Pilgrim’s progress to an island treasure

Caher Island is reputed to have been visited by St Patrick. Dan MacCarthy visits on a special day

THE historic wedge-shaped island of Caher 14km off Louisburgh, Co Mayo, or more correctly, Roonagh Quay in Mayo, is shrouded in an abundance of rain, further descriptions of which would only defy belief.

All islands are historic in some way but this one is particularly so. On this 15th day of August a pilgrimage gathers on the mainland to complete a pattern that has begun for some with the Croagh Patrick pilgrimage up the road, or across the sea, depending on your vantage point, towards Westport.