Slí ár Sinsear – The Way of our Ancestors

Kerry – 29 km, from Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen

The Camino of our Ancestors covers a total distance of 29km, starting in Glenbeigh at the church of St James to Cahersiveen in County Kerry, encompassing a mix of quiet country roads and trail walking. It follows ancient paths such as those through the ancient Kingdom of Drung which shares its origins with the time of the Milesians who came to Ireland from Galicia. The ancient pilgrim path leads to the summit of the 690-metre-high Cnoc na dTobar, a sacred site since prehistoric times. Long before the arrival of Christianity, the mountain was used for assemblies, especially the harvest festival of Lughnasa.

Photo: Visit Durham_Durham City Cathedral - Tourism de Ireland

The main highlights of this pilgrimage route are the spectacular views. Looking back to the east you have the beaches of Inch and Rossbeigh spanning the bay and in the distance, you will see the MacIllicuddy Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. Across the bay, to the north, you will see the southern shores and hills of the Dingle Peninsula from the Blasket Islands in the west to the Slievemish Mountains at the eastern end. Note that pilgrims have been travelling from Dingle and South Kerry to Galicia for hundreds of years and most recently a group travelled on the Jeanie Johnston Famine Replica Ship from Dingle to A Coruña.