Carlow Pilgrims to Travel to Italy for 27th International Columban Meeting
A Pilgrimage from the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, led by Bishop Denis Nulty, will travel to Lodi in Italy this July to participate in the 27th International Columban Meeting, continuing County Carlow’s central role in celebrating the life and legacy of St Columbanus.
Taking place from Friday July 3rd to Monday July 6th 2026, the international gathering forms part of a long-standing annual European tradition honouring Columbanus, the 6th century Irish missionary monk born in the shadow of Mount Leinster near Myshall, County Carlow, whose influence extended across Ireland and mainland Europe. Following the successful hosting of the Columbanus Weekend in Carlow in July 2025, which welcomed visitors from across France, Italy, Germany and Switzerland, this year’s event represents an important opportunity to strengthen those international connections and reaffirm Carlow’s place at the heart of the Columbanus story.
A rich and engaging programme has been developed for the visit, combining pilgrimage, cultural exchange and spiritual reflection. Highlights of the three-day programme include a visit to the historic town of Bobbio, where Columbanus founded his final monastery and where he is buried, as well as evening concerts, cultural gatherings and shared meals with international participants.
A 13km walk along the Columban Way in Italy, tracing the footsteps of the saint through Sant’Angelo Lodigiano to San Colombano al Lambro, a solemn celebration of the Eucharist, a pilgrims dinner in the courtyard of the Bishop’s Palace and a visit to Milan forms also form part of the programme.
Speaking ahead of the event Bishop Denis Nulty said:
“We all remember with great fondness the celebrations in Carlow last July honouring St. Columbanus. This pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of St Columbanus and to strengthen the bonds that exist between communities across Europe. As the birthplace of Columbanus, Carlow has a special responsibility to keep his legacy alive. This gathering in Lodi is not only a celebration of faith, but also of shared heritage, friendship and cultural exchange.”
The pilgrimage is open to those wishing to take part in what promises to be a memorable experience of shared cultural learning and spiritual development. Travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation and a full programme of events, are being coordinated by Tully’s Travel, Carlow, who are acting as official booking agents for the group.
The Columban Way, which stretches over 5,000km across Europe, including a 571km route in Ireland from Myshall to Bangor, continues to grow as a significant cultural and pilgrimage route, linking Carlow with key Columbanus sites across the continent.
For further information or to book, contact Tully’s Travel, Carlow at 059-9136100 or visit www.kandle.ie or www.carlowtourism.com/thecolumbanway
Photos from the launch of the Pilgrimage, 22nd April 2026 in Myshall.
