Slí Cholmcille — new Irish-language walking event in Donegal

The first of an exciting new walking holiday experience will take place between June 9-12.

Slí Cholmcille will trace the renowned Donegal saint’s steps across a number of important sites in
the county.

Starting in Gleann Cholm Cille on St Colmcille’s feast day, June 9, the walking group will proceed
to Gartán and Cloich Chionnaola over four days, completing the event on Toraigh (Tory Island).

There has been renewed interest in Ireland’s pilgrimage routes in recent years and since the
1500th anniversary of Colmcille’s birth in 2020 walking groups have followed the Slí Cholmcille
trail. This year’s event, however, will be the first to take place entirely through the Irish
language.

Falcarragh native and mountain guide Séamus Ó Dúchoin, of Walking Donegal, will lead the
group. The initiative has been organised by language planning districts, Gaeltacht cooperatives
and tourism providers in collaboration with the Colmcille programme of Foras na Gaeilge, and
in association with Slí Cholmcille CLG.

According to Rónán Ó Dochartaigh of Oideas Gael, “This kind of event showcases some of the
best of what Donegal has to offer, with active participants immersed in the county’s beautiful
landscape and engaging with our rich local heritage and traditions.

"It also comes about because of connections and cooperation among different Gaeltacht communities within Donegal.”

Their four-day walking package June 9-12 includes three nights bed and breakfast in Teach Jack
in Gaoth Dobhair as well as lunch each day.

The cost is €390 for single occupancy or €350 for shared rooms. Participants may also join for single days at a cost of €20–€50. Application forms and further information can be obtained from sli@forasngaeilge.ie.