St Patrick’s Purgatory

History

St PatrickSt Patrick’s Purgatory, Lough Derg is a special place of peace and personal challenge. This small lake-island, renowned in Irish Christian tradition since the time of St. Patrick, has been receiving pilgrims continuously for well over 1000 years. In earlier times, the area around the lake was a place of protection for anyone in trouble. The nearby monastery offered hospitality to all. Today, Lough Derg still reaches out to those in need. Whatever their creed, background, social circumstances or religious practice, all are made welcome.

The traditional pilgrimage is a three-day undertaking of fasting, keeping vigil and walking barefooted. The central ‘Station Prayer’, Celtic in origin, is a combination of movement and ‘mantra-type’ prayer, made on the stone remains of beehive cells of the ancient monks.

 

Architecture

The copper dome of St. Patrick’s Basilica, built between 1926 and 1932 dominates the small island. The Basilica houses the Stations of the Cross depicted in stained glass windows executed by Harry Clarke who is considered to be one of Ireland’s most renowned stained-glass artists.
Launched in 2005, Davog House, our island retreat centre provides an oasis of calm to those on pilgrimage. It faciliates opportunities for group discussion and activities and affords us the opportunity to work extensively with youth and school groups outside the traditional Lough Derg pilgrimage season. Daivog House is situated on the original site of the ladies hostel, demolished in 2001.

Attractions

Our lakeshore visitor attractions include a newly renovated and updated visitor centre, where pilgrims can watch a dvd providing in depth information on the Lough Derg pilgrimage and the surroundings. For younger visitors the chance to see the M.V. St Patrick, the boat which would have transported many of their ancestors to the island is an exciting prospect. In addition the Pilgrim walk located along the shoreline provides the more adventurous walker and indeed the casual stroller with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the nature of this tranquil retreat.

Local Interest

Lough Derg is located 4 miles to the north west of Pettigo in Co. Donegal. The village of Pettigo is steeped in history and is the only place in Ireland that is located in both Northern and the Republic of Ireland. Visitors to the area might like to pay a visit to the ruins of the 14th century Castle Mc Grath, a short 1 mile drive from the centre of the village. Cow Shed Studios run by local artists Dara Hand and Alison Britton is an essential stop for visitors and indeed much much of the artwork on Lough Derg was specially commissioned from Cow Shed Studios.
Further afield visitors can enjoy the island town of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh with its wide array of Musuems. theatres and leisure facilities, Donegal town for those with an interest in all things Irish, and for those that like some lively entertainment and facilities for all the family, Ireland's premier seaside resort, Bundoran is only a half hour drive.