SAINT DECLAN’S WAY
A six-stage walk from Cashel to Ardmore; Ireland’s Camino.
Each spring, Knockmealdown Active leads walkers along the path St. Declan travelled in the fifth century: 115 km of old roads, forest tracks and mountain crossings from the Rock of Cashel to the sea at Ardmore. Walk a single stage or take on the whole route.
Suitable for walkers of all levels.
3 WEEKENDS, 6 GUIDED STAGES
The route is divided into six fully guided stages, walked in pairs across three weekends from April to May. Each runs between 18 and 21 km, moving from the Tipperary plain, over the Knockmealdown Mountains, and down to the Waterford coast.
What’s included,
and what to bring
- Every stage is fully guided, with volunteer stewards along the route.
- Park at the finish — a bus brings you to the start each morning, so your car is waiting when you’re done.
- Water stops, medical cover, and refreshments at a community hall at the end of each stage.
- Walk at your own pace. It’s a pilgrimage, not a race — though cut-off times keep everyone safe.
- Solo walkers are very welcome; company tends to find you on the road.
- Bring sturdy, waterproof footwear with good grip, and a packed lunch for the halfway break.
Full walker’s notes, footwear advice and the complete event FAQ are kept up to date on the St. Declan’s Way website.
Includes bus transport, steward support, water stops and refreshments at the end of each stage.
WALK, REFLECT, REVIVE
A shared journey through some of the finest country in the south-east,
made as much for quiet and reflection as for the miles underfoot.
St. Declan’s Way is one of several events run by Knockmealdown Active, a volunteer-led group promoting outdoor recreation across the Knockmealdown Mountains and the communities around them — Ballyporeen, Clogheen, Goatenbridge, Ardfinnan and Newcastle. The path is waymarked year-round with the blue Duibhín Deaglán arrows, so you don’t have to wait for the annual walk to set out but with good company, it’s a fine way to do it.
Walk it. Visit it. Be part of it.
Walk it.
Visit it.
Be part of it.
Walk it. Visit it.
Be part of it.
Knockmealdown Active helps connect people with the region and the communities around it.
If you want help planing your visit, to sign up for an event, or if you would like help us by to supporting Knockmealdown Active as a volunteer, please get in touch.
Knockmealdown Active helps connect people with the region and the communities around it.
If you want help planing your visit, to sign up for an event, or if you would like help us by to supporting Knockmealdown Active as a volunteer, please get in touch.