Ireland Pilgrimage Omaha ·  April 2027

Our pilgrimage begins today as we depart on our overnight flight to Ireland. Meals and drinks served aloft.

Upon arrival in Dublin, we will be met by our local Irish pilgrimage manager, who will remain with us for the duration of our pilgrimage. We leave the capital and drive west across the green heart of Ireland to Knock, where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (D) Overnight Knock

This morning we celebrate Mass in the magnificent Basilica next to the original church where our Blessed Mother appeared in 1879 and where Pope John Paul II announced that the church would be known as the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland. The balance of the day will be free for prayer and personal time. (B, D) Overnight Knock

Depart Knock for Ballintubber Abbey where we will be given a tour of this beautiful historic site, formerly a stopping place for pilgrims on their way to climb Croagh Patrick. When St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland in 441, he founded a church at Ballintubber. The present Abbey was built in 1216 by King Cathal O’Connor. It is the only church in Ireland still in daily use that was founded by an Irish king, and, despite years of continuous attacks and religious repression, it retains an air of ancient beauty and spirituality. We then travel through Connemara, an area of outstanding scenic grandeur. There is a brooding sense of Ireland’s ancient culture and traditions in this haunted and mystical area where Gaelic is still the everyday language. Continue to Galway, “the City of the Tribes”, and check into our hotel. (B, D) Overnight Galway

Depart Galway and travel to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, a dramatic great sheer rock face rising 700 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. We will then travel via the lunar landscape of the Burren before taking a ferry across the River Shannon from Killimer to Tarbert. Continue to Killarney, situated in a spectacular location amidst mountains, glens and lakes. This evening you may wish to take an optional jaunting car ride, the traditional form of local transport by horse drawn wagon. (B, D) Overnight Killarney

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. Visit Muckross House and Abbey before returning to your hotel in Killarney for the night. (B, D) Overnight Killarney

Depart Killarney and drive to Blarney where we will visit Blarney Castle, which dates to 1446 and served as McCarthy’s stronghold. We will climb onto the battlements to reach the Blarney Stone, said to impart the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. After some shopping time in the Blarney Woollen Mills we make our way to The Rock of Cashel, a monumental 12th century complex dominating the surrounding landscape. Continue to Kilkenny for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Kilkenny

This morning, we will drive to the town of Ballyknocken and the Ballyknocken Cookery School, House and Farm. Tour the farm and take part in hands-on, interactive cooking class built around traditional Irish fare. Beyond the kitchen, you can wander the herb, vegetable, and soft-fruit gardens with views of Carrick Mountain or join a sheep-herding demonstration with Pat the Shepherd and his collie, Jess. Time permitting, we will make our way to Glendalough before continuing to Dublin to check into our hotel overnight. (B, D) Overnight Dublin

Following breakfast, drive north to see the Celtic crosses in the historic ruins of Monasterboice and then 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. (B, D) Overnight Dublin

This morning enjoy a city tour of Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, with a romantic aura of Old-World Europe, including visits to Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Our Lady of Lourdes Church where we will see the Shrine of Matt Talbot, the Carmelite Church on Whitefriar Street where we will see the Shrine of St. Valentine, and the Old Town. The balance of the day will be free to enjoy this city on your own. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local pub with traditional Irish music. (B, D) Overnight Dublin

Following breakfast transfer to the airport for our return flight home. (B)