The first newsletter of the Via Columbani Partnership has just been launched summarising some highlights of 2024 and some of the projects for 2025 across the communities in Europe that celebrate the legacy of Saints Columbanus and Gall.
The mission of the Via Columbani Partnership is to facilitate collaboration through cultural, educational, spiritual and scientific projects, and promote exchange and tourism.
Fr Pat Colgan, the Columban representative on the Via Columbani Partnership group, has suggested that those interested in reading the latest updates should see: https://viacolumbani.com/en
The new newsletter was published as the AGM of the Turas Columbanus was held in Dalgan on Thursday attended by tourism / sports / culture and heritage representatives from Meath, Laois, Wexford and Carlow County Councils.
The AGM discussed the geo-mapping of the whole European route, including the Irish Columban Way, which was walked for the first time in its entirety last year.
According to Fr Pat Colgan, it was acknowledged at the AGM that this geo-mapping is “a game changer” and will give pilgrims and walkers for the first time a tool to self-navigate any part of the route they wish.
“What needs to be done is for County Councils to populate their respective parts of the Columban Way Walk with information about transport, accommodation, shops, local history etc – which they have promised to do, given its potential to attract tourists to their patch.”
The Columban Way is a historic pilgrim route tracing the journey of 6th Century Irish monk St Columbanus, patron of the Missionary Society of St Columban. The route is gaining momentum across the island of Ireland, with county council support, increasing public interest, and enhanced accessibility.
The AGM discussed developments in the route’s promotion, including cross-border collaboration, upcoming events, and grassroots engagement.
Niamh Byrne of Turas Columbanus
The route stretches from Myshall in County Carlow to Bangor in Northern Ireland.
Niamh Byrne, Secretary of Turas Columbanus, told Columbans.ie that for the first time Laois County Council sent a representative to the AGM.The route passes through 16 kilometers of County Laois.
“There was a great sense of progress and enthusiasm from the councils,” she said. “They are now seeing the economic and cultural value in pilgrim tourism.”
She explained how the County Councils are also involved in helping shift the Columban Way path off main roads onto safer, minor roads, both for safety and to enhance the walking experience.
Meath County Council is also considering possible adaptations, though these changes take time and require coordination and grant-funding.
Route of the Turas Columbanus in Ireland.
First Complete Columban Way Route Walked
A major achievement last year was the successful walking of the entire Columban Way route from Myshall to Bangor for the first time.
The walk proved the route’s viability and spotlighted areas of Ireland often overlooked by traditional tourism.
“It was a way to see the hidden Ireland,” according to Niamh Byrne, who walked from Dalgan to Northern Ireland. “We visited places and met people we would never have encountered otherwise.”
Carlow to Host Major European Gathering
This July, Carlow will host a major international weekend event (11-13 July 2025) celebrating St Columbanus, marking the first time this gathering is held in the Republic of Ireland. Attendees from across Europe will participate, and organisers are encouraging Irish participants to secure accommodation early.
One key event of the July gathering is a public walk from Nine Stones into Myshall, starting from a monument dedicated to St Columbanus. The event is part of a wider celebration designed to deepen public understanding of the Saint and the route itself.
The AGM also discussed how technology is enhancing the pilgrim experience. Thanks to modern tools, navigating the route has never been easier according to Niamh Byrne. A dedicated Via Columbani website offers geo-tracking features accessible via smartphone, helping walkers follow the path, even in areas where way-marking is limited.
Cross-Border Unity and Future Growth
The project’s North-South cooperation remains strong, with regular attendance and support from Northern Ireland’s Friends of Columbanus at the Turas Columban AGM.
Participants at the AGM emphasised the importance of building on this momentum, particularly by expanding outreach to underrepresented counties like Cavan and Meath.
“There are areas where we need to develop stronger local involvement,” Niamh Byrne told Columbans.ie. “The foundation is there, we just need to keep building on the links we have made.”
As Ireland’s pilgrim heritage continues to inspire both locals and visitors, the Columban Way is poised to become a prominent route for cultural exploration, spiritual reflection, and rural tourism.
