Tóchar - Walking Ireland’s Ancient Pilgrim Paths
Darach Mac Donald
Tóchar (‘Causeway’) is a walking-pace travelogue through the country that was
dubbed ‘the Island of Saints and Scholars’ long before
the Celtic Tiger took up residence. Set against the backdrop
of spectacular scenery in every corner of Ireland, the
book recounts the trials and tribulations of a modern-day
pilgrim, who follows in the footsteps of the ancients along
prescribed paths, which range from hikes of a few hours’
duration to day-long treks and the three-day ordeal in
St Patrick’s Purgatory.
This is a guide to the magical soul of Celtic Christianity,
written from the perspective of a struggling, ‘á la carte’
Irish Catholic, ‘who could best be described as a healthy
sceptic in matters of belief’. The result is a narrative
that is at times uplifting and at times uncomfortable,
but which is always engaging and honest. While there are
pilgrimage prayers along the ‘Tóchar’ as well as historical
background on the places once revered throughout Christendom,
there are also pints in pleasant pubs, a rich diversity
of literary references, anecdotes and personal reflections
on faith, morality and religious practice, which are offered
in a spontaneous and unselfconscious spirit.
INCLUDES: Turas Cholm Cille, Lough Derg, Glendalough, Croagh
Patrick, Knock, Clonmacnoise, Saint Brigid’s Shrine, The
Slemish Pilgrimage, St Declans Way & Saint
Finbar's Way & Others.
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