St Declan's Way Route Map, Stages and Heights

OpenStreetMap does not map this route as a whole, so the line is drawn by our router along mapped paths, tracks and lanes (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) through the route's stage towns and the places its description names, with heights from a 30 m terrain model. It shows the way the route goes, not every turn of it: on the ground, follow the waymarks. See the source.

The trail

Ireland's longest pilgrim path, about 115 km from the Rock of Cashel to St Declan's monastery at Ardmore on the Waterford coast, remembering the fifth-century saint's journey between his monastery and the seat of the kings of Munster. Back roads and farm lanes lead south through Tipperary to Cahir, then the River Suir past the Swiss Cottage to Ardfinnan and Goatenbridge. The one real climb follows: forest tracks past the Liam Lynch monument and over a pass in the Knockmealdown Mountains to the Cistercian abbey at Mount Melleray. From there the way drops to Lismore, follows the Blackwater to Cappoquin and crosses the quiet farmland of west Waterford by Aglish to finish along the beach at Ardmore. Six stages of about 13 to 24 km; the mountain day needs fitness, the rest is gentle. Parts cross private land by permission, and the route closes for one day each December. OpenStreetMap does not map the route as a whole, so the line here is drawn along mapped paths and lanes through its stage towns and the places its description names: on the ground, follow the blue St Declan's Way arrows.

Stages

A suggested split into 6 days of about 19.4 km (12.1 mi). Each day ends at the town or village on the way nearest to an equal share of the distance, or at a hotel or hostel where there is none. These are not the official stages: check where you can stay before you book.

Summits on the way

Tops within 300 m of the line. Lists from the Database of British and Irish Hills; other summits from OpenStreetMap.

Start and finish

Places to stay

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Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line comes from the source named under the map and the heights from a terrain model, so treat the figures as a guide. Check for diversions before you go, take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.