A traditional Galician wayfinding marker will be added to the Boyne Valley Camino trail today.
The Galician Mouteira, a granite way marker bearing the iconic Camino shell and arrow symbols, is being presented by the Government of Galicia in Spain to celebrate the cultural, historical, and pilgrim connections between the two regions.
It will be officially unveiled at an event at Scotch Hall in Drogheda and will be attended by Manuel Mirás Franqueira, honorary president of the Asociación de Concellos do Camiño Inglés.
The Boyne Valley Camino route features the historic landscapes of Louth and Meath before linking with the maritime crossing between Ireland’s east coast and Spain, and was inspired by medieval pilgrim journeys.
The location of the new Mouteira is the historic departure point from which medieval pilgrims travelled by sea to A Coruña, before continuing on to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.
The trail has become an important part of Drogheda’s tourism offering.
Thomas McEvoy, Deputy Chief Executive in Louth County Council, said that the international partnership helps to raise the profile of the region and attract more visitors to Louth.
“That benefits not only our tourism sector, but also our communities, local businesses, and cultural attractions. Initiatives such as the Boyne Valley Camino and Boyne Valley Flavours continue to strengthen the reputation of the Boyne Valley as a world-class destination to visit, live and work in,” he said.
The Honorary President of the Asociación de Concellos do Camiño Inglés, Manuel Mirás Franqueira, said the relationship between the two regions had grown into a meaningful partnership based on a shared appreciation of pilgrimage, cultural exchange and hospitality.
Dusty Flanagan from the Boyne Valley Camino group said today was a proud moment and will remind future generations of the connection between Drogheda and Galicia.
The unveiling of the new Camino Mouteira also marks the start of the Boyne Valley Trails September Festival.
The festival runs from the 12 to 20 September, and includes a programme of guided walks, outdoor activities and cultural experiences across the region.
A two-day guided hike of the Táin Trail following the route of the legendary Táin Bó Cúaligne will mark the 40th anniversary of the trail.
Trevor Connolly, the CEO of Love Drogheda BID, said the festival was a great way to experience the Boyne Valley.
“Whether it’s your first visit or you know the area well, everything is within easy reach- from beaches and river to heritage sites, and the programme offers a real mix of activities so people can explore it at their own pace,” he said.