Donegal County Council ‘committed’ to supporting Slí Cholmcille pilgrim trail

Donegal County Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of new infrastructure for the Slí Cholmcille pilgrim trail.

Works are continuing on improving the 65 km route, which spans from Sliabh Liag to Shroove, passing through Gartan - the birthplace of Colmcille.

Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Ciaran Brogan has called on the Letterkenny Municipal District to continue its engagement with the Slí Cholmcille committee in order to support and further develop their plans for the section within the wider Letterkenny area.

Cllr Brogan said the route has huge potential, thanks to the volunteers of the Slí Cholmcille development group.

“I think this is a win-win situation,” said Cllr Brogan, stating that the group is planning for signage and improvement works on the trail from Creeslough to Glenveagh and Gartan, and onwards to Derry.

“It’s a hidden gem, I think”, Cllr Brogan added. “The one clear message I want is we are absolutely committed to supporting them.”

In response, a spokesperson for the council said that the Community Development Division will continue to work with the Slí Cholmcille Committee.

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Slí Cholmcille is an expansive journey which offers a range of route options and starting points. The Glencolmcille and Donegal Town areas are rich in early Christian heritage and the route continues up through Ardara, Dungloe and Gweedore with an opportunity to travel to Tory Island.

Pilgrims can pass through Colmcille’s birthplace, Gartan, and visit where he went to school in Kilmacrennan. Walkers can follow his story right up as far as Shroove on the east coast of Inishowen where Saint Columba began his journey to Scotland.