Eamonn O’Connor took us on a journey far beyond Rostrevor — all the way to northern Spain and the ancient pilgrim trails of the Camino de Santiago.

Eamonn’s talk was warm, honest, reflective and full of the little moments that make the Camino more than just a long walk. It’s a test of the legs, certainly, but just as much a test of the mind and spirit.

He began by explaining the history of the Camino: a route travelled for over a thousand years by pilgrims heading toward the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of St James are said to rest. What struck many of us was how Eamonn highlighted that people walk the Camino for all kinds of reasons — faith, adventure, healing, curiosity, or simply the desire to step away from daily life and reconnect with themselves.

Through photos and stories, Eamonn brought us onto the dusty tracks, quiet forests, hilltop villages and bustling albergues that make the Camino so unforgettable. He described the early-morning starts, the rhythm of walking mile after mile, and the surprising camaraderie found among strangers who quickly become companions. There were tales of blisters, breathtaking views, shared meals, aching legs, unexpected kindness, and the emotional lift that comes from reaching the next milestone on the trail.

What really resonated with the Shedders was his message that the Camino isn’t about how fast you walk or how far — it’s about why you walk, and what you discover along the way. Eamonn spoke of the quiet moments of reflection, the chance to think without distraction, and the sense of achievement when he finally reached Santiago’s grand cathedral square, surrounded by fellow pilgrims who had made their own journeys to get there.

By the end of the talk, you could feel the room shifting — a mix of admiration, curiosity, and maybe even a few Shedders quietly wondering if they might take on the Camino one day.

Big thanks to Eamonn O’Connor for sharing his story so openly and giving us a window into a world of adventure, reflection, and pilgrimage.

Rostrevor Men’s Shed — where every journey, whether across Spain or across the yard to the workshop, is better when shared.