Feasibility Study for Pilgrim Way on the Shannon Erne Inland Waterways

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UPDATE from CONSULTATIONS

An initiative of 13 LEADER companies and 13 local authorities bounding the Shannon-Erne systems and Waterways Ireland, coordinated by West Limerick Resources on behalf of the partnership.

The aim of the Feasibility Study is to conduct a baseline study to identify a potential Pilgrim route of significant Early Medieval (5-12th century) Christian and Viking sites along a 20km corridor bounding the Shannon Erne inland waterways. The study will propose recommendations for future development to enhance the pilgrim visitors’ experience, in the context of an internationally attractive Pilgrim Way.  The study area includes the 350km length of the Shannon and Erne systems, including the counties of Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Galway, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan, Donegal and Fermanagh, respectively.

 

Summary of Consultative Workshops – 4-7th February 2019

A big Thank You is extended to everyone who attended the recent Pilgrim Way workshops in Limerick, Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon and Enniskillen in early February (and those who could not attend). The collaboration and generous sharing is gratefully acknowledged.

The summary of the local knowledge gathered over the four nights is below.  The richness of our shared Christian heritage along the Shannon and Erne waterways is astounding when it is combined.  What is really striking is that this is truly living heritage – these sites are as cherished now by your communities as they were in earlier centuries by our ancestors.  The local knowledge of these early Medieval monasteries, churches, round towers, local saints, holy wells and cures is both extensive and fascinating.

What Next?

The project aims to assess these sites now in terms of their ownership, permissive access, heritage, services and transport linkages along the 20km corridor from Kerry to Donegal, via Cavan and Fermanagh. The team is analysing the potential to have access off-road as much as possible, by boat or by walking/ cycling trails, greenways, etc. although this will not be feasible in some areas.  The feasibility requires further consultations with site owners, landowners, site audits, mapping and analysis, all of which  are underway by our team, inspired by your inputs and contributions.

Link to Documents:

Pilgrim Way_ ShannonErne_WORKSHOP Presentation

Pilgrim Way Feb19_Consult Workshops_SITE Details_Final

PILGRIM WAY_Workshops_Local Knowledge

Sincere Thanks from

Deirdre Lewis and the Team

Feasibility Study for Pilgrim Way for the Shannon Erne Inland Waterways

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