My 2025 pilgrimage took me from my home in the south east of Wales to Holyhead on Anglesey in the north west and then, by ferry, to Dublin. There, I continued my walk to the historic town of Kildare where the early medieval saint, Brigid, established her Christian community in the late fifth century at Cill Dara, the cell of the oak. Today, not only are there still many reminders in the locality of Brigid’s generosity, compassion and leadership but Kildare has become one of the best-known religious centres in Ireland and attracts pilgrims, such as me, from across the British Isles and beyond.
Making my way to Ireland also gave me the opportunity not only to cross the Cambrian mountains of mid Wales but also to walk some of the new St Cadfan’s Way ( Llwybr Cadfan) which starts at the parish church in Tywyn on the coast of Gwynedd; and although this continues to Ynys Enlli ( the island of Bardsey), I was very happy to be able to visit some of the churches along the first half of this recently established route.
Meanwhile, once in Dublin, I made use of the walking trail along the 18th century Grand Canal to reach Kildare where I concluded my pilgrimage with a short stay at the Solas Bhríde Christian Spirituality Centre.
