The reputation of the Boyne Valley Camino is growing worldwide and this morning it took a big stride forward when one of the stopping off points for walkers, The Morning Star pub in Tullyallen, became the first establishment outside of Spain to be presented with the prestigious Stelar Award for hospitality.
Since it was first established five years ago, the Boyne Valley Camino has drawn thousands of walkers from far and wide to sample the pleasures of the historic and beautiful Boyne Valley.
Walkers from all over the world have come, some in groups, others on their own, to walk the 25 kms looped walk which is accredited by the Camino Society of Ireland and International Camino Society and starts and ends in Drogheda.
The walkers collect their official Camino “passport” which are stamped at the six stopping points along the route.
One of these stopping points is The Morning Star pub and Aggie’s Coffee in Tullyallen the proprietors of which, Stewart and Siobhán Carolan, were this morning presented with the prestigious Stelar award by Manuel Mirás, the President of the Celtic Camino and Camino Ingles.
The Stelar Award is given to establishments who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to welcome Camino walkers, through hospitality, flexibility, providing information, allowing use of services, etcetera.
This is a great coup for Stewart and Siobhán at the Morning Star, as they are the first recipients of this award outside of Spain.
Dusty Flanagan of the Boyne Valley Camino committee (pictured below being presented with a Camino way marker by Manuel Mirás President of the Camino Ingles) said that all of the groups and individuals who have passed through Tullyallen whether students on TY year projects or the many charity walks or individuals getting ready to embark on the Camino de Santiago in Spain had been made very welcome in Tullyallen and the Moring Star.
“Tullyallen is at the heart of the Boyne Valley because, if you throw a stone that way you have the 5,000 year old passage graves of Brú na Bóinne, one of only three world heritage sites in Ireland.
“A stone’s throw away in another direction and you have one of the finest Celtic Crosses in Ireland and then there’s the world famous Mellifont Abbey. Then there’s the beautiful Belnumber woods which is still one of my favourite parts of the Camino.
“But before you get there and on to the walk alongside the Boyne into Drogheda, you see Aggies and The Moring Star which is the ideal place to take a rest from walking, have a cup of tea or a nice cool pint, it’s just fabulous and sets you up for the walk back to Drogheda and completing your 25 kilometres walk.
“So, we’re here to honour the village of Tullyallen but especially Siobhan and Stewart for their hospitality and to congratulate them on achieving this special award.”
Mayor of Drogheda Paddy McQuillan thanked the Boyne Valley Camino Committee for inviting him to address the special event and welcomed Senor Miras and Michelle Yalch of the Camino Society of Ireland to Tullyallen, Drogheda and the Boyne Valley.
“The Boyne Camino is one of the great success stories of Drogheda” he said. “It was conceived by a group of visionaries and has been enjoyed by a great number of people.
“The 25km walk through the picturesque Boyne Valley passing through the beautiful village of Tullyallen brings people from far and wide to experience the rich and varied heritage of the area.
“As Dusty has mentioned, many local charities organise walks to raise much needed funds. It is estimated that €170,000 has been made through these walks for organisations and charities in Drogheda and the wider area.
“Hospitality is a vital part of every Camino and the Stelar award is given to establishments that go above and beyond the call of duty to walkers. Siobhan and Stewart have shown commitment and, apart from refreshments have offered information and encouragement to walkers when they reach Tullyallen.
“I’ve done the Camino three times and believe me you are tired by the time reach here! So this award for the Moring Star is well deserved, your contribution and support to the walkers on the Boyne Camino adds to its success and ensures an amazing experience for all participants.”
