Walking the Ancient Irish Paths
Emphasizing the urgent need for ecological awareness and action based on the teachings of Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical "Laudato Si', Notre Dame Kylemore is pleased to offer "Laudato Si Pilgrimages," led by local Archeologist Michael Gibbons and Notre Dame guest faculty.
Each pilgrimage focuses on various spiritual journeys in Ireland, highlighting a significant historical and cultural site such as Omey Island, Turlough Hill, and Monastic Aran. These pilgrimages emphasize the connection between the site and the teachings of Saint Patrick and other saints, as well as the importance of nature and spirituality with the overall aim of fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and heritage. They also emphasize the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, the moral responsibility to care for the environment, and the necessity for a collective dialogue to address ecological crisis by reflecting on the ancient historical Irish tradition of pilgrimages and exploring the spiritual and ethical dimensions of environmental stewardship.
“I just wanted to send a quick note thanking all of you for inviting me to Kylemore and making my stay so enjoyable. I had a great time meeting folks and seeing the local sites with archaeologist Michael Gibbons. I’m sure there was a ton of work behind the scenes to make it all happen, so thank you! You’ve got a very special place and a very special team of people there, and it was a privilege to drop into it for a long weekend.” --Tyler Coverdale, Speaker, Laudato Si' Pilgrimage, Fall 2025
These retreats are perfect for:
- Faculty and students from universities and academic institutions interested in environmental studies, theology, archaeology, and Irish cultural heritage
- Religious groups and spiritual seekers looking to deepen their understanding of ecological spirituality and ancient Christian traditions
- Environmental advocates and conservationists interested in exploring the connection between spirituality and ecological stewardship
- Cultural tourists and history enthusiasts eager to experience Ireland's ancient pilgrimage routes and archaeological sites
- Individuals seeking meaningful travel experiences that combine physical activity, spiritual reflection, and environmental awareness
- Community leaders and educators interested in learning about sustainable practices and environmental responsibility through the lens of spiritual tradition
2026 Program Logistics
Dates
- April 24-26, 2026: Turlough Hill
- October 2-4, 2026: Maritime Pilgirmage from Cleggan Bay to Omey Island
Cost
- €650 Euros for participants staying at Kylemore
- €300 Euros for participants staying at other lodging
INCLUDED
- Accommodation in ensuite rooms
- Discussions and hikes with archeologist Michael Gibbons
- All meals are prepared by an in-house chef
Pilgrimage Itineraries
Turlough Hill Hike
This hike encompasses some of the most beautiful upland landscapes in the country, it is circa 10kms in length, starting just close to the Burren Chocolate factory.
We will head south-east along a pilgrimage track, into the exquisitely beautiful mountain valley of Oughtmama, home to a cluster of Churches and ancient Holy Wells dedicated to Saint Colmcille.
The ruined Monastery is nestled in at the head of the valley surrounded by an arc of stunning limestone terraces rises to a height of over a 1000 feet, hiking on rough ground here, we continue alone and pass a perfect example of an intact 3000 year spring line Fulachta Fiadha, an ancient cooking site, before beginning the summit ridge.
An exceptional trio of ancient monuments crowns the summit, these include (1) a large Pre-historic Hill Top Cairn almost five thousand years old which is visible from twenty miles away. It forms the end point of (2) the largest prehistoric village in Ireland consisting of 150 Round Houses, some dating to c. 800 BC. Further along the ridge we will explore one of the most mysterious monuments in the country (3) a large Ceremonial Enclosure with14 entrances.
On our return, our views will encompass an enormous vista over Galway Bay, the Gort Lowlands, the Burren Plateau and the mountains of Connemara ranged along the western skyline.
The first 2km of this hike is on a farm track and the remainder is on very rough open mountain, boot and walking sticks are needed.
Maritime Pilgrimage from Cleggan Bay to Omey Island
A magical tidal island is our destination, accessible on foot twice a day at low tides, it is a beautiful place of wave swept granite headlands topped by windblown sandy soils. It has long been a place of Pilgrimage and spiritual journeys with connections to both Saint Brendan and Saint Féichín and a favourite of poets and painters, including Irish Poet Richard Murphy.
There are numerous traces of the monastic community that lived and worked here over 1500 years ago, including a partially buried Church which lies hidden amongst its sand hills and an ancient Burial Ground known as ‘The Hill of the Women’. Every storm with their crashing waves reveals yet another layer of the islands 6000-year-old story. In recent years an ancient cemetery has eroded out of the cliffs and on to the shore leaving it strewn with artifacts in stone and metal including a rare 1200-year Kite Brooch.
Omey is no longer occupied on a permanent basis though, it is still owned by its former inhabitants, at its peak it supported over 300 people eking out a living from inshore fishing combined with small scale farming and seasonal migration.
Our pilgrimage starts at the small fishing village of Cleggan, heading south over bog covered hills with huge ocean and mountain views, walking along minor tracks, roads and visiting a 5700-year-old tomb discovered during turf cutting. We journey south to Claddaghduff and its beautiful 1km wide beach and out to the Omey.
Laudato Si Speakers
Michael Gibbons
Michael is a member of the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland with almost 40 years of experience as an archaeologist. He has served a term with Comhairle Bhéaloideas Éireann – The Folklore of Ireland Council, to which he was nominated by the Minister for Education. Most recently he carried out survey work on Caher Island, Inishkeas and Inishglora on behalf of Mayo Co Council. He was project archaeologist and promoter during the work to establish a historic trail around the site of the Marconi Station in Clifden (opened in 2016).
Related Articles:
'Exciting find' as ancient burial mound found in Mayo
‘Very exciting’ archaeological discovery made on Mayo/Galway border
Past Speakers
Prof. John Duffy (2025)
John Duffy is Professor of English and the Faculty Director of the Inspired Leadership Initiative at the University of Notre Dame. John has published on the ethics of writing, the 1619 Project, the rhetoric of disability, and the historical development of literacy in cross-cultural contexts. In his recent book, Provocations of Virtue: Rhetoric, Ethics, and the Teaching of Writing, he examines the ethical dimensions of teaching writing in a post-truth world. His monograph, Writing from These Roots, was awarded the 2009 Outstanding Book Award by the Conference on College Composition and Communication, and his book, Provocations of Virtue, received honorable mention for the 2022 MLA Mina P. Shaughnessy Prize. He has published essays in College English, Rhetoric Review, JAC: A Journal of Rhetoric, Culture, and Politics, and elsewhere. John is a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship and in 2022 received the Sheedy Excellence in Teaching Award, the highest teaching honor in the College of Arts & Letters. He teaches courses in public speaking, writing, and literature. He is an avid hiker who has completed long distance hikes in Ireland, Scotland, and the U.S.
Dr. Tyler Coverdale (2025)
Tyler Coverdale is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. His research aims to understand how species interactions are shaped by a rapidly changing world, and in particular how changes in the abundance and diversity of plants affects the structure, function, and resilience of the world’s ecosystems. Research in Dr. Coverdale’s lab spans multiple continents and ecosystems, from New England salt marshes and temperate grasslands to East African savannas. In 2024, he received the Harper Prize from the British Ecological Society, which is given each year to the author of the best paper published in Journal of Ecology. At Notre Dame, he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in ecology and environmental science.