Spiritual Tourism - Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey

 The first of the official TLK Diocesan Spiritual Tourism and Pilgrimage events over in this part of the diocese took place on Saturday 8 February, in Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. Two of us from these (Aughaval) parishes went along for the day and we were not disappointed. For starters, the weather was perfect- nippy but dry, bright and sunny. Valerie Raitt, TLK Pioneer Minister and developer of the Spiritual Tourism and Pilgrimage ministry, had planned a day that was beautifully balanced, with outdoor and indoor activity, and food for body, heart and soul. The scenery in both locations was magnificent and we enjoyed the opportunity to make Brigid’s crosses and to learn more about the tradition and the person behind the original ones.


It was a bonus to be able to see inside the new monastery at Kylemore Abbey, the first to be built in Ireland (RoI) for 400 years. The abbess and one of the sisters welcomed us warmly and we enquired about retreats and the likes, plus took time to step inside the chapel and to soak in the peace and beauty of this sacred space. 


Here are a few photos from the day. The next diocesan Spiritual Tourism event will be in Co Clare after Easter, a visit to Ennis Friary. 





















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