One of the oldest pilgrim routes in Ireland, for a period stretching back more than 1,000 years, has been reopened.
The restoration of St Kevin's Way or Sli Chaoimhin in Co Wicklow, a pilgrim path which runs for 18 miles through scenic countryside from Hollywood to Glendalough, was marked by an official opening of the route last evening by the Government Chief Whip and chairman of the National Millennium Committee, Mr Seamus Brennan.
The path follows the route taken by pilgrims visiting the ancient monastic city of Glendalough and winds its way through a combination of roads, forest paths and open mountainside. It takes in many of the historical sites associated with St Kevin, who travelled the route in search of a mountain hermitage, as well as areas of geological interest and scenic beauty.
A local committee was formed to develop the route in 1998. The project received funding from the National Millennium Committee which, in association with the Heritage Council, picked seven ancient pilgrim sites in the State to be restored.
Mr Liam Mullen, chairman of the development committee, said it was particularly satisfying that Sli Chaoimhin was the first of the pilgrim path projects to be brought to a successful conclusion. "This remarkable feat has been achieved entirely through local voluntary effort," he said.
The other routes to be upgraded include Cosan na Naomh on the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry; Tochar Phadraig from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick in Mayo; a route to the shore of Lough Derg opposite Saints Island in Donegal; St Declan's Way from Lismore to Ardmore in Waterford; and Sli Mhor from Ballycumber/Leamonaghan to Clonmacnois in Offaly.
The National Millennium Committee has also funded the building of five cillins or hermitages in Glendalough, as solitary retreats for those wishing to take time out from the pressures of modern living for a period of contemplation and reflection.
To mark the opening of Sli Chaoimhin, a two-day guided walk along the route has been organised. It will leave Tutty's Pub, Hollywood, at 10.30 a.m. today walking to Ballinagree Bridge. A bus will be provided for those wishing to return to Hollywood after the walk.
Tomorrow the walk will depart from Ballinagree Bridge to Glendalough at 11.15 a.m., with a prayer service en route at the ancient church of Templeteeaun conducted by Bishop Willie Walsh of Killaloe. A bus will be available to take walkers to Ballinagree Bridge from Glendalough Visitors' Centre at 10.30 a.m.
Walkers are advised to bring hiking boots or strong shoes, rainwear and a packed lunch.