Lough Derg Three Day Pilgrimage - Closing Days of the 2026 Season

What to Expect

The traditional Three Day Pilgrimage to Station Island runs from Friday 29 May to Saturday 15 August 2026, and the final week of that season falls inside the middle of August. Pilgrims may begin on any day of the week up to and including Thursday 13 August, which is the last entry date of the year. Arrival is around the middle of the day, with boats crossing from the lakeside jetty to the island between 11.00am and 3.00pm.

The pilgrimage is a demanding three days rather than a sightseeing visit. Pilgrims fast from midnight before arriving until midnight on the third day, taking one simple meal a day. They keep a twenty four hour vigil from 10pm on day one until 10pm on day two, and pray in bare feet around the penitential beds. Accommodation is two nights in hostel style rooms, separated by gender. The minimum age is fifteen, and anyone aged between fifteen and eighteen must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also doing the pilgrimage. Lough Derg describes the experience as a breathing space in which people can calmly reflect on where they find themselves in their lives.

Good to Know

• Season closes Saturday 15 August 2026; last day to begin is Thursday 13 August.
• Boats cross to Station Island between 11.00am and 3.00pm on the day of arrival.
• Cost is €85 per pilgrim, with concessions for students, seniors and groups.
• Minimum age fifteen; fifteen to eighteen year olds must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian.
• Pre booking through the online booking system is advised. Phone +353 (0) 71 9861518 for alternative payment arrangements.
• One Day Retreats continue at Lough Derg into September after the Three Day season ends.

Getting There

Lough Derg is signposted from Pettigo, a border village on the County Donegal side of the boundary with County Fermanagh. Donegal town is the nearest large town, reached by the N15 and R232. Drivers leave their cars at the lakeside jetty and cross to Station Island by boat, so allow time to park before the last crossing at 3.00pm.