Pilgrims depart from the USA to Dublin airport, arriving the next morning.

Welcome to the Emerald Isle. After settling in at the hotel, followed by a light lunch and orientation, we set out on foot to a sacred space of the Trinity College library, where we are transposed back to the origins of Celtic Christianity, to a medieval land of monks and manuscripts and chants. As we explore the 8th century illuminated Gospel Book of Kells, our mind turns to thoughts of our era. What artifacts of our faith will we bequeath to our children’s children? Is there a 21st century Book of Kells to explore, enjoy and share? Following this treasured encounter, we will explore another historical icon of Dublin, St. Mary’s Procathedral, where we will join in the local community at Mass. Our day closes with a hosted reception and conversation back at the hotel.

This is a day of stepping back in time, to walk the history of Ireland and celebrate the traditions of the Church. We start at Kimainham Gaol, the notorious prison and moving monument to Irish independence. Following, we take our thoughts and conversation to brunch at one of the many fine restaurants in the city. Our journey to the past continues at two special venues: The Irish Immigration Experience and Evensong at Christ Church, one to open our eyes to the profound global contribution of the Irish amidst a backdrop of oppression and sadness, and the other to awaken our soul with the ancient rhythms of the Church at prayer. After a quick bite, we will encounter the Church among the youth of today, as we celebrate Mass at the Jesuit parish of St. Francis Xavier. Our day closes with a gathering at a local pub for sips and stories.

On this day of exploration and encounter, we head south through a postcard landscape to the coastal city of Waterford. Here beauty, history and culture shout from every town, church and vista. Pilgrims will have a block of time to explore this 8th-century Viking stronghold, now recognized for its historical center and making of crystal, which we will see first hand in the stunning Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity Within, where we will have Mass. Following a hosted lunch, we drive to another gem in the crown of Irish heritage, Cork. We invite pilgrims to use the free evening to seek out a pub for meal, pint, traditional Irish music, and share the day’s delights and joys.

Our day begins at a setting made for travel posters: an expansive seascape punctuated by the soaring spire of St. Colman’s Cathedral, set against a row of colorful cottages. Having visited several churches, encountering this breathtaking neo-gothic treasure offers pilgrims a portal to engage in deeper reflection. We ask such questions as: ‘What makes a particular church beautiful and worth visiting?’ ‘How do these churches increase my appreciation for the contributions and place of such prominent buildings? How has visiting these churches increased my desire to find beauty and reverence in my life? After Mass and non-hosted lunch, we return to Cork, to continue our sojourn of the soul. Evening will include a hosted dinner as we recount the highlights of our day.

Today we don our outdoor gear and walking sticks as we transition from the sacred to the scenic. Stretching 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the Dingle Peninsula and Killarney National Park beckon with a wild and rugged beauty where the land and the sea embrace, and time is lost upon the shores of quiet pondering. During our time we’ll make our way to a special spot for a picnic lunch and Mass, and later in the afternoon head to Limerick for a hosted dinner.

Today is devoted to experiencing the daily rhythm and offerings of the charming city of Limerick. From a medieval castle to a 19th public market, a thriving music culture to a museum containing a treasure of Irish art, pilgrims will have the entire day to roam through the historical Milk Market, visit the medieval St. John’s Castle, or stroll along the Shannon River. Later in the afternoon we will visit St. John’s Cathedral for some quiet time and Mass, and then on to dinner and traditional Irish music at Dolan’s Pub.

‘Low lie the fields of Athenry.’ Leaving the charm of Limerick we head northward to these fields, given prominence from a catchy song that has become the anthem of Ireland sports. Here we will experience a working farm and learn how the potato famine, prison ships and 1916 Easter uprising are connected. Next, we will visit St. Augustine’s Holy Well, a site of suffering and miracles, and where we will celebrate a Mass of healing and hope. After checking into our hotel, we will walk to the Latin Quarter for a special treat of local foods, music and merrymaking.

Today we venture westward to explore the Connemara region, a land painted in soft colors set over bogs and forests, grassland and high mountains. At times austere, at times sublime, the area is a postcard of profound beauty and a history lesson of faith and folklore. Our sojourn includes a visit and Mass at Kylemore Abbey and picnic lunch at Connemara National Park. To close our day, we will follow the sounds of music and laughter to share in the joy of the Galway Oyster Festival.

Today we immerse ourselves in the past and the present of the Church in Ireland. We begin at the grand twentieth-century Galway Cathedral, dedicated to Our Lady and St. Nicholas, where we join the local community at an Irish Mass. Following, we head north to the international pilgrimage destination of Knock, where we will learn of its compelling story as a source of comfort and hope not just for the people of Ireland, but for all today. Later, as we travel across the center of Ireland to our hotel, pilgrims are invited to use the time to reflect on their quest, to journal, revisit the itinerary and go through photos and other keepsakes. We close our time in Ireland with a hosted dinner in Dublin, where pilgrims will have an opportunity to offer their reflections and insights, and then raise a glass to our shared journey of a sacred encounter.

Today we say goodbye to 10 glorious days of our encounter with beauty as we return to our homes. What will we take back? Pictures and souvenirs, or snapshots and reflections of the master mason inspiring and guiding. We encountered a country bursting with beauty – in churches and holy sites, museums and ruins, food and festivals, mountains and fields. We saw faith lived out in a land of incredible bounty but also of searing famine and brutal oppression. We encountered a people with an immense history and an enduring spirit. We depart gladdened, overflowing with appreciation and commitment to see with new lenses, act with greater purpose, and seek ways to bring the best of Ireland into our worlds.