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 proceed into Dublin proper, the vibrant capital of Ireland, with a romantic aura of Old-World Europe, for a city tour. 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 before checking into our hotel will be at Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells, the 9th century illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels. (D) Overnight Dublin

After breakfast depart Dublin and drive west to Clonmacnoise for a visit to this holy site in a beautiful setting in a bend in the river Shannon. Then continue to Knock and 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. (B/D) Overnight Knock

Following breakfast, drive to Galway and 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. We will then depart Galway and 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. Visit Kylemore Abbey, the only remaining home of the Benedictine nuns in Ireland, before returning to Knock for overnight. (B, D) Overnight Knock

Depart Knock 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. 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. Visit Muckross House and Abbey before returning to the hotel for an early dinner. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Irish music, song, and dance show presented by the Celtic Steps. (B, D) Overnight Killarney

After Mass we will depart Killarney and drive 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. Continue on to Cork for overnight. (B, D) Overnight Cork

This morning we begin at the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne in Cork. Then depart Cork and 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. Then visit the Irish National Heritage Park, an open-air museum bringing to life over 9000 years of Irish history, before proceeding to Wexford for overnight. (B, D) Overnight Wexford

We depart this morning 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 on to Dublin for overnight. (B/D) 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

Following breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for our return flight to the United States, bringing with us all the blessings and graces of this pilgrimage. (B)