Pilgrim path plan is a major boost for Tipperary tourism

A plan to make Tipperary and Waterford a premier destination for pilgrim walkers worldwide has been unveiled.

The ancient pilgrim path from the Rock of Cashel to Ardmore  will attract an investment of €2.4million in a plan to attract 20,000 walkers annually by 2029.

The St Declan’s Way tourism project aims to generate a significant economic impact estimated at €35.4 million to bolster local economies but also to position Ireland as a premier destination for pilgrim walkers worldwide, like it’s counterparts on the revered Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena.

The route includes the Rock of Cashel Cahir Castle, Lismore Castle, Mount Melleray Abbey, and the Ardmore Round Tower.

Spanning 115 kilometres from the Rock of Cashel in county  Tipperary to Ardmore in  county Waterford, St Declan’s Way is a path that connects two significant sites in Ireland's early Christian history dating back to the 5th Century.

 This route, inspired by St. Declan’s Journey to confer with St. Patrick, offers a unique blend of historic and spiritual heritage with a journey through Ireland's breathtaking landscapes, from the lush tillage fields of the Golden Vale and the rugged terrain of the Knockmealdown Mountains to the serene rolling hills of West Waterford, culminating at the seaside in Ardmore.

The resurrection of St Declan’s Way has been a long-term project, brought to fruition through the collaboration of 60 landowners, the dedication of the Steering Committee established in 2015 and the substantial support from a consortium of stakeholders, including Tipperary County Council, Waterford City and County Council, South Tipperary Development Co., Waterford Leader Partnership, Munster Vales, and Fáilte Ireland. 

The leadership and event management capabilities of Knockmealdown Active organising the famed annual pilgrimage must also be acknowledged. 

The trail's reopening, following extensive development from 2017 to 2020, and its subsequent approval by Sport Ireland in 2021, underscore a shared commitment to preserving and promoting Ireland’s rich pilgrimage tradition.

The new strategic plan outlines an extensive roadmap for enhancing the trail’s infrastructure, boosting visitor numbers and increasing its appeal to both domestic and international tourists. 

Key initiatives include hiring a development manager, improving off-road paths and launching targeted marketing campaigns aimed at capturing the growing interest in walking tourism. 

Speaking at the launch of the plan, Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Gerard Darcy complimented everyone involved in the initiative and wished the Steering Committee well on its’ endeavours in the further development of St Declan’s Way.

 NATURAL ASSETS

During the launch, Gráinne Moynihan, Chairperson of the St Declan’s Way Steering Committee, emphasized the trail’s capacity to draw national and international attention, thanks to the unique combination of cultural, historical, and natural assets along its route. 

These include  the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Lismore Castle, Mount Melleray Abbey, and the Ardmore Round Tower. 

The strategic plan, she noted, is a testament to the collective vision and effort to showcase this "sacred Irish Camino" on the world stage.

Echoing these sentiments, David McNulty of Tourism Development International praised the steering committee's vision and focus and the trail’s potential to significantly contribute to Ireland’s tourism and economic development over the coming years. McNulty also emphasised the need for tourism policy to “spread the benefits” that tourism brings to Ireland, something which he extolled St Declan’s Way for promoting. 

In her remarks, Minister Butler commended the Steering Committee's leadership and particularly that of Gráinne Moynihan, Chairperson of the St Declan’s Way Steering Committee and congratulated her on driving the project and bringing the launch of the plan to fruition. She also praised the excellent work of the Committee and all the stakeholders involved for being the perfect example of “what can be achieved when people start working together for the good of the community”, ensuring that “the Irish Camino is alive and well in West Waterford and South Tipperary”. 

Minister Butler also noted the support of the Waterford Leader Partnership for their part in funding the project. She highlighted the potential of the trail having witnessed the “difference it has made to communities” in the region. She looked forward to witnessing the execution of the strategic plan’s initiatives, particularly the development of new off-road sections and the enhanced state support for the trail. 

Echoing the remarks made prior by Chairperson Moynihan in relation to a spiritual dimension of the trail, the Minister for Mental Health and Older People also highlighted St Declan’s Way as a way for people to have some “downtime”, and indeed a mechanism for benefiting mental health and “enjoy the peace and tranquillity” that it brings.