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 to the Start Point for Day 1: Faughart – Dundalk
Please note: At Faughart Upper Well/Shrine carparks do not leave valuables/bags visible in your car.
Getting to Dundalk
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.
By Bus from Dublin
Bus Eireann’s 100X service departs from Custom House Quay on the hour. It arrives into Dundalk’s Long Walk bus station. Disembark at the second last stop in Dundalk, opposite McDonalds. Glengat B&B is only one minute walk away. Lissnawilly Estate B&B is 8 minutes walk away.
View Glengat on Google Maps
www.buseireann.ie
The Matthews bus service departs hourly from Parnell Street. It terminates in Dundalk at The Marshes Shopping Centre. You can get a taxi from the shopping centre to Glengat B&B or walk for about 15 minutes. www.commuter.matthews.ie
By Bus from Dublin Airport
Bus Eireann’s regular service bus departs at 20 minutes past every hour. It arrives into Dundalk’s Long Walk bus station. Disembark at the second last stop in Dundalk, opposite McDonalds. Glengat B&B is only one minute walk away. Lissnawilly Estate B&B is 8 minutes walk away.
www.buseireann.ie
By Train from Dublin
The Dublin train departs from Connolly Station in the city regularly. www.irishrail.ie
By Train from Belfast
The Enterprise train service leaves from Belfast Central rail station approximately every 2 hours and takes 75 minutes. Trains arrive into Dundalk’s Clarke station from where it is a 10 minute walk into Dundalk town. Glengat B&B is about a 5 minute walk away.
www.translink.co.uk
There is no convenient bus service from Belfast to Dundalk.
Driving from the South
Most routes are via Dublin and the M50 motorway. Follow signs for the North and Belfast. Leave the M50 at Junction 3 for the M1 motorway. Remain on the M1 until Exit 16 signed Dundalk South.
When you leave the motorway take the 3rd exit on the roundabout for Dundalk town . Stay in left lane until you reach a large junction; the Xerox building is on the right, with the Crown Plaza Hotel on the left. Turn left at this junction for Dundalk town centre.
You will go through 3 sets of small lights: at a college, at a hospital and just before going over a bridge. When you go through the 3rd lights and cross the bridge prepare to turn left. The Glen Gat is ahead on the corner on the right. Lissnawilly Estate B&B is nearby and Sally will guide you from here.
Driving from the North (via Belfast)
Take the M1 motorway out of Belfast and follow the signage for Dublin. Exit the M1 at Junction 8 onto the A1 (still signposted Dublin, the South) via a series of roundabouts. Remain on the A1 (which becomes the N1 when it crosses the border) until Junction 18, signposted Dundalk North. Follow the signs to take you into Dundalk town centre.
You will pass the Greyhound stadium on your left and a few minutes later, a Lidl on your right. Move into the right hand lane and take a right hand turn at the second set of lights. This road will bring you into Dundalk town centre.
Driving from Monaghan, Enniskillen, Sligo and Cavan
Drive through Castleblaney on to the N53 until you come to Dundalk. This route is well signposted.
Travel from Airports Near Belfast
Flights arrive into George Best Belfast City airport and into Aldergrove, Belfast International Airport. Both these airports have bus services which bring you into Belfast city centre. (Airport express 600 bus from George Best Airport and the Express 300 bus from Aldergrove).
www.translink.co.uk
From there, take a taxi to Belfast Central railway station and follow the instructions above.
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.
Accomodation list for all stages of the pilgrimage
Here are our recommendations for accommodation if you are walking the full 9 day Pilgrimage or individual days.