Five-year plan launched for St Declan's Way

Last Friday, the five- year strategic plan for the St Declan’s Way walking route was unveiled by Minister of State Mary Butler, at a ceremony held in the Hall of the Vicar’s Choral at the Rock of Cashel.

Extending 115 kilometres from the Rock of Cashel in Co. Tipperary, all the way to Ardmore in Co. Waterford, St Declan’s Way is a path that connects two significant sites in

Ireland's early Christian history dating back to the 5th Century, and is inspired by St Declan’s Journey to confer with St Patrick. The route offers a unique blend of historic and spiritual heritage, from the lush tillage fields of the Golden Vale and the rugged terrain of the Knockmealdown Mountains, to the serene rolling hills of West Waterford.

The new Strategic Plan, co-authored by the St Declan’s Way Steering Committee and the company Tourism Development International, outlines a roadmap for enhancing the trail’s infrastructure, boosting visitor numbers, and increasing its appeal to both domestic and international tourists. A development manager has been hired, and targeted marketing campaigns will be launched, aimed at capturing the growing interest in walking tourism.

With an estimated investment of €2.4 million, the plan proposes to attract over 20,000 walkers annually by 2029 and aims to generate a significant economic impact estimated at €35.4 million. This growth is not only expected to bolster local economies but also to position Ireland as a premier destination for pilgrim walkers worldwide, like its counterparts on the revered Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena.