Pilgrim trails have come a long way from dangerous and difficult medieval journeys

Ancient spiritual trails and a vibrant pilgrim tradition in Ireland where all major routes long predate the Spanish Camino

Tóchar Phádraig Pilgrim Path. Picture: John G O'Dwyer

In medieval times, pilgrimage was about the destination. The journey was merely a long and often dangerous inconvenience leading to a meaningful conclusion. Having gained the holy site, it was believed that sanctity and healing would flow to those arriving with the right intentions.

Many would have made the journey motivated by deep devotion, while others would have been unwilling participants — ordered on pilgrimage to atone for sins. Famously, Armagh man Haneas MacNichaill was obliged to visit 19 places of pilgrimage in Ireland as a penance for murdering his son.