A Pilgrimage by Boat to Innisfallen
Nestled amidst the storied lakes of Killarney, Innisfallen Island and Muckross Abbey are two iconic landmarks that together form a tapestry of spiritual, cultural, and historical significance for County Kerry and beyond. Although they exist as separate entities—one rising quietly from the waters of Lough Leane, the other standing in the tranquil woods near Muckross Lake—their histories are interwoven through the Christian heritage of the region, the ebb and flow of monastic life, and the enduring lore of Killarney’s sacred landscape.
To journey by boat to Innisfallen is to drift not only across the serene surface of Lough Leane, but through centuries of faith, contemplation, and scholarship. The island’s ancient abbey, shrouded in mist and legend, evokes the era when monks sought solitude to nurture wisdom and inscribe the annals that would become the memory of Ireland itself. The pilgrim’s gaze, upon landing, inevitably sweeps across the waters toward the wooded shore, where the stone arches of Muckross Abbey stand sentinel among yew trees whose roots grip the same earth as those who prayed, wrote, and dreamed there centuries later.
The spiritual synergy between these two sites is woven from more than mere proximity. Innisfallen and Muckross represent distinct chapters in Ireland’s monastic tradition: the former, a beacon of early Christian hermitage and learning; the latter, a testament to the Franciscan renewal of medieval faith. Yet, pilgrims and poets alike have long sensed a quiet dialogue between the ruins—the call of bells echoing across lakes, the rustling of leaves mingling with the whispered prayers of both anchorite and friar. Together, these sanctuaries offer a pilgrimage through time, binding the soul of Killarney to the wider story of Ireland’s sacred heritage.
Come and join Archdeacon Simon-John Lumby and I on Saturday 4th October as we leave by boat from Ross Castle, Ross Road, Killarney Eircode V93 V304 at 11am to Innisfallen. After spending time on the island, we will return, and travel together to the Killarney National Park for lunch (cost not included). To conclude our day after our lunch, we will take a stroll to Muckross Abbey for a final blessing.
Things to bring:
- Water and snacks
- Waterproof clothing
- Jacket or Fleece
- Walking shoes
Things to be aware of:
- This day will involve travelling by boat, car and on foot
- All to be mindful of the weather and your surroundings
- Toilet facilities will be available at Ross Castle before we commence our day.
Cost per person €20.
Early Booking is advised to avoid disappointment
Valerie Raitt
Diocesan Co-Ordinator for Spiritual Tourism & Pilgrimage
