St Patrick's Purgatory is among the oldest centres of Christian pilgrimage in the world,supposedly dating back to the 6th century. This island sanctuary, located on a lake in Co Donegal, Ireland, five miles outside of the village of Pettigo, challenges human frailty but may bring a deep and richly rewarding experience of spirituality.  Pilgrims tend to find inner peace which gives them new strengths to continue their life's journey.

The traditional pilgrimage is a three-day undertaking of fasting, keeping vigil and walking barefooted. The central 'Station Prayer', Celtic in origin, is a combination of movement and a 'mantra-type' prayer, made on the stone remains of beehive cells of the ancient monks.

The small island is dominated by the copper dome of St Patrick's Basilica. Built between 1926 and 1932 it houses  the Stations of the Cross depicted in stained glass windows executed by Harry Clarke who is considered to be one of Ireland's most renowned stained-glass artists.
 
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