Ballinamore Parish One-Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg

What to Expect

The parish of Oughteragh and Drumreilly Lower runs an annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg, and the 2026 outing falls on Saturday 5 September. A bus leaves the Square in Ballinamore at 7:30 AM and carries the group north to the lakeside at Pettigo, on the Donegal and Fermanagh border, where the boat crosses to Station Island. The one-day retreat is the shorter alternative to the traditional three-day pilgrimage, so no overnight stay or fasting vigil is involved, and pilgrims are back on the mainland the same afternoon for the return journey.

The cost is €50 per person, which covers the bus from Ballinamore, the boat journey to and from the island, and food. Places must be booked in advance through the parish office, with a booking deadline of 17 August. This is a settled fixture in the parish calendar rather than a one-off, and it draws people from all four church areas of the parish: Ballinamore, Aughnasheelin, Aughawillan and Corraleehan. Station Island is exposed and the day runs outdoors in large part, so warm layers and rain gear are sensible whatever the forecast says.

Good to Know

• Date and departure: Saturday 5 September 2026, bus leaves the Square in Ballinamore at 7:30 AM
• Price: €50 per person, covering bus, boat and food
• Booking: essential, by 17 August, through the parish office
• Contact: 071 9644039, 087 9610911 or ballinamore@kilmorediocese.ie
• Destination: Station Island, Lough Derg, near Pettigo, Co. Donegal
• One-day retreat format, returning the same day
• Runs annually as the parish pilgrimage

Getting There

The pilgrimage departs from the Square in the centre of Ballinamore, so pilgrims only need to reach the town. Ballinamore is on the R202 in east Leitrim, roughly 25 minutes from Carrick-on-Shannon, 30 minutes from Cavan town and 40 minutes from Enniskillen. There is free public parking on and around the main street and near the Shannon and Erne Waterway moorings, which is where most people leave a car for the day. Given the 7:30 AM departure, arriving a little early is worthwhile, as the bus will not wait long. Local Link buses serve Ballinamore but do not run early enough on a Saturday to connect with the departure.