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Tochar Walks 2010
Saturday 29th May
Saturday 26th June
Reek Sunday 25th July
Saturday 28th August
Departing the Abbey at 8.30am
As you walk the Tóchar', whether on foot or in fantasy,
you will be going not only on a spiritual pilgrimage, but
on a cultural and historical journey down through the ages
also. And both experiences, if fully entered into, should
bring about the change of heart and insight of mind which
is essential to a pilgrim's progress.
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Tóchar Phádraig predates Patrick. It was probably
built around 350 A.D., and was the main route from Rath Cruachan,
the seat of the kings of Connacht, to Cruachán Aigle,
the mountain sacred to our pagan ancestors. Since Patrick's
time, 441 A.D., it became a Christian pilgrim route and was
known as Tóchar Phádraig or Patrick's Causeway.
Every tree, every stone, every hill and hollow along the way
seemed to cry out with a story. For everything, it seemed,
had been adopted into human history. The fields and rocks
and streams had been the recipients of man's sweat and blood
and tears they had been named and given identity by these
same human events.
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'A Pilgrim Walk' - Elements of Pilgrimage
The 'Legends' erected along the way indicate that this walk
also marks out our own 'Pilgrim Journey' as a people.
There are certain elements of Pilgrimage built into the walk
and reminders of these are erected at certain places along
the way. They distinguish the 'Pilgrim' from the 'Tourist'
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Penance - No complaining. Instead say "Thanks
be to God"
Community - Include 'the stranger' in your group - No
'Cliques'
Faith - Light Candle as symbol of your faith before setting
out
Mystery - Silence observed at certain designated parts
of Tóchar.
Celebration - Share your Food, your Joy, your Love and
your Care |
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Booking
Contact: Ballintubber Abbey Trust
Ballintubber
Claremorris
Co Mayo
094-9030934
Email info@ballintubberabbey.ie
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Registration : Before Setting out
| 1. |
There are four official walks organised
by the Abbey in June, July, August and December (Contact
Office For Details) in which case a 'back up car' and
transport back to the Abbey is provided. |
| 2. |
Other walkers may organise their own groups
but must comply with the following details |
| 3. |
All walkers must sign up at Ballintubber
Abbey or at the other designated Registration Centres
- giving their names, addresses. A certain fee is charged
to cover Insurance, Upkeep of Tóchar Walk. The
fee is €10
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| 4. |
All walkers must read the regulations for
walking the Tochar and agree to abide with them. |
| 5. |
Walkers with poor health conditions or other
health problems are advised that the Tochar Walk is strenuous
and energy sapping. |
| 6. |
Those under 18 years must be accompanied
by adult (Health & Safety) |
| 7. |
All walkers must sign a declaration, exempting
Ballintubber Abbey Trust and farmers from liability, should
a mishap or accident take place. |
| 8. |
If there is no official guide someone in
the group must assume leadership responsibility. |
It is requested that the person so delegated phone up the
Abbey when the Tóchar Walk is completed - to indicate
that all have arrived safely or to leave a message on answering
machine to same effect.
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