Offaly pilgrims embark on journey of community and self reflection

The ecumenical and cross-community Rahan to Clonmacnoise Pilgrimage took place on Saturday, September 6 2025.

Anna Orman of Clara Heritage Society wrote: ''The journey offered a chance to break away from daily routines, bringing together communities—both religious and cultural—and fostered self-reflection, while also allowing for fresh insights into oneself, all amidst the breathtaking monastic and peat landscapes of County Offaly.

The communal aspects of the pilgrimage, including shared meals, conversations, and prayers, fostered a sense of unity and fellowship among the pilgrims.

The journey commenced at the ancient church and graveyard of St. Carthage, situated within the Rahan Monastic Enclosure, which was established c. 580 by Mochuda, better known as St. Carthage. Attendees arrived at 9 am for tea and refreshments, which were provided by Clara Heritage Society, before taking their seats for the official opening service, which was led by Ms. Mieke Scholte, worship leader of St. Carthage Church, Reverend Canon Isaac Delamare of the Tullamore Union of Parishes, and Fr. Joe Deegan, Parish Priest of Clara Parish. Rahan Comhaltas provided music for the occasion.

From there, Pilgrims journeyed along the Grand Canal to Pullough. It was an idyllic stroll on the flat, well-maintained path perfect for easy walking, allowing them to breathe in the fresh air and soak up the peaceful scenery. They were warmly greeted at St. Mary’s Church by members of the Pollagh Heritage Group and Pullough Tidy Towns with a basket of homegrown apples and grapes, where pilgrims received an informative introduction to the church’s history. The Church is known for its beautiful Harry Clark windows and Bog yew altar, tabernacle, ambo, and chair from local bogs.

Lemanaghan was the next stop, where pilgrims had the chance to explore the early medieval monastic complex founded by St. Manchan in the 7th century, led by members of the Lemanaghan Bog community.

Time was set aside for a delicious lunch prepared by Island Farm Foods before the pilgrims journeyed across the enigmatic and scarred landscape of Lemanaghan bog. Lemanaghan bog is a space characterised by a peculiar beauty that transcends traditional aesthetics or standards, inspiring feelings of awe, curiosity, and a touch of discomfort.

This was an exhilarating and spiritual experience as the modern-day pilgrims followed in the footsteps of pilgrims from ages hence, along the Slí Mór or Ancient Medieval Pilgrim’s Road to Clonmacnoise, which crosses the Lemanaghan bog and has been used for centuries.

READ NEXT: Mary Swan 90 the oldest visitor to Clara Bog Trotters Festival

The journey continued to Boher Church for a pit-stop, west towards Doone and continued to Mannion’s Cross, where pilgrims veered south-west for approximately 2 km before heading North along the L7013 to join the Slí Mor once again. As the rain clouds advanced and the wind surged, the sight of resolute pilgrims proceeding towards Clonmacnoise was observable against the diminishing light.

A welcome sight at Clonmacnoise was Island Farm Food with a warm cup of tea and a delicious slice of cake. At 8:30 pm, the pilgrims gathered in the beautiful Temple Connor Church for a candlelit service led by the Reverend William Stacey of the Athlone Union of Parishes. At 9 pm, the bus ferried all back to Rahan to safely return home.