Walking in Ireland, with its varied landscape, can be an exciting journey into the country’s long history. Every walk has a little tale: each corner of the countryside seems to echo the ancients saints, scholars and soldiers. St. Declan’s Way is a 115km ancient pilgrim route linking Cashel in Co. Tipperary and Ardmore in Co. Waterford. It follows the route that Declan took when going to Cashel to meet Saint Patrick in the fifth century.

The route was approved in July 2021 as a waymarked long-distance walking trail. It is listed on the National Trails register and is fully insured. It can be freely walked by anybody who wishes and, even if there are no official stages,  St. Declan’s Way breaks naturally into six stages: three stages north of Mount Melleray Abbey and three stages to the south. Most hikers complete St. Declan’s Way in five days. For a rewarding experience, however, with time to absorb the variety of landscapes and many antiquities en route, the author would recommend six.

Here is a suggested guide on how to complete the walk:

 

ST. DECLAN’S WAY NORTH: Cashel | Cahir | Goatenbridge | Mount Melleray Abbey

An ancient trail leading from Cashel, Co. Tipperary to Mount Melleray Abbey, Co. Waterford. Stages 1 and 2 are unchallenging with generally hill-free going on terrain that consists of quiet roads, riverside paths and rustic lanes. Stage 3 is somewhat more challenging with a fairly continuous ascent to the Liam Lynch Monument. Beyond, the route levels out before rising to the Tipperary/Waterford border and then descending to a memorable finish at Mount Melleray Abbey.

ST. DECLAN’S WAY SOUTH: Mount Melleray Abbey | Cappoquin | Aglish | Ardmore

The route goes from the Cistercian Abbey at Mount Melleray to the ancient monastic site at Ardmore, Co. Waterford with no major ascents involved. The terrain consists of woodland paths, quiet back roads and rustic lanes with a glorious finish along a beach to Ardmore. Linking Cashel with Ardmore, the path incorporates several medieval pilgrimage routes such as the Rian Bó Phádraig, Bóthar na Naomh, Cosán na Naomh and St. Declan’s Road. You can’t miss a visit to wonderful historical sites like The Rock of Cashel, the Town of Cahir, Liam Lynch Monument and many more!

Remember: the best period to walk this route is the beginning of May to mid-September. Moreover, we always recommend all walkers travel well equipped (wind/waterproof clothing and wear suitable footwear) and accompanied.

Testimonies:

Annie: “Walked from Aglish to Ardmore. Lovely peaceful walk and amazing views of the countryside. The lanes were well kept and the signage was excellent. A few hills but not too strenuous!”

Gordon: ”Excellent way marked route through a wide variety of scenery, ranging from quiet back roads and lanes to open mountain side.”

Sean: “St Declan’s way is a five days walking tour which takes you from Cashel to Ardmore traversing road, woodland, forest paths, riverside walks and finally wonderful views of the Atlantic as you reach Ardmore and complete the walk on a beautiful, sandy beach. Each day brings something new and is invigorating for body and soul.”