Taken from the third of six programmes in which Alan Titchmarsh follows in pilgrims' footsteps around Britain and Ireland.
Beads and Beds - a Stony Path. It is estimated that a quarter of Ireland's population goes on pilgrimage each year. Some visit the Marian Shrine at Knock, others climb the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick. This footage focuses on the hardy souls who spend three days barefoot on Station Island in Lough Derg. When Alan Titchmarsh joins the Irish pilgrim trail, he finds that it is not for the faint-hearted.

The footage is historic in that the east side of the island as viewed in the video has been totally redeveloped since this video was taken. Despite the modern development on the island the core of the pilgrimage (the fasting, the bare feet, the prayers, the all night vigil and the penitential beds) is unchanged to this day.

First broadcast on the 21st July 1991.
The footage was taken from a VHS recording taken of the programme broadcast at that time.

Consider a must-view if you are contemplating a visit to what's often referred to as St.Patrick's Purgatory.

If you are interested in visiting station island for a retreat or pilgrimage check out these links:
https://www.loughderg.org/
https://www.loughderg.org/visiting-th...