Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope at Ballintubber Abbey
Ballintubber Abbey: Looking Forward to Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
Ballintubber Abbey is delighted to take part in Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope, a year dedicated to celebrating faith, resilience, and community. As one of Mayo’s most cherished historical and spiritual sites, we look forward to marking this special occasion with meaningful events and milestones that connect our rich heritage with the promise of a hopeful future.
The Tóchar Pilgrimage: A Walk of Faith and Tradition
Central to our Jubilee celebrations is the Group Tóchar Walk on Reek Saturday, 26th July 2025, which will be dedicated to the theme of Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope. This historic pilgrimage traces the ancient Tóchar Phádraig route, leading from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s sacred mountain. Pilgrims walking this route will embark on a spiritual journey steeped in tradition, reflecting on the enduring power of hope and faith that has been a cornerstone of our community for over 800 years.
A Heart of Pilgrimage in the West of Ireland
Situated between Knock Shrine and Croagh Patrick, both designated as national pilgrimage sites, Ballintubber Abbey is uniquely positioned at the heart of Mayo’s spiritual landscape. Together, these three iconic locations create a pilgrimage triangle that draws visitors from across the globe, offering opportunities for reflection, renewal, and connection to Ireland’s deep spiritual roots.
A Vision for the Future: East Wing Restoration Project
In alignment with the theme of hope, we are thrilled to share a landmark development for Ballintubber Abbey: the long-awaited commencement of the East Wing Restoration Project, a three-story cultural and heritage visitor center. This transformative project, envisioned since 2008, reached a pivotal moment in May 2024 with the approval of critical funding. Construction is expected to begin in Quarter 4 of 2025, bringing this dream to life.
The Ballintubber Abbey Trust, Mayo County Council, and Howley Hayes Cooney, the design team architects, have already begun discussions on timelines and logistics for this much-anticipated project. Once complete, the East Wing Restoration Project will stand as a vibrant hub for preserving and celebrating the Abbey’s cultural, historical, and spiritual significance, benefiting both visitors and the wider community.
The Station of the Cross at Ballintubber Abbey with the Ruins of the East Wing of Ballintubber Abbey that will be restored as the new Cultural and Visitor Centre.
“They Dared to Hope”
Throughout its remarkable 800-year history, Ballintubber Abbey has stood as a testament to the enduring power of hope. Guided by its motto, “They Dared to Hope,” the Abbey has weathered centuries of challenges, sustained by the unwavering faith of its community. As we look to Jubilee 2025, we honor this legacy of hope and its promise for future generations.
We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope. For updates on events and information about our Jubilee activities, please visit our website or contact us directly. Together, let us celebrate a year of joy, unity, and the enduring spirit of hope.
