Today, Monday, marks the Feast Day of St. Colmcille, and communities across Donegal have been celebrating with a blend of historical reflection and pilgrimage.
The weekend saw 250 walkers take on a section of Slí Colmcille.
Among them was the Portsalon Plungers, who said their journey was a “beautiful hike through heritage and history,” covering approximately 20 kilometres.
Walkers enjoyed a welcome lunch break at the Glenveagh visitor centre before completing their trek, culminating at St. Colmcille’s birthplace in Gartan, where they explored the old Abbey and Monastery.
The view of Gartan from the old Monastery walls
The Cross marking Colmcille’s Birthplace
Following their substantial walk, the Portsalon Plungers concluded their Saturday with a refreshing swim back in Portsalon.
On Sunday, the Plungers played host to the Tyrone Dippers to collectively celebrate World Ocean Day. The gathering saw 40 swimmers enter the water at 11 am. After their invigorating dip, participants were treated to an array of refreshments.
The Tyrone Dippers provided a spread of muesli and fruit breakfast bowls, along with World Ocean Day cookies and a stone painting kit. These treats were complemented by the Portsalon Plungers’ own homemade caramel squares.
There was plenty of partying on the pier too, thanks to music from Emmet and Johnny!
The Portsalon Plungers wish to thank the organisers of the Slí Colmcille for Saturday’s successful hike and expressed their appreciation to the Tyrone Dippers for joining them to mark World Ocean Day.
