Pilgrimage to Ireland - September 25, 2023

We begin our day with a visit to the Irish National Heritage Park, an open-air museum that brings to life over 9000 years of Irish history. We continue to Blarney Castle, which dates back to 1446 and is the third castle built on this site. We will climb onto the battlements to reach the Blarney Stone, said to impart the gift of eloquence to all that kiss it. Afterwards we depart for Killarney, situated in a spectacular location amidst mountains, glens and lakes. Sometimes known as the “Best Kept Town” in all of Ireland, Killarney is teeming with history, Irish heritage, and hospitality. Dinner and overnight in Killarney. (B, D)

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: Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, and Sneem. Stops along this route may include the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen and Holy Cross Church in Kenmare. In addition, we will enjoy views of abbey ruins, island monasteries, cliffs, and the sea from our motorcoach. We return once more to Killarney for the night. (B, D)

Depart Killarney for Galway. We then travel 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. Continue to Galway, “the City of the Tribes,” and check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Following breakfast, visit the Galway Cathedral dedicated to Our Lady and St. Nicholas, and the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas with its famous Spanish Arch from where Columbus prayed before sailing for America. This afternoon, journey to Kylemore Abbey, the only remaining home of Benedictine nuns in Ireland. Depending upon availability, we will visit and have tea with the nuns here. Continue to Knock for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Early this morning, we celebrate Mass in the magnificent Basilica next to the original church where our Blessed Mother appeared alongside St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist to 14 people in 1879. In 1979, on the 100th anniversary of the apparition, Pope John Paul II visited Knock and declared that the Church would be known as the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland. After time for prayer, continue north across the international border to Armagh, chosen by St. Patrick to be the Christian center of his day. The stone church he built in the 5th century stood where the Anglican Cathedral now stands. Proceed to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Enjoy a morning tour of this unique capital city, taking in the leaning Albert Memorial Clock Tower, the Opera House, City Hall, Queens University, and more. Learn about the turmoil of ancient and recent history, including The Troubles of the 20th century. This afternoon, spend time at the Titanic Museum in Belfast, learning about the connection between this ill-fated ship and the extensive maritime history of the city. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Depart this morning for the historical town of Downpatrick. Here, view the remains of the first church founded by St. Patrick and learn more about this great saint who evangelized Ireland at the Saint Patrick Centre. Venerate his resting place at Down Cathedral. Continue south and return Dublin for some free time before our farewell dinner and final overnight of our pilgrimage. (B, D)

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