) for their welcome hospitality. Come to walk in the glorious Kildare countryside, meet new people and honour and receive the blessings of St. Brigid.
Suitability: This easy walk follows the wooden boardwalk of Pollardstown Fen, small country lanes (paved minor roads), the grassy Curragh terrain, footpaths around Kildare Town and St Brigid’s Fire Temple and Wells, which also have grassy sections. Please bring suitable walking shoes or boots, water, snacks/lunch, sun screen or weather gear (please check the local forecast).
Highlights:
- Pollardstown Fen
- The Curragh
- Kildare Town
- Solas Bhride Centre and Hermitages
There will be (optional) opportunities for guided or private prayer at:
- Rathbride, St Brigid’s Healing Stone at the edge of The Curragh
- St Brigid’s Fire Temple, in the grounds of her cathedral in Kildare Town
- St Brigid’s Healing Well, close to the National Stud
- St Brigid’s Healing Stream
Distance: 13 kms, 8 miles. Approx 3 hours.
Time: Meeting at 9:30am for bus to start point.
Meeting Place: Park & meet at the Solas Bhríde Centre car park, Tully Road, Kildare at 9.30am sharp (for more information about the start/end point see http://solasbhride.ie/). We’ll take a hired bus to the start point together. Note: You must register in advance for a place on the bus by emailing info@brigidsway.ie.
Cost: €5. We also invite you to make a donation to the new Solas Bhríde Centre & Hermitages during your visit.
Organised By: The Brigid’s Way Celtic Pilgrimage team and Solas Bhríde team, Kildare.