Tipperary author believes pilgrim walks like St Declan's Way should be marketed at US tourists

 Pilgrim Paths of Ireland author John G. O’Dwyer believes there is a huge untapped tourist market in the US interested in pilgrim walks like St Declan’s Way, which he points out is the first in Ireland suitable for a weeklong holiday.

The Thurles based author of several books on Irish hiking and pilgrim trails was selling copies of his books at the finish point of the third stage of the St Declan’s Way at Lismore's Bunscoil Bhóthar na Naomh.

The second edition of his book 50 Best Irish Walks is the first to feature the full St Declan’s Way including maps and a day-by-day description of the pilgrim walk.

Mr O’Dwyer said St Declan’s Way is the first Irish pilgrim trail ideal for organising a one-week walking holiday around. All the country's other pilgrim trails are one-day walks.

“I think we have a huge latent market in the US. What better way to get in touch with Ireland than to come and do a pilgrim walk.

“At the moment in the US, people (wishing to go on a pilgrim trail walk abroad) think of the Camino. We have everything the Camino has.”

Indeed, he notes St Declan’s Way is comparable in length to the Camino de Santiago. Most walkers hike 100km of the Camino while St Declan’s is 115km long.

The native of Boherlahan says the attraction of pilgrim walks like St Declan’s is that they are a “capable” challenge most moderately fit walkers can accomplish.

“If you go into a hardened walking club, they probably won’t do this type of walk. You are capturing a new market.”

The opportunity to take time out from the pressures of daily life are another big attraction of pilgrim walks, he cites.

“We are all on a treadmill and going on a pilgrim walk is an opportunity to step off it and retreat maybe for a week or two. It gives you time to refresh.”