A unique Christian pilgrimage by boat and foot will take place along the River Shannon this May, as pilgrims gather to mark the Feast Day of one of Ireland’s most remarkable saints — St Brendan the Navigator.
On Saturday 16th May 2026, two Church of Ireland Pioneer Ministry ministries will partner to invite people from across the country to take part in a Water Pilgrimage that retraces ancient pathways of faith through the heart of Ireland. The journey will begin in Athlone and travel south along the Shannon to Clonmacnoise before continuing to Shannonbridge and finally on foot to Clonfert Cathedral, culminating at the burial place of St Brendan himself.
The pilgrimage is being organised through two Church of Ireland Pioneer Ministry initiatives: the United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe’s Spiritual Pilgrimage and Tourism Project and the Dioceses of Meath and Kildare’s Community of the Celtic Cross. Both projects aim to reconnect people with Ireland’s early Christian heritage and to rediscover the spiritual landscapes that shaped the faith of the Irish Church.
What makes this pilgrimage particularly special is the journey by water. Travelling by boat along the Shannon allows pilgrims to reconnect with the spirit of St Brendan himself — the sixth-century monk and voyager famed for his legendary sea journeys in search of the “Promised Land of the Saints”. As the river carries the pilgrims southwards, the experience offers a glimpse into the trust, courage and dependence on God that marked Brendan’s great voyage.
Along the way, pilgrims will stop at the ancient monastic site of Temple Connor Church in Clonmacnoise, founded by St Ciarán in the sixth century, a place long associated with prayer, learning and Christian witness. A further stop will be made at Temple Connor Church for reflection before continuing to Shannonbridge.
From there the pilgrimage will continue on foot and by bus, walking together through this quiet landscape that will lead pilgrims to the final destination: Clonfert Cathedral, one of Ireland’s most beautiful medieval churches and the traditional burial place of St Brendan the Navigator.
Organisers hope the pilgrimage will offer participants not only a memorable journey through some of Ireland’s most historic landscapes, but also an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and renewal of faith.
For those who take part, the hope is simple: to follow the example of St Brendan and rediscover the adventure of trusting in God’s leading — whether on river, road or sea.
Our day will commence with 9am Registrations @ Athlone Lock
Please bring with you a packed lunch which is scheduled for all to have on the boat after we leave Clonmacnoise enroute to Shannonbridge
At the end of our day together – a bus will bring everyone back to Athlone.
Numbers are limited so early booking is advised.
Cost per person is 55 euros.
Valerie Raitt
Diocesan Co-Ordinator for Spiritual Tourism & Pilgrimage
