Lough Derg
Not to be mistaken with the larger lake of the same name on the River Shannon, Lough Derg in Co. Donegal is a renowned place of pilgrimage. A traditional three-day pilgrimage takes place each August, but the Lough is open to visitors (including anglers!) year-round. The Lough is composed of over 30 islands and inlets, the most famous of which is Station Island - it is said that when St. Patrick traversed Ireland converting kings to Christianity, Jesus appeared to him here and revealed the entrance to Purgatory! The Lough's name comes from the Irish word "dearg" (red) as a local legend holds that a local mortal once called the magic powers of the lake to transform a worm into a vicious cow. Once defeated, the red blood of the cow changed the colour of the rocks (which are in fact sandstone) to red.
