Abstract
This paper explores the spiritual dimensions of Celtic pilgrimage through a comparative analysis of two journeys: the Celtic Camino, primarily known as the English Way to Santiago, in Galicia, Spain, and the pilgrimage to Queen Maeve’s Cairn in Sligo, Ireland. It examines how invented traditions and mythological narratives contribute to a sense of ancestral connection and spiritual homecoming. The study employs autoethnographic narrative and theoretical frameworks including Simon Coleman’s concept of laterality and Jenny Butler’s observations on neo-pagan re-sacralisation of the landscape. Field observations, personal reflections, and literature review inform the analysis. The paper identifies ritual, festival, and storytelling as central to contemporary pilgrimage practices. It highlights the emotional resonance of sacred landscapes and the role of myth in shaping spiritual geographies for members of the Irish diaspora and neo-pagan communities. Celtic pilgrimage is shown to be a dynamic and evolving tradition that blends Christian and neo-pagan elements. The journeys to Santiago and Sligo reflect a broader search for belonging, identity, and ancestral connection through sacred travel.
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Recommended Citation
Lariscy, Nichole Ph.D.
(2026)
"A Spiritual Passage from Santiago to Sligo: Celtic Pilgrimage from St. John’s Eve to Queen Maeve’s Procession,"
International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage:
Vol. 14:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/ijrtp/vol14/iss1/6