Pilgrimage to Ireland

Arriving in Belfast, our group enjoy a tour of the city center before gathering for our welcome Mass and dinner this evening.

Dedicating the day to St. Patrick, we visit the cathedral he founded in Armagh before stopping in Downpatrick to explore his museum and pay our respects at his tomb. Overnight: Belfast (Breakfast, Dinner)

Departing Belfast, we cross into the Republic of Ireland to visit the ruins of Monasterboice followed by a tour of the Silverstream Priory. Before arriving in Dublin, we enjoy time for lunch at one of the seaside towns that dot the Irish coast our way southwards. Overnight: Dublin (Breakfast, Dinner)

Centered on the River Liffey, our group enjoys a walking tour of many of the city’s most famous monuments and attractions. After lunch, we continue to a tour of the world famous Guinness Storehouse. We close the day with a delicious dinner to accompany a performance of traditional Irish dancing and music! Overnight: Dublin (Breakfast, Dinner)

Departing Dublin, we travel south to the picturesque valley of Glendalough. Besides breathtaking views, the valley is famous for its well-preserved ruins of a 6th century monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin. Later, we begin the journey to Knock with a couple of scenic stops along the way. Arriving in the late afternoon, our group settles into our Knock hotel to close the day. Overnight: Knock (Breakfast, Dinner)

After morning Mass, we experience a brief tour of the Shrine and museum to give the group a sense of what makes this miraculous place the National Shrine of Ireland. We are then given the balance of the day to pray, contemplate, and reflect. This evening, we gather for dinner where we will be invited to share our insights and graces with our fellow pilgrims. Overnight: Knock (Breakfast, Dinner)

Departing Knock, we make our way to Croagh Patrick, also known as “the Reek.” St. Patrick fasted at the peak of this mountain for 40 days and a church has marked its peak since the 5th century. Continuing along the Atlantic Coast, we next visit the impressive Kylemore Abbey and Gardens before ending the day with our arrival in Galway. Overnight: Galway (Breakfast, Dinner)

Beginning with Mass and a tour of the Galway Cathedral, our group soon departs Galway to visit the majestic Cliffs of Moher. We follow this visit with a transfer to our hotel in either Ennis or Limerick. Our pilgrimage closes with a special farewell dinner hosted by a local restaurant. Either before or after our dinner, we will gather at our hotel to share graces and reflect on the pilgrimage we have just experienced together. Overnight: Limerick/Ennis (Breakfast, Dinner)

We transfer to the Shannon Airport to board our flights bound for home. Overnight: N/A (Breakfast*)