The Irish Pilgrimage Trust Information

The Irish Pilgrimage Trust was established in 1976 and registered as a charity with the Charity Commissioners of Ireland. The first group of young people had travelled to Lourdes in 1971 and the development of The Irish Pilgrimage Trust has continued to the present day. In 1994 the first Irish Group travelled to Hosanna House in Bartres. During the 90's also a number of 'Friendship Week Groups' were established in Ireland. Concentrated in the West of Ireland these groups welcomed young people with special needs to spend a week together in Ireland during July and August. One of the greatest challenges with this work was the acquiring of suitable accommodation. The Trust eventually discerned the need to build their own house and so KILCUAN was born. Through the very generous gift of the Brothers of Charity in Clarinbridge of a site, work commenced in 1995 and brought to conclusion in 1997. Kilcuan was formally opened by Minister Brian Cowen, and blessed by Bishop Dermot O'Mahony, President of The Irish Pilgrimage Trust, in 1998. The formal opening and dedication was attended by many friends of The Trust from England and all over Ireland. In the intervening years Kilcuan has been the venue of many friendship weeks and has welcomed many organisations with a similar ethos as The Irish Pilgrimage Trust. Situated in the beautiful wood setting of the grounds of the Brothers of Charity the building was designed with the special needs of our guests in mind. All rooms are en-suite and are wheel chair accessible. A carefully designed oratory welcomes all into a wonderfully peaceful sacred space. The dining area and lounge space are open and airy. The name Kilcuan suggests 'church' and 'harbour', 'church' and 'wood'. Kilcuan welcomes all and encourages them to enjoy the tranquillity and safety of this little corner of Ireland.