The Story:

In Ireland, on Station Island of the coast of Lough Derg, County Donegal is St. Patrick’s Purgatory. In the fifth century, St. Patrick saw Jesus who led him to a cave or a well that was an entrance to Purgatory. Many naysayers had St. Patrick doubting his ability to teach people about his faith, so he prayed for proof that he could provide to those he was trying to convert. God reveal the pit and St. Patrick was able to demonstrate Purgatory to his followers. Medieval Pilgrims began visiting the site of the cave for physical and spiritual healing, but in 1632 the cave was closed for good and all records destroyed. Nevertheless, almost fifteen hundred years later Lough Derg remains a sanctuary of St. Patrick. The faithful still make Pilgrimages here each Spring, many making a three-day journey around the Assumption of Mary.

Location: Lough Derg, Pettigo, Country Donegal, Ireland, F94 PC60 Lough Derg is located about a 3 hour drive from Dublin and 2 hours from Belfast and 1 hour from Londonderry.

Accommodations: There are many 4 and 5 star hotels nearby.