Saint Declan's Way
Celtic Pilgrim Experience
Celtic Pilgrim experience along Saint Declan's Way for all fitness levels
- Gentle Walks/Kayaking
- Stay in an Irish Monastery
- Iconic trails on a 5th-century pilgrim path
- Celtic story and song
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- Pilgrim Certificate
- Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Lismore Castle
- Local guides and coach transfers daily
- Traditional Irish music and so much more…
Stepping stones to the real Ireland
Now Taking Bookings for 2026 - Limited spaces available so book early
Saint Declan’s Way Tour Overview
Join us on a stroll back through Ireland’s Celtic past along a 5th Century Pilgrim Path starting out from the Round Tower at the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary and taking in selected iconic trails through a corridor of vales and hills over 6 days before arriving at the Round Tower of Ardmore in County Waterford.
Bespoke Group Tours
The team of guides at Celtic Ways Ireland tailor the distance to suit the fitness levels of everyone in the group, averaging around 12 km per day.
The group size is limited to no more than 7 persons in Glencairn Abbey and 16 persons in Glencomeragh House.
You simply show up ready for the journey ahead and leave the rest to us!
Ireland’s Ancient Camino
The ancient Camino path of Saint Declan is a journey back in time of over 1,500 years and pre-dates the Camino de Santiago by 400 years. A unique aspect of your Celtic experience is the reflective ‘compass points’ led by Phil, as you walk in the steps of those who passed this same way before.
From the moment you step out on this age-old pilgrim path, you are invited to leave your footprints in the land, to enjoy the fun of the adventure and to go deeper into the beauty of the places you pass along the way and the stories they hold.
Expert Tour Guides
Phil and Elaine put all the pieces in place well in advance of your arrival; sorting your accommodation and dietary needs for the week, arranging a traditional Irish music evening and a Vigil for Peace, inviting guest guides to join us each day and planning bespoke tours of iconic cultural attractions we pass along the way.
Phil and Elaine’s expertise lies in crafting that perfect ‘time-out’ off the beaten path in Ireland tailored to suit everyone in the group. With Celtic Ways Ireland, every person matters!
St Declan’s Way Tour Dates for 2026
Now Taking Bookings for 2026
Celtic Ways Ireland have built up a great friendship with the sisters at Glencairn Abbey. They can only host 7 people at any given time, 5 single rooms and 1 twin room. Availability in the Abbey is limited to 7 persons five times a year. We suggest you reserve your place early to avoid disappointment as these 5 weeks are already filling up.
For larger groups wanting a more premium experience, we can host 8 to 16 persons in the luxurious Glencomeragh House. We can check availability on request. (Price starts from €1,850 per person sharing)
Now Taking Bookings for 2026
Limited availability as places are filling fast.
Dates for Glencairn Abbey – 7 Guests Maximum
- April 19th to 24th 2026
- July 5th to 10th 2026
- August 23rd to 28th 2026
Groups of 8 or more please contact us for availability:
Glencomeragh House for groups of 8 or more subject to availability.
Email us on:
info@celticwaysireland.com
Stay at beautiful Glencairn Abbey Co. Waterford
Groups of 8 or more, stay at Glencomeragh House Co. Tipperary
5 Star Rated Irish Camino Tour
One of the best rated guided tours of Ireland. 5 Stars out of over 100 Google Reviews.
We encourage our visitors to write a review that captures what they’ve experienced and we’re humbled by their response.
“This trip with Celtic Ways Ireland St Declan’s Way was far more than a tour—it was a soulful experience. Phil, Elaine, and their incredible team created something truly special: a journey rooted in simplicity, connection, and care. Every step invited us to slow down, to listen, and to feel.
It was a trip about the simple life—walking ancient paths, sharing stories, and embracing the quiet beauty of the Irish landscape. It was about connecting with people—the sweet nuns who hosted our residence, the fellow travelers and the warm-hearted locals we met along the way. It was about history—not just learning it, but feeling it, touching it, and letting it speak to the present. And above all, it was about love: spiritual love, human kindness, and the deep care that Phil and Elaine infused into every detail. Thank you, Phil, Elaine and team, for your extraordinary attention, your generosity, and your open hearts. You didn’t just guide us—you welcomed us into something timeless. We’ll carry this experience with us always. “
Testimonials
Along St Declan’s Way
Every day along St Declan’s Way, you can expect something totally different to what has gone before; a country trail along the Golden Vale as we start out, a riverside walk by the Suir the next, a mountain trail over the Knockmealdowns, leaving the dimmed enchantment of Lismore behind as we stroll out alongside the Blackwater the next, a cliff path on our arrival into Ardmore… with the unique peaceful ambience of Glencairn Abbey or Glencomeragh House and Gardens to return to each evening.
We can also roll out a Gentle Celtic Experience of St Declan’s Way for those who would prefer to walk shorter distances and give more time to exploring the culture and the story of the places along this pilgrim path. It’s the unscripted moments along the way that stay with you long after the walking is over.
Dare to step off the beaten path with us and come to discover the Ireland few visitors get to see. Take that first step and leave the rest to us!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Welcoming dinner in Glencairn Abbey Guesthouse
- Check in to Glencairn Abbey Guesthouse from 3pm to 4pm*
- Homemade refreshments served on arrival.
- Welcome Dinner at 6.30pm.
Note* – Transfers from Waterford Railway Station to Glencairn Abbey can be arranged for an additional supplement
Day 1: Welcoming dinner in Glencairn Abbey Guesthouse
- Check in to Glencairn Abbey Guesthouse from 3pm to 4pm*
- Homemade refreshments served on arrival.
- Welcome Dinner at 6.30pm.
Note* – Transfers from Waterford Railway Station to Glencairn Abbey can be arranged for an additional supplement
Day 2: Rock of Cashel through the Golden Vales (12km)
- Coach transfer from Glencairn Abbey to the Rock of Cashel at 8.15am.
- Guided tour of the Rock of Cashel to set us on our way. The ‘city of kings’ was home to the high kings of Munster who ruled for centuries from the magnificent site of the Rock of Cashel.
- It was also from here that St. Declan left on his return to Ardmore after his many meetings with St. Patrick in the 5th Century. You sense the history as you leave behind this iconic pilgrim space to make your first steps en route to Ardmore.
- Lunch in an old churchyard before coach transfer to Cahir for a guided tour of Cahir Castle and a stroll through the streets of this ancient town. Time for an afternoon cuppa or a creamy pint of Guinness before our return transfer to Glencairn Abbey.
- Dinner served in the Abbey at 6.30pm
- Vigil for Peace in the Abbey after Compline at 8.30pm led by some of the members of The Island of Ireland Peace Choir.
- Coach transfer from Glencairn Abbey to the Rock of Cashel at 8.15am.
- Guided tour of the Rock of Cashel to set us on our way. The ‘city of kings’ was home to the high kings of Munster who ruled for centuries from the magnificent site of the Rock of Cashel.
- It was also from here that St. Declan left on his return to Ardmore after his many meetings with St. Patrick in the 5th Century. You sense the history as you leave behind this iconic pilgrim space to make your first steps en route to Ardmore.
- Lunch in an old churchyard before coach transfer to Cahir for a guided tour of Cahir Castle and a stroll through the streets of this ancient town. Time for an afternoon cuppa or a creamy pint of Guinness before our return transfer to Glencairn Abbey.
- Dinner served in the Abbey at 6.30pm
- Vigil for Peace in the Abbey after Compline at 8.30pm led by some of the members of The Island of Ireland Peace Choir.
Day 3: From castle to castle – Cahir to Ardfinnan (14km)
- We leave Glencairn Abbey at 8am and take our coach transfer to our starting point along the River Suir in Cahir.
- The Coronation Walk down by the river is so peaceful. We start out by the river in Cahir and visit the ‘Swiss Cottage’ for a bespoke tour of the country home of the Butler family that has stood here for two centuries. It is a remarkable piece of architecture recently restored to its original beauty.
- Lunch out on the green in Ardfinnan. Your toasted refreshments will be cooked to order.
- Local guides will join us over these few days from Cahir to Lismore. Whilst sharing the path with them, their stories will help us to connect fully with all who have passed this way before. Trust us, you can only really connect to the soul of a place when you know its story. No better man than Conor to entertain and enlighten us as we walk.
- We take a short walk after lunch to Lady’s Abbey before our return transfer to Glencairn Abbey.
- Fish and chips in a traditional local Irish Bar.
- We leave Glencairn Abbey at 8am and take our coach transfer to our starting point along the River Suir in Cahir.
- The Coronation Walk down by the river is so peaceful. We start out by the river in Cahir and visit the ‘Swiss Cottage’ for a bespoke tour of the country home of the Butler family that has stood here for two centuries. It is a remarkable piece of architecture recently restored to its original beauty.
- Lunch out on the green in Ardfinnan. Your toasted refreshments will be cooked to order.
- Local guides will join us over these few days from Cahir to Lismore. Whilst sharing the path with them, their stories will help us to connect fully with all who have passed this way before. Trust us, you can only really connect to the soul of a place when you know its story. No better man than Conor to entertain and enlighten us as we walk.
- We take a short walk after lunch to Lady’s Abbey before our return transfer to Glencairn Abbey.
- Fish and chips in a traditional local Irish Bar.
Day 4: Over the mountains to Mount Melleray Abbey (14km)
- We take our 8.30am coach transfer to the Liam Lynch Memorial in the Knockmealdown Mountains.
- This day’s trail passes through the undulating and beautifully picturesque terrain as we make our way across the mountains in the wooden surrounds of Mount Melleray Abbey. It takes about 6 hours to walk this trail but it’s worth every step. The panoramas that open up are simply stunning. It’s good to have hiking boots for this day and to expect steeper gradients.
- For those who like to know more about the natural world, our guest guide Mark has a microscopic knowledge of the land. Expect to come face to face with Ireland in all its’ rawness and natural beauty.
- Dinner served in the Abbey at 6.30pm
- We take our 8.30am coach transfer to the Liam Lynch Memorial in the Knockmealdown Mountains.
- This day’s trail passes through the undulating and beautifully picturesque terrain as we make our way across the mountains in the wooden surrounds of Mount Melleray Abbey. It takes about 6 hours to walk this trail but it’s worth every step. The panoramas that open up are simply stunning. It’s good to have hiking boots for this day and to expect steeper gradients.
- For those who like to know more about the natural world, our guest guide Mark has a microscopic knowledge of the land. Expect to come face to face with Ireland in all its’ rawness and natural beauty.
- Dinner served in the Abbey at 6.30pm
Day 5: By the River Blackwater – Lismore and Cappoquin (8km)
- We take our coach transfer to Lismore at 8.30am
- Under the guidance of local kayaking experts, we invite you to come off the beaten path and take a leisurely kayaking trip down the River Blackwater from Lismore to Cappoquin.
- Along the way, we’ll be met by local guide, Alice, from Lismore Heritage Centre who will give us a unique insight into the story of Lismore and its role as a centre of monasticism over 1,000 years ago. For those who would prefer to walk, Alice will stay and accompany them on a 5 km stretch of the riverbank.
- 8km down the line, we stop off in Barron’s Bakery, Cappoquin to sample their renowned coffee and homemade cuisine.
- Later in the day, we take a woodland trail into the historic town of Lismore, for a bespoke tour of the gardens in the grounds of the Castle. Lismore is so special it is best not to rush our time here. We visit the Heritage Centre and St Carthage’s Cathedral and enjoy a bespoke tour of the Castle Gardens. We may even get to meet the Butler of Lismore Castle and hear tales of the many guests they have hosted in the Castle over the years.
- Gala Dinner in ‘The Moorings’ Irish Bar and Restaurant, Dungarvan at 7pm
- We take our coach transfer to Lismore at 8.30am
- Under the guidance of local kayaking experts, we invite you to come off the beaten path and take a leisurely kayaking trip down the River Blackwater from Lismore to Cappoquin.
- Along the way, we’ll be met by local guide, Alice, from Lismore Heritage Centre who will give us a unique insight into the story of Lismore and its role as a centre of monasticism over 1,000 years ago. For those who would prefer to walk, Alice will stay and accompany them on a 5 km stretch of the riverbank.
- 8km down the line, we stop off in Barron’s Bakery, Cappoquin to sample their renowned coffee and homemade cuisine.
- Later in the day, we take a woodland trail into the historic town of Lismore, for a bespoke tour of the gardens in the grounds of the Castle. Lismore is so special it is best not to rush our time here. We visit the Heritage Centre and St Carthage’s Cathedral and enjoy a bespoke tour of the Castle Gardens. We may even get to meet the Butler of Lismore Castle and hear tales of the many guests they have hosted in the Castle over the years.
- Gala Dinner in ‘The Moorings’ Irish Bar and Restaurant, Dungarvan at 7pm
Day 6: Arrival into Ardmore (12km)
- We take a coach transfer at 8am for our final day
- Our final day’s Camino leads us over beautiful undulating vales and hills to where the sea gradually opens up before us as we arrive into Ardmore.
- On arrival into Ardmore, we’ll have lunch by the sea before taking the cliff path from the Holy Well and Hermitage of St Declan around to the monastic ruins.
- Our local historian/guide, James, is there to meet us on arrival into Ardmore and regale us with fascinating insights into St Declan and the legacy he leaves behind.
- Mid-afternoon, we wrap up in Ardmore in time for you to make your way home or make your way to your next destination if you’re continuing your holiday in Ireland.
- We take a coach transfer at 8am for our final day
- Our final day’s Camino leads us over beautiful undulating vales and hills to where the sea gradually opens up before us as we arrive into Ardmore.
- On arrival into Ardmore, we’ll have lunch by the sea before taking the cliff path from the Holy Well and Hermitage of St Declan around to the monastic ruins.
- Our local historian/guide, James, is there to meet us on arrival into Ardmore and regale us with fascinating insights into St Declan and the legacy he leaves behind.
- Mid-afternoon, we wrap up in Ardmore in time for you to make your way home or make your way to your next destination if you’re continuing your holiday in Ireland.
Click here to capture a little of the flavour of what you can expect along St Declan’s Way.
Where we stay?
Glencairn Abbey Guesthouse
Glencairn Abbey is a community of Cistercian (Trappist) sisters near Lismore in County Waterford. Your rooms in Glencairn Abbey are en-suite, simple and unadorned. All our guests prefer it to hotel accommodation.
Here, in the Irish countryside, everyone works to their own spiritual rhythm. Whilst we encourage our pilgrims to join the sisters in prayer before we leave in the morning and on our return in the evening, we simply ask that everyone respects this monastic space and appreciates the privilege of being able to stay here.
We dine in the Abbey on 3 of the evenings and we go out the other 2 nights with a special Gala Dinner in ‘The Moorings Irish Bar and Restaurant’ on our final evening.
It’s all about balance – fun, reflection, prayer, lovely meals and rest all rolled into one. Glencairn Abbey is a special place. Our visitors have singled it out as a particular highlight of their time in Ireland with us. It is the perfect base for our St Declan’s Way Experience.
Celtic Pilgrim Experience along St. Declan’s Way: €1,850 includes:
- 5 nights bed and breakfast in Glencairn Abbey Guest House. All rooms en-suite.
- Dinner each evening with Gala Dinner on the final evening.
- Packed lunches sourced locally from cafes/shops in the villages and towns we pass through over the 5 days.
- Reflective ‘compass points’ each day led by Dr. Phil and Elaine Brennan.
- Guest local guides seeped in the stories of the places we pass each day over the 5 days with input from our mountain specialists Conor and Mark from Knockmealdown Active and our storyteller Alice from Lismore Heritage Centre.
- Guided tour of The Rock of Cashel and The Monastic Ruins at Ardmore.
- Bespoke tour of Lismore Castle Gardens led by the Butler Denis.
- Kayaking experience from Lismore to Cappoquin.
- Luxury transfers each day.
- St Declan’s Way Certificate.
Group size 7 persons max.
5 Single Rooms and 1 Twin Room all en-suite. Twin Room 1,650 euro each.
We also offer our Premium Celtic Experience along St Declan’s Way for larger groups, more than 7 persons, with the stunning Glencomeragh House as our base.
Additional supplements:
- Transfers can be arranged for an additional supplement to Glencairn Abbey on your day of arrival and from Ardmore when you connect up with the rest of your Irish tour.
- Optional extras from fishing to boat trips can be arranged.
- Celtic Ways Ireland can put the pieces in place for the rest of your vacation in Ireland including organising transfers, accommodation or guiding you in terms of how to get the most out of the remainder of your time in Ireland.
Exclusions:
- Flights: All your flight arrangements and payments are left to your own discretion.
- Transfers: All your transfer plans to connect to our Celtic Pilgrim Experience along St Declan’s Way are not included in the price. We can arrange connections to Glencairn Abbey on the day of arrival and from Ardmore on the final day for an additional supplement.
- Insurance: Whilst we at Celtic Ways Ireland have our own insurance cover in place, we strongly advise that each person/group take out your own travel insurance for the duration of your time with us. Given that our tour involves walking and gentle adventure, it is better to veer on the side of caution and have your own insurance in place to cover all eventualities.
Drinks/Refreshments: Whilst lunches and dinners are included for the duration of your time with us, any additional drinks, beverages and refreshments are not included in the package.
Walking Activity Level: Walkers should have a moderate level of fitness and be comfortable walking 8km-10km a day.
Terms and Conditions:
A deposit of €500 is payable once a tour is booked with the balance payable 3 months in advance of the tour (non-refundable). Payments can be made via PayPal or directly into our account.
If you have to withdraw, every effort will be made to re-schedule your booking.
Book Your Spot for 2026
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