PICTURES: Well attended Walk the Cross 2023 event sets off from Roscrea

WALK The Cross 2023 saw Christians from all over Ireland departing four locations - North, South, East and West - walking 33 miles to the ancient Holy site, Clonmacnoise for what they believe is a pilgrimage that has been inspired by God.

Pictured above with part of the Cross are Pamela Landy, Ellen Ryan, Marie Larkin, Deirdre Heeran, Kay Downey, Michelle O'Dwyer and Gary Brennan (Organiser)

The four provinces of Ireland walked the 33 miles over three days. Each province carried a piece of the Cross and met in the centre of Ireland, where the cross was assembled and exalted by those taking part in the unique pilgrimage.

Above Lesley Flannagan, Liam Grimes and Michael carry a section of the Cross and below are the happy Pilgrims setting off from Roscrea. Photos: PJ Wright

On the first day, September 14, Munster started their pilgrimage walk at St Cronan's Church in Roscrea after 10am Mass and Benediction. The walked the first stage of the pilgrimage to Birr.

Top photo are Bernie Hynes, Liam Shanahan and Pamela Landy and below are Michael Tierney, Maura Carroll, Mary Lee, Liz Tierney and Cronan Wright. Photos: PJ Wright

The walk to Birr was not possible for everyone and so some people participated in stages of the walk and joined the group along the route.

Rita Madigan, Austin Madigan and Gary Brennan. Photo: PJ Wright

On the second day the pilgrims walked from Birr to near Clonmacnoise and on the third and final day walked the final three miles to Clonmacnoise, where the four provinces met and assembled the parts of the Cross, which was followed by Holy Mass, Benediction and Confessions.