Journey through Ireland, a top global pilgrimage destination, filled with Catholic heritage. Begin in Dublin, exploring landmarks like Phoenix Park and the Georgian squares, then venture to Wicklow and Glendalough's ancient monastic city. Witness the Rock of Cashel, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Cliffs of Moher.
Visit Knock's Marian shrine, cruise Corrib Lake, and see Clonmacnoise Abbey. Conclude in Dublin, exploring the National Museum and Trinity College's library. This faith-filled pilgrimage is a deep dive into the footsteps of Saint Patrick and Ireland's Catholic history.
Day 1: Depart USA
Depart the USA to Dublin, Ireland from your local airport. Enjoy a full meal and in-flight entertainment (movies, music, etc.) on your overnight flight.
Day 2: Arrival | Dublin
Céad Mile Fáilte! "A hundred thousand welcomes!" Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, you will proceed through Passport and Customs Control to the Arrivals Hall. You will be greeted by our local Trinity Tours Travel guide and driver and begin an Irish journey of a lifetime! Depending on arrival time, hotel check-in may be possible, or the pilgrimage begins directly from the airport with a panoramic tour of both sides of the River Liffey. We pass by the General Post Office, O’Connell Street, Custom House, and Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. We see the Georgian Squares with their charming colorful doors, Grafton Street, and Trinity College. Mass location to be determined. Dinner & overnight in Dublin.
Day 3: Dublin
Following breakfast at the hotel, we visit Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. We visit the ancient library containing over 20,000 manuscripts, among which is the Book of Kells. Considered to be Ireland’s most precious medieval artifact, the Book of Kells is one of the oldest surviving texts in the form of a book. It is lavishly embellished with biblical scenes and letters hand-written on parchment. The book is an "illuminated" manuscript of the Bible. Mass location to be determined. Dinner & overnight in Dublin.
Day 4: Wicklow | Glendalough | Tipperary
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a beautiful and memorable journey through the mountains of Wicklow (known as the "Garden of Ireland") en route to Glendalough. Founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, this ancient monastic city is hidden among the luscious greenery of the Wicklow Mountains and provides breathtaking natural beauty with utmost serenity. A guided tour of the site to see the Round Tower, the ruins of the Cathedral, and "St. Kevin’s Kitchen" (St. Kevin’s Church from the 12th century). Mass location to be determined. Check-in, dinner & overnight in Tipperary.
Day 5: Rock of Cashel | Kerry
Following breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary. Standing high in the middle of the "Golden Vale" and rising above the lush green fields of the Irish countryside, the Rock dates to the 12th century and houses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Legend maintains that St. Patrick came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. We see The Cathedral, the Round Tower, and Cormac’s Chapel (containing the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland). Mass location to be determined. Check-in, dinner & overnight in Killarney.
Day 6: Ring of Kerry
After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry. An awe-inspiring scenic drive around the Ivernagh Peninsula leads us through rolling hills and sparkling lakes. Jaw-dropping cliffs and brilliant, pristine beaches provide a treasure of mountainous views in the area known as the Ring of Kerry. We’ll see lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and even enjoy a sheepdog herding demonstration in Kenmare prior to heading to Ladies View and Moll’s Gap! More of Ireland’s stunning landscape awaits with the surrounding lakes leading to Macgillycuddy’s Reeks Mountain Range, the highest peak in Ireland. Named during Queen Victoria’s visit to Muckross House in 1861, Ladies View provided such a stunning view when the queen invited her "ladies in waiting" to admire the remarkable view, that the name was coined and has been used ever since. We visit Muckross Gardens to view the façade of Muckross House, an old Irish Manor House dating back to the 19th century. Magnificently maintained gardens filled with an overwhelming variety of flowers, trees, and shrubs line the backdrop of the mountains, making for an unforgettable sight. Mass location to be determined. Dinner & overnight in Killarney.
Day 7: Kerry | Dingle Peninsula
Following breakfast at the hotel, we travel to the Dingle Peninsula, the most northern of the Kerry peninsulas and one of the parts of Ireland where the Gaelic language is commonly spoken. We continue along the Eagle Mount and the cliffs of Slea Head. We visit Gallarus Oratory, the excellently preserved 9th-century chapel used as a sacred place of prayer by monks searching for an isolated and remote area in which to immerse themselves in prayer. We visit Kilmalkedar Church, built in the 12th century and traditionally associated with St. Brendan. It is considered the assembly site for pilgrims following the Saints’ Road to reach the summit of the mountain on the feast of St. Brendan (May 16). Mass location to be determined. Dinner & overnight in Killarney.
Day 8: Shannon | Cliffs of Moher
Breakfast at the hotel before traveling north through Listowel to embark on the ferry at Killimer. From here, we cross the Shannon estuary where the River Shannon flows into the Atlantic Ocean. We see County Clare, renowned for its legacy in traditional Irish music and for its spectacular scenery. It is from here that we visit the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. With its spectacular towering heights, splendid crashing waves, and endless flurrying of birds, the Cliffs of Moher are truly a masterpiece of nature. From the cliffs, we see the intensely blue Galway Bay on one side and the sublime natural rocky landscape on the other. An unforgettable day at one of the most visited sites in all of Ireland. Mass location to be determined. Check-in, dinner & overnight in Knock.
Day 9: Knock
Following breakfast at the hotel, we visit Knock in the plains of East Mayo. Here we visit one of the world’s leading Marian Shrines, The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock (Knock Shrine). In 1879, locals claimed to have witnessed an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, angels, and Jesus. They stood in pouring rain for two hours reciting the Rosary, noting that at no time did the Holy Family, angels, or St. John get wet. The testimony of the witnesses was deemed trustworthy, and the Knock Shrine is officially recognized by the Church as a Eucharistic and Marian Shrine. The Basilica (shrine) is the largest church in Ireland. Mass will be celebrated here this day followed by free time for lunch, shopping, and exploring. Depending on weather conditions, we have an option to climb Mt. Croagh Patrick this afternoon! We travel south this evening to Galway. Check-in, dinner & overnight in Galway.
Day 10: Galway | Corrib Lake
Breakfast at the hotel and then a fun-filled day in Galway! This city is well-known for having maintained its medieval charm with its colorful and charming streets and authentic pubs. We enjoy a day cruise on Corrib Lake, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and the very best way to see Galway and its beautiful surroundings! Mass location to be determined. Dinner & overnight in Galway.
Day 11: Galway | Clonmacnoise | Dublin
After breakfast at the hotel, we make our way back to Dublin. We visit Clonmacnoise, Ireland’s most important monastic site overlooking the River Shannon. Established in 544 by St. Ciarán, Clonmacnoise consists of a walled field containing numerous early churches, a castle, two round towers, a large number of carved stone high crosses, and graves. It was once a major center of religion, learning, craftsmanship, and trade. We visit the National Museum in Dublin, situated in the heart of the city. The museum houses a collection of golden prehistoric jewelry considered to be the most beautiful in Europe, as well as much Celtic finery, early Christian ornaments, and other treasured relics. Free time this afternoon for lunch and shopping. Mass location to be determined. Check-in, overnight, and Farewell Dinner in Dublin.
Day 12: Departure
Our final breakfast at the hotel and we depart for our return home! We depart from Dublin Airport treasuring the memories of this spectacular country steeped in the beautiful history of our faith! Sláinte! To our unforgettable pilgrimage!