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AFTER A GAP of almost 800 years the Camino de Santiago is set to return to Dublin.
This comes with the opening of the Camino Information Centre next to the historical starting point for the walk from St James Gate in the city.
It was at this point that pilgrims would have started their journey along the route in medieval times.
Traditionally, the Camino de Santiago is completed as a pilgrimage to to the shrine of St James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia province of Spain.
The centre will be run by individuals who have previously undertaken the Camino and will be formally opened by the Spanish ambassador after a mass at the church on 26 July.
The Camino
Starting points for the route are located at different points across Europe.
Many pilgrims undertaking the walk carry a document called a ‘credencial’, which they then have stamped as they travel along on their journey.
The document, known as a ‘pilgrim’s passport’, is then stamped at the various stops along on their journey.
Upon making it to the church in the town of Santiago, those who have undertaken the journey are given the ‘compostela’, which is a certificate that confirms that they have managed to walk at least 100 km or cycle at least 200 km.
While many still take part in the walk for religious reasons – it is also also become a popular activity for those without a religious purpose.
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whether religious or not it’s some great walk.
Well done Spain, good tourism marketing, wonder is there a similar exercise we could undertake for the ould Sod.
Could be a massive pub crawl around Dublin called the ComeIno Walk. When completed the compestelo will be a pint of Guinness at St. James’ Gate! Followed by a high mass gathering at the Temple Bar Centre for Advanced Alcoholics!!!!
We have it ! The WILD ATLANTIC WAY. And it’s a brilliant tourist marketing initiative . Well done Ireland Inc !
I did the first 200k of the French way last year. Have to say it was one of the best experiences ive had. I’m going back to finish it in August, I can’t wait. I’m trying to raise money for the Louth community drug and alcohol team for anyone that would like to sponsor me (ive no shame in begging) I know some people on here have attitudes to people with addictions but for those that don’t and would like to sponsor the charity here’s the link http://www.idonate.ie/mobile/fundraiser/65712_paddy-fagan-s-fundraising-page.html
What’s the best way to go about it solo?
@Malvolio heres great guide books that will tell you all you need to know. I met lots of people who had the same ones along the way. http://www.amazon.com/John-Brierley/e/B0034NMO4A
I was in Santiago last year. Really nice town, very relaxed. Great food, cheap beer and lovely hotel. I would highly recommend it for a weekend away if you are looking for something different. You can always pretend you just finished the camino!
Walking is good for the body, mind and soul but not doing it on the 12th July lol.
Have walked a stretch of it each year since 2011. It’s a great part of Spain. The French Way is getting a little crowded of late, especially during the summer months. Having said that, I always find an excuse to go back :)
have your say