The Camino de Santiago holds great fascination for me and I would like to do it. I have reservations about trying it “at my age” though I know that many people who are a lot older than I am have done it. If I could only see past the hostels that most people stay in……
We did a mini camino today called St. Declan’s Walk. When I say “mini” I do mean mini because it is only 3.3 miles long on a peninsula in Southern Ireland. We started out at the Cliff House Hotel which is a luxury place overlooking the water. It was windy, cold and threatening rain, so we decided to fortify ourselves with some hot coffee before going. We had a wonderful waiter from Poland named Ariel, who brought us our coffee and a “jelly” which I think was made of quince. It was lovely. He then mentioned that the chef was preparing something for us in the kitchen and it would be right out. Well finally a little plate of freshly made chocolate short-breads appeared. I guess you don’t just go into a world-class hotel and order coffee! Anyway, we enjoyed the coffee, quince and short-breads and a visit with Ariel; then we headed out for our walk. (Not a very penitential way to begin a pilgrimage, I must admit).
Anyway, in single-file, the three of us headed out on the walk along the cliff, coming to the ruins from the 400s and a well. We prayed the rosary for our family and friends and then the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for our deceased parents, grandparents, ancestors and other loved ones. It was lovely to be able to walk holy ground with our loved ones in the forefront of our minds and hearts. Along the way were ruins of places important in the life of St. Declan and other faithful Christians throughout the centuries, and always the water of the Atlantic to our left. The breeze was cool, the mist in the air invigorating and the temperature kept us moving. We ended our mini camino at the church where a beautiful tower remains standing–testament to the building skills of those 8th century monks who needed a place to find refuge from the Vikings. I feel such a kinship with the Christians of Ireland who have always had a hard time against their detractors.
I can’t wait for the next such opportunity to connect with our spiritual ancestors. Since this is only read by you 
dear Family and friends, please be assured of our prayers for you during this time.
Till next time….
Dear Friends Fran and Larry! What a splendid setting to be during this Holy Week. Your narrative and photos bring to mind similar sentiments (albeit with Tirolean pretzels in place of chocolate short-breads) that I, too, have experienced here in Austria. In it’s carved stone ruins and towers, it’s ornate way crosses and scattered chapels…one finds stark affirmation of the land’s ancient Christian heritage (that in Ireland as well as many other lands is so brutally under attack today). The seeking out of one’s family blood, heritage, faith and soil can be such a moving experience, and I am very happy for you both being able to do so. Wishing you a Blessed Lent and a very Happy Eastertide!
Dear Andy,
We are blessed to be here at this time, and walking the “Camino” of St. Declan was a particular blessing today. I saw a sign in a store today that no liquor will be sold on Good Friday, and was glad to see that there is a public acknowledgment of the events to come. May you have a blessed Triduum and a glorious Easter.
We feel as though we were walking with you. Thank you for the prayers and updates! Love, Paula
This is great and I am grateful for the picture. You all look good! Keep sending pictures and tales of your adventures. I’m with you in spirit!
I have got a snarl of blogs here–years ago I helped my brother set up a blog but didn’t realize that I was still logged in to this one. So every once in awhile, K9CatDoctor shows up and some of your comments go to that instead of my Black Forest Musings. That is why I am posting them here. I will need a computer expert (Ian, are you listening?) to help me untangle the mess!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Ireland, and am thrilled that you have the opportunity to explore the land of saints and scholars! Is the statue of Our Lady at Ballinspittle still moving? If you are able to go to the Medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle and visit the surrounding folk village, it’s great fun! One of my ancestors was on the Spanish Armada. When it was wrecked off the Irish coast, he stayed and settled in County Cork.