AFTER two years which saw Covid force its closure to pilgrims, Station Island at Lough Derg will this summer reopen with a full programme.
The ending of pandemic restrictions in the Republic means that the Co Donegal island will welcome pilgrims from Sunday May 1.
The Prior, Fr La Flynn, said there was great anticipation and excitement about the season ahead.
"In what has been a most challenging time for everyone, at Lough Derg we experienced our own challenges," he said.
"We acknowledge how much our loyal pilgrims missed their annual pilgrimage on Station Island and we are delighted to announce we are re-opening the Island for the usual one-day retreats in May, August and September and for the three-day pilgrimage between June 1 and August 15."
Fr Flynn said the Lough Derg Pilgrim Path, a guided pilgrimage walk experience on the lakeshore which was "born out of necessity when Station Island was closed" was "here to stay".
"We look forward to welcoming pilgrims back on the boats, whether it's their first visit to Lough Derg, or whether they have lost count," he said.
More information at loughderg.org, by emailing info@loughderg.org or telephoning 00353 (0) 71 986 1518.
