International tour operator Follow the Camino congratulates Boyne Valley Camino Committee

Soon after the Boyne Valley Camino was first developed by Dusty Flanagan and the rest of the committee it began to attract attention from all over Ireland and when it was authorised as an official leg of the Camino de Compostela the attention became international.

Monday’s news that the Boyne Valley Camino has been awarded National Trails status was widely and very warmly welcomed and not just in the Drogheda area.

Following the report on Drogheda Life about the National Trails achievement, tour operator Follow the Camino, which has offices in Dublin and Santiago de Compostela was quick to offer their congratulations.

“It’s great to hear that Boyne Valley Camino has been recognised with National Trail Status” said Follow the Camino founder and CEO, Umberto di Venosa, “it is a great credit to the volunteers who have worked hard for a number of years to make it happen.

“As one of the main routes of the Celtic Camino pilgrimages, it has huge significance to the religious and cultural history of this part of Ireland, passing the underrated Mellifont Abbey and giving walkers the chance to grab a snack at the Battle of the Boyne site.

“It’s also a scenic walk showing off some of the best of South Louth and East Meath, and well maintained by the Boyne Valley Walking and Drogheda Walks teams.”

“We have been running Training Walks since 2017, as a way for people to come together and socialise in the fresh air, build a little fitness, and learn about the history of the Camino.

“We tried to run our first event on the Boyne Valley Camino in May of 2020, but it had to be cancelled due to Covid-19. But we were eager to bring people to this Celtic Camino, so we waited until we could relaunch our Training Walks properly in 2022.

“We see huge interest in this walk every year, with our last two events selling out weeks in advance. The Drogheda Tourist Office says the Boyne Valley Camino map is the most talked about topic they encounter every day.

“I like that Follow the Camino has played a part in that. People are seeking adventure, scenery and history. Sometimes you do not have to look too far for that and this walk is easily accessible and will give you a taste of what a Camino is all about.”

The Boyne Camino is a key route in Follow the Camino’s Training Walks Collection, events for the company’s clients and walking enthusiasts to build personal fitness, meet like-minded people, and get more information on the legendary Camino routes.

Since launching its first walk of the Boyne Valley Camino in 2022, Follow the Camino has brought nearly 100 people to the route. Each event has been used to raise funds for Irish charities, mostly recently The Rise Foundation.