I enjoyed a few days with my confreres recently on a pilgrimage
on the Wild Atlantic Way. We joined the West Cork part of the Wild Atlantic Way
in the town of Clonakilty, the gateway to West Cork. As we took the journey South
West from Clonakilty, a different landscape opened up before us where the ‘wild’
aspect of this route started to take shape and a more rugged and scenic
coastline came into view.
One of our first stops was in the picturesque coastal village of
Timoleague. Br. Martin, our guide for the three days, outlined the story of the
abbey founded by the Franciscan Monks in the thirteenth century. It was built
upon the former site of a monastic settlement by St. Molaga in the sixth
century. Timoleague was the home of Saint Molaga, (Tigh Molaga, House of
Molaga) who is said to have introduced bees to Ireland. It was then onwards to
the beautiful town of Rosscarbery with its beautiful view by the sea was to be
our base.
Br. John led us each morning with the active Chinese practice of
Tai Chi followed with some personal reflective time on Warren beach. After a light
breakfast, we headed for the beautiful fishing village of Baltimore which opens
up a gateway to Carbery’s Hundred Isles in Roaring Water Bay. On a glorious
sunny morning we climbed Beacon Head and witnessed some stunning scenery. I
recalled the words of Peter to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here…!”
In the afternoon we took a boat trip around Roaring Water Bay to view whales,
dolphins and seals; we weren’t disappointed. We saw magnificent Minke whales
rising to the surface for air as they followed the fish; porpoises, seals,
oyster catchers and diving gannets were among other species of wild life to be
seen. On our return we took a detour to the friendly fishing village of Union
Hall for a lovely evening meal. You guessed it, it was beautiful, tasty, fresh
fish of the day all round.
The following morning, our journey took us to the town of
Skibbereen. We visited the very popular Heritage Centre with its interactive
tribute to the thousands lost in this area to the Great Famine. I tried to
connect in spirit the famine with the plight of the refugees today. A unique
attraction, located outside Skibereen, is that of Lough Hyne – Europe’s first
marine nature reserve and a place of great natural beauty. It is home to a
diverse range of plants and marine life. Combined with the wooded walk to the
summit of Knockomagh hill with its panoramic views over the lake, a trip to
Lough Hyne is a must for visitors to the area. Before we departed this peaceful
place, we visited one of three holy wells in the area, ‘Tobarin na Sul’, an
early Christian holy well associated with healing of the eyes. We read the
story of Bartimaeus, the blind man in the Gospel of Mark and I prayed, “Lord
that I may see a new…!”
On the afternoon, we headed off on a three-hour country walk in
Castlefreke. We followed the path through mature woods, amazing biodiversity
and viewed Ireland’s reputedly tallest memorial cross. On the way we took time
to visit Rathbarry Castle, a Medieval Church and returned to Long Strand which
was our starting point. This walk had everything on a beautiful afternoon. “Did
not our hearts burn within us as he walked with us along the Way”?
I remembered how Jesus too walked a lot in his life. The four
Gospels are peppered with accounts of him walking into the countryside, walking
by the Sea of Galilee, walking in the Temple, and even walking on water…walking
gives you time to see things more clearly. Because he was moving slowly, things
and places came into focus for him. Sometimes he had a destination, sometimes
he did not. For many who followed him, he was the destination. So I need to take
time to see, to listen and to reflect – go slow and that’s what I tried to do
for these few days.
Click to listen to Aoife Scott’s rendition of All Along
the Wild Atlantic Way:
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