Pre Pilgrimage Start Point Dundalk
Brigid’s Way Celtic Pilgrimage
Brigid’s Way covers 9 consecutive days over 3 counties on Ireland’s East coast. The distance each day varies from 6 to 14 miles (10 to 24 kms) which is between 5 to 6 hours of walking with intermittent rests. Please be aware this does require a good level of fitness and stamina, so do consider this before booking your place. Training in advance is advised. Remember the option to join for one or two days is also available.
The walking route is mostly on small country ‘L’ roads with some paths through forest, along the canal and across the Curragh of Kildare.
The best footwear to use for walking on roads is strong trainers (sneakers/runners) broken in before you start. Heavy hiking boots are not suitable.
“This was my first experience of walking part of Brigid’s Way Pilgrimage. It was an enriching and rewarding experience, an opportunity to be at one with nature and enjoy the beauty of the path while in the company of such wonderful and welcoming group who each shared so freely their song, dance, story or a welcoming smile.”
Directions for Day 1: Faughart – Dundalk
Please note: At Faughart Upper Well/Shrine carparks do not leave valuables/bags visible in your car.
From M1 motorway going North
From Dublin, Drogheda or anywhere south of Dundalk, take exit 18 from M1 travelling north, then take the very first exit onto L71000. Follow this road for approximately 1 mile and then you will see Faughart Shrine on the left-hand side, follow the signs to the Faughart Upper Well and graveyard about 2 minutes by car and park there.
From M1 motorway going South
From Belfast, take the M1 exit 18 and go through the small roundabout. Take the second exit from this on to the large Ballymacscanlon roundabout then the 4th exit to cross the bridge exit onto L71000. Follow this road for approx. 1 mile and you will see Faughart Shrine on the left-hand side, follow the signs to the Faughart Upper Well and graveyard about 2 minutes by car and park there.
From Monaghan /Castleblayney
Take exit 18 from M1 motorway going north. Then the very first exit onto L71000 and follow this road for approx. 1 mile. You will see Faughart Shrine on the left-hand side. Follow the signs to the Faughart Upper Well and graveyard, 2 mins by car and park there.
From Carlingford
Take the road to Dundalk until you come to the Ballymascanlon roundabout then take the 3rd exit from the roundabout, cross the bridge, exit onto L71000 follow this road for approx. 1 mile. You will see Faughart Shrine on the left-hand side. Follow the signs to the Faughart Upper Well and graveyard, 2 mins by car and park there.
Travel Directions for the Beginning of the 9 Day Pilgrimage
As the start point on Day 1 and the end point on Day 9 are in different counties, it is best to travel to Dundalk by public transport. The following options are available.
Bus Eireann
From Dublin the 100X bus leaves from outside the Customs House Quay daily, near the bus depot, on the hour every hour from 7.00am in the morning until 10.00pm at night.
Train
From Dublin the 7.35am or 9.30am train leaves Dublin’s Connolly Station and takes approx. 1 hour www.irishrail.ie
From Belfast the 8.00am train leaves Belfast Central Station and arrives in Dundalk at 09.15am www.translink.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE: If you are part of the Day 1 or full 9 Day Pilgrimage, we will organise a Minibus which will bring pilgrims to Faughart Upper Well. Details of this will be sent in the final booking letter and is included in your booking fee.
If you are walking Brigid’s Way solo, then a local taxi rank will bring you to the Faughart Upper Well and graveyard for a nominal fee. Always ask the price before travelling.