The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

by Jon Myles

FEELING stressed out by the pressures of modern life? Don’t worry — you can now ease your cares by making your very own pilgrimage to one of Ireland’s most famous religious sites.

A new Hermitage Retreat Centre Project is nearing completion at idyllic Glendalough in Co. Wicklow.

The centre nestles high on the hillside overlooking the famous beauty spot and is the brainchild of parish priest Sean O’Toole.

The priest joined forces with locals to initiate the centre as a millennium project five years ago.

The project has cost more than £800,000 and involved the careful restoration of St. Kevin’s Church and the building of five self-contained retreat centres and a meditation garden.

The centre offers stunning views of the nearby mountains and lakes and serves as the ideal spot for anyone looking for a slice of calm away from the daily grind.

New Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin blessed the centre after a special Mass to mark the Feast of St. Kevin during his first visit to Glendalough in his new role.

He told parishioners he wanted to see the area become the spiritual core of the diocese.

And it’s an area close to his own heart — as he held the title of Titular Archbishop of Glendalough before being appointed as Archbishop of Dublin five weeks ago.

He said: “It’s an amazing place and I want to find ways which will enrich the capabilities of Glendalough. This will be somewhere where you can come for a moment of solitude. 

“It’s not running away from life but a way to re-charge your batteries. There’s so much pressure now on people.”

In its ancient past Glendalough was a monastic home to 10,000 inhabitants.

Now it is better known for playing host to thousands of tourists who descend on the area from across the world to view the remains of the monastery and take in the breathtaking views of the lough itself.

But away from the crowds of day-trippers the new spiritual centre will help restore some of Glendalough’s origins — as a haven of peace and quiet and a place for spiritual reflection.