Refurbishments on the Obelisk Bridge near Oldbridge House, just outside of Drogheda have been completed by Louth County Council allowing traffic to cross the Boyne River once again. In addition, the re-opening of the bridge on Monday 20th May 2024, also means that walkers and visitors looking to complete the 25km loop walk, the Boyne Camino can once again continue their journey to the south of the river, and make their way back into town.
Boyne Camino walkers have had to make do with completing the Camino's northern half only for the last year but now will be able to cross the Boyne and make their way back into Drogheda along one of the prettiest approaches to a town on any Camino, nationally or internationally.
Besides the joy of a flat section of walking in nature along the Boyne for the last 5km, we get to enjoy the golden reeds, ancient riverine forests, past the canal and lock gates, under the spectacular Mary McAleese Boyne Bridge, admiring the lovely planting by Tidy Towns on Dominic’s Bridge under the watchful eye of DRAWDA's An Cailleach mural after a great day’s walking.
The Boyne Camino has been officially recognised as part of the Celtic Camino series leading to Santiago de Compostella, A Coruna in Galicia, Spain, having secured its official Camino signage with iconic scallop shell early last year. Long standing connections in traditions, music and trade exist between Drogheda and A Coruna, who sent their Mayor to a visit to Drogheda last year to complete the Camino as part of the Boyne Valley Trails September Walking Festival. Amergin, the Milesean poet and bard is immortalised in another DRAWDA mural located on Drogheda Port, looking back out towards his home land in Spain, further connecting Drogheda and A Coruna.
To learn more about the Boyne Camino, please visit https://www.boynevalleycamino.ie/ where you will also find a map and guide. The Boyne Camino makes up 25km of the 100km Celtic Camino, the remainder of which can be completed in Spain. The Boyne Valley Trails group regularly host Boyne Camino guided walks, and you can find out more details at www.boynevalleytrails.ie.
