Lough Derg (St Patrick’s Purgatory)

St. Patrick’s Purgatory, more commonly referred to as Lough Derg because of its location in the lake of the same name in County Donegal, is a pilgrimage site which dates back to the 5th Century. According to legend, Christ showed Saint Patrick a cave on Station Island that was an entrance to Purgatory. For over 1500 years, it has been a place of Christian pilgrimage and prayer. The traditional pilgrimage is known for its austerity, consisting of 3 days of fasting, 24 hours without sleep and 48 hours in bare feet. Pilgrims undertake a series of prayers and rituals, including walking around ‘stations’ on the island.