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TURAS COSNOCHTA

Father Gerry - Lough Derg Image Name: Father Gerry - Lough Derg

This two-part documentary series explores Lough Derg, a unique place of pilgrimage, following the lives of the people who descend on the tiny Station Island over a summer

The “Sanctuary of St Patrick” – Lough Derg – has been welcoming pilgrims for over a thousand years. In the past 150 alone, over 2 million people have spent time in prayer and contemplation on the Holy Island.

This series explores what inspires people to take part in this centuries-old mission. For some, it is a way of dealing with personal problems or strengthening their faith. For others, it is a long-established family tradition, or an opportunity to ‘detoxify ‘from different poisons of modern times’.

The show describes in detail the physical challenges faced by pilgrims, who endure 24 hours barefoot and eating no food, save for a little roasted bread. Most spend a total of three days on the island.

It also considers how the numbers of people going on the Lough Derg pilgrimage have decreased in recent years.

As well as the pilgrims, the series introduces us to the staff who work in the island and the priests there,who explain that while the island was traditionally seen as a place of purgatory and repentance, it is now a place for growth and wellness.