The Camino de Santiago in Ireland.
Parks, coasts, paths… Saint Patrick Way It is an ode to the way, in fact they call it "the Way of Ireland". It is no coincidence, because it covers around ** 82 miles **, about 131 kilometers, through the most incredible landscapes of Northern Ireland.
Without a doubt, it is one of the most charismatic trails in the country. and one of those with the most years of history, even though it was officially opened in 2012. Curiously, it is not a crowded road , according to its director to Travel + Leisure statements, registered about 1,600 walkers without a guide and 700 with in 2020. Taking into account the figures of the Santiago's road , which receives about 300,000 pilgrims a year, is quite low. As its name indicates, it is compared to our Camino because it is also a pilgrimage route and in honor of St. Patrick , patron saint of Ireland.
Armagh and its cathedral.
The walk begins at the Navan Center & Fort, just outside Armagh City, and continues through Armagh's rural and industrial heritage, arriving in the historic town of Newry.
Before proceeding, it should be noted that Armagh has several points of interest on this route , first the Church of St. Patrick of Ireland, the Navan Fort of the ancient kings and the green apple orchards, whose legend says that it was St. Patrick who planted the first apple trees in this fertile area.
Once past Newry, the road takes a scenic route through the impressive mountains of Morne ; the forest leads to the coastal city of Newcastle. From here, the walk runs through the wild landscape of Murlough Bay Nature Reserve , by Dundrum Castle, Tyrella Beach and finally to Downpatrick.
The Morne Mountains.
Like on the Camino de Santiago, Saint Patrick Way also has a credential . This passport is available at The Navan Center & Fort and at local visitor information centers or can be downloaded online. There are 10 stops where it must be stamped along the route and, finally, it must be presented in Saint Patrick's Center to get the certificate.
You can do it in about 6 or 10 days , depending on the rhythm, and is divided into sections. Also during the Camino you can find cafes, restaurants and places to rest. Here you have more information.