St. Patrick's Basilica

St. Patrick's Sanctuary on Station Island on Lake Derg in Donegal is one of Ireland's most important pilgrimage sites. It has been operating since the 5th century and since then, millions of believers from Ireland and other countries come here every year.

According to legend, there was supposed to be a grotto on Station Island where Saint Patrick was fasting. There was also supposed to be a source of healing power here. The monastic traditions on the island date back to the 5th century. Since then, pilgrims also come here. These wanders were not interrupted by any historical events, wars or even the Great Famine.

There is now a large pilgrimage center on Station Island. The island is built up by a monastery and shelters for pilgrims. The monastery conducts retreats, one-day and multi-day meditations and various events for spiritual strengthening. The most popular is a three-day pilgrimage combined with fasting, barefoot walking to the monastery along the paths of Saint Patrick and an all-night vigil.