BBC series on Lough Derg pilgrimage. Oilithreacht

[Bradypus]

For the past three weeks BBC Northern Ireland have been showing 30 minute episodes of a documentary series about the very challenging Lough Derg pilgrimage. A very different interpretation of "pilgrimage" from the Caminos where the focus is largely on the journey and so much is left to the individual's personal choice. In many ways the Lough Derg pilgrimage is much closer to the Hajj in spirit and practice. I have found it interesting to watch and to reflect on the points of difference and similarity and to ponder what it is about an experience that defines it as a pilgrimage. All three episodes are now available on the BBC iPlayer service though the first will expire in 15 days time with the others to do likewise later. Quite a contrast with the BBC celebrity series on the Camino Frances and the Via Francigena!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0003nvv/oilithreacht-series-1-1-oilithreacht

 

[Deleted member 73526]

For an industry that calls itself creative, TV sure loves a formula.
(Alright, I know you're saying this one's different ... I just couldn't help myself).

 

[roving_rufus]

Then again the TG4 Irish language channel's programmes on the Camino are of a different style to the BBC's camino. I suspect if BBC Northern Ireland commissioned a programme on the camino or Via Francigena it would look rather different too! But it probably explains why Dana is on the BBC's Via Francigena series to gain interest from Ireland as pilgrimage and camino have a significant interest here.
Just a note there is a short 12km pilgrim path on the shore of Lough Derg which I have used many times in preparation of going on Camino, which has nice yellow pilgrim markers. There is also some local interest in re-creating a pilgrim walking route to Lough Derg mainly in response to the growth of the Camino.

 

[vlogan]

I did the Lough Derg pilgrimage in 1968 and visited for a day 10 years ago.