Ireland Pilgrimage Indianapolis ·  April 2026

Our pilgrimage begins as we depart on our overnight flight to Dublin. Meals and refreshments will be served aloft.

Upon arrival in Dublin, we will be met by our local Irish tour manager, who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. We then drive west to Clonmacnoise for a visit to this holy site in a beautiful setting in a bend in the River Shannon. Continue to Galway, where we’ll begin our stay here in the Galway Cathedral dedicated to Our Lady. Continue to St. Nicholas, and the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas with its famous Spanish Arch from where Columbus prayed before sailing for America. Proceed to our hotel where we’ll check in for dinner and overnight. (D) Overnight Galway

Following breakfast, we drive to Kylemore Abbey, the only remaining home of the Benedictine nuns in Ireland. After time here, we head to the small village of Knock, where on August 21, 1879, witnesses saw three figures on the wall of a church standing raised about two feet off the ground. The central figure, Our Lady, had hands raised to shoulder height and eyes turned heavenward, as if in prayer. With her were St. Joseph and St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. In 1979, one hundred years after the Apparition, Pope John Paul II paid a visit and bestowed the status of Basilica to the Shrine Church of Knock and declared that the Church would be known as the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland. Afterwards, we return to Galway for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Galway

Depart Galway traveling south via the lunar landscape of the Burren to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, a dramatic great sheer rock face rising 700 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. Depart for Tuamgraney and St. Cronan’s, now belonging to the Church of Ireland, and holding the designation of the oldest church in continuous use in Ireland. Continue to Killarney, situated in a spectacular location amidst mountains, glens and lakes. Sometimes known as the “Best Kept Town” in all of Ireland, Killarney teems with history, Irish heritage, and hospitality. The remainder of this afternoon is free to enable us to explore the interesting craft shops, quaint historic buildings and churches, or perhaps sample the traditional form of local transport, the jaunting car (a horse drawn wagon). (B, D) Overnight Killarney

Today we travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as “The Ring of Kerry.” It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here bogs, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Even the names of the towns seem to whisper their beauty: Cahirciveen, Glenbeigh, Killorglin and Sneem. We return to the hotel for an early dinner before enjoying a traditional Irish music, song, and dance show presented by the Celtic Steps (pending confirmation). (B, D) Overnight Killarney

This morning, we visit Muckross House and Abbey as we begin our journey east, travelling first to St. Finbarr’s Oratory. Tucked away on an island, the church was rebuilt in the 19th century at the site where St. Finbarr himself used to retreat. Afterwards, proceed to Blarney Castle, which dates to 1446 and is the third castle built on this site. We will climb the battlements to reach the Blarney Stone, said to impart the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. We then spend time at the Blarney Woollen Mill, one of the best shopping opportunities in Ireland. Travel a short distance to Cork to check into our hotel for our overnight. (B, D) Overnight Cork

This morning, we journey to the port town of Cobh. Cobh is infamous as the last port of call for the Titanic and was also the departure point for many Irish emigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. We will visit St. Colman’s Cathedral and marvel at the stunning views of the town and surrounding islands. We’ll walk by the charming “Deck of Cards” Houses on our way to the seaside, where we visit the Queenstown Heritage Center, dedicated to Irish emigration and history, including exhibits about the Titanic and Lusitania. After some free time for personal exploration and lunch, we drive northeast to the Rock of Cashel, a monumental 12th century complex dominating the surrounding landscape. Tradition holds it was here Patrick first used the shamrock as an image of the Trinity and converted the pagan King of Munster. It hosts one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in the region. After exploring this unique and historic location, we proceed to Wexford for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Wexford

This morning, we will visit Our Lady’s Island, a tiny island at the juncture of the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea, surrounded by a salt lake and cut off from the sea by a sand bar. It has been a place of pilgrimage since pre‐ Christian times, and St. Abban founded the original Christian settlement here, evangelizing the area and dedicating the island to the Virgin Mary, thus establishing the first Marian shine in Ireland. We will then depart for Glendalough. Tucked away in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough was established by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Seeking a place where he could commune with God without the distractions of worldly life, the young Kevin lived first in a tree, then in a cave, eventually attracting a following of those who wanted to pursue a similar monastic vocation. Explore the ruins of this ancient monastery and marvel at the faithful asceticism of the medieval monks. Continue to Dublin for overnight. (B, D) Overnight Dublin

Today we explore Dublin proper, the vibrant capital of Ireland, with a romantic aura of Old-World Europe. Beginning at the church of Our Lady of Lourdes, we venerate the tomb of Venerable Matt Talbot, 20th century commoner known for overcoming his alcoholism through the power of faith. We continue to St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral – the Catholic Cathedral of Dublin. Our final stop together will be at Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells, the 9th century illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels. The remainder of the day will be free for personal activities, including dinner on our own. (B) Overnight Dublin

Following breakfast, we will head north to see the Celtic crosses in the historic ruins of Monasterboice, the remains of an early Christian monastic settlement. The three high crosses were constructed as early as the 10thcentury, and other remaining ruins are from the 13th and 14th centuries. Continue to the Hill of Slane where St. Patrick is said to have lit an Easter fire as a challenge to the pagan High King of Tara. In the afternoon visit St Peter’s Church in Drogheda, famous for its tall west gable, rose window, and for containing the national shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett, the last Roman Catholic to be martyred in England, before returning to Dublin. This evening we will celebrate our farewell dinner at a local pub featuring traditional Irish music. (B, D) Overnight Dublin

Today our Irish Pilgrimage comes to an end. Following breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for our return flight to the United States. (B)