Lough Derg (Donegal)

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Lough Derg (Loch Dearg in Irish, meaning "Red Lake") is a small lake in County Donegal, Ireland.

In the middle of the lough is an islet known as Station Island or, more popularly, St. Patrick's Purgatory, which has been a place of pilgrimage since ancient times and remains very busy to this day. Here, pilgrims fast (being allowed only one meal a day, of black tea or coffee and dry toast) and make barefoot circuits around the stone remains of monks cells during their 3-day pilgrimage. During the first night they must keep a vigil, staying up all night and continuing prayer. The traditional three-day pilgrimage runs from June 1st until August 15th every year.

Another Lough Derg is situated in Munster in the south of Ireland.