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Púcas & Piseogs
Púcas & Piseogs
Christian Roots: from St. Patrick to the Reformation
This one day tour looks at the growth and spread of Christianity in Ireland. We will visit a number of sites in north Co. Meath and over into Co. Westmeath each of which illustrates various stages in the story of the introduction and spread of Christianity in Ireland.
The sites to be visited are:
Hill of Slane where St Patrick is believed to have lit his first paschal fire in 433AD which symbolised the triumph of Christianity over Paganism. The hill
remained of Christian significance long after St. Patrick appointed Erc as the first Bishop there a monastery survived on the Hill of Slane even after successive raids by the Vikings. It is still a focus for pilgrims to this day.
Today’s journey will also include brief stops at Donaghpatrick, near to Teltown, and Donaghmore, between Slane and Navan. Donaghpatrick is the site of a fifth century church built for St. Patrick. A monastery was said to have been founded by St. Patrick at Donaghmore in the fifth century, and there is also a 13th century round tower at the site.
Kells, a designated Heritage Town, was a known royal residence even before St. Colmcille established a religious settlement there in 550. It is home to five high crosses of the High Christian era, a round tower dating from the Viking period and St. Colmcille’s House, a 10th century oratory. A facsimile of the world famous Book of Kells is held in the town’s Tourism Office. The monastic history of Kells is a major part of the Christian history of Ireland.
Fore, a place which even today mixes Christianity with legend and myth. We will visit the remains of a thirteenth century Benedictine priory, itself preceded by a monastery founded by St. Fechin c. 630. The priory remains are the largest group of Benedictine remains in Ireland. The ‘seven wonders of Fore’, which combine folklore and religion, are well known locally and include ‘the water that won’t boil’ and ‘the tree that won’t burn’.
Check here for Tour Dates 2011
The cloister at the 13th Century Benedictine Abbey at Fore, Co. Westmeath.
Cost: €60*
Tour includes transport from and return to central pick-up point (this will depend on where visitors are staying). Lunch is an optional extra and can be organised by arrangement.
*Price based on group of 10 - for larger or smaller groups, please get in touch for more information.
