East Clare – celebrating Holy Island and Tuamgraney
A spiritual and cultural event based on the idea of the traditional visit to Holy Island in Lough Derg and including a musical service in the Celtic tradition in Tuamgraney takes place on Saturday 26 May. The date reflects an earlier pilgrimage to the island. In recent years there have been two small pilot spiritual walks that included a visit to this lovely island, now unpopulated, in Lough Derg on the River Shannon. The day is a chance to learn more about it through historical talks, song and poetry. Small groups may visit to the ruins of the early Christian and medieval monastery and outlying churches. An ecumenical event with historical and spiritual input reflecting the richness of the area and the tradition, it is based at Saint Caimin’s Church of Ireland church in Mountshannon. There is the option of a walk along the minor roads to Tuamgranrey for the evening celebration with music. Bring strong shoes, rainwear and sandwiches. The day’s programme in draft is below. There is a list of local places to stay available on request. For further information onthe day, leave a message in the box below. See the East Clare Heritage Centre website page on www.eastclareheritage.com
Programme at Saint Caimin’s Church, Mountshannon (open from10.30 am).
This is a drop-in, drop-out arrangement, as there are many other attractions, especially in good weather. Feel free to come and go. Some children’s activities are arranged for the course of the morning, especially if the weather changes!
11 am Welcome and short celebration with song
11.15 History of monastic Ireland and Holy Island. Cathy Swift, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.
12.00 – 12.15 Local poets
12.15 – 13.00 Medieval manuscripts and understanding the pictures. An illustrated talk Rosemary Power.
1 pm walk from Mountshannon church
1.15- 2pm’ish. Picnic at Wood Park ( bring sandwiches, cold drinks provided)
Guided walk by minor roads to Tuamgraney ( approx 12 km)
(Shuttle arrangement at 4.45pm to reunite drivers with cars)
4.45 pm in Saint Cronan’s old church, Tuamgraney. Tuamgraney and its history. Leonore Fisher
5.30 Service for Pentecost at Tuamgraney. Janet Harbison, Irish Harp Centre to play.
Practical
There are no toilets in the church. The nearest are at the harbour when the boats to Holy Island go from, and the sea-eagles (if still in residence) may be seen on a neighbouring island. Mountshannon Arts Festival is this weekend, so there will be activities in the town.
The walk is on-road. Please bring suitable shoes, raingear in case the weather changes, and a packed lunch.
