Every year, on September 8th, Our Lady’s Birthday, this sacred site is the centrepiece of Ballyheigue’s Pattern Day. Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, celebrates an open-air Mass to honour the day. Visitors partake in the cherished ritual of paying rounds: Walking Slowly around the perimeter while reciting the Rosary. Kneeling at the Statue for the final decade, a moment of deep connection and reflection.
At dawn, at 6:00 AM, pilgrims also depart from the Dominican Church in Tralee, walking to Ballyheigue in time for the Mass—a tradition that underscores the spiritual bond between communities.