8 Night Pilgrimage Tour of Ireland

Arrive at Dublin Airport and after clearing customs and immigration meet with your professional driver/guide or driver and guide. Proceed to Dublin for a tour of the city which will include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublinia and the Viking World, Christ Church Cathedral, The National Museum and Trinity College and the Book of Kells exhibition. Mass will be celebrated during the tour. In the afternoon check into your hotel where you will enjoy a welcome cocktail party prior to dinner.

After breakfast enjoy a full day visit of the Boyne Valley which will include Monasterboice Monastery, Hill of Tara, St. Brigid’s Shrine and Knowth Neolithic Tomb. On your return travel via Drogheda to visit St. Peter’s Church. Mass will be celebrated during the day.

Check out of your hotel and enjoy the stunning scenery on your way to the ancient monastic settlement at Glendalough that was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The Glendalough Valley is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and is renowned for its Monastic Site with Round Tower, to its scenic lakes and valleys. There will be no doubt as to why Wicklow is known as The Garden of Ireland once visited. Onwards then to the iconic Rock of Cashel, home of the world famous St. Patrick's Rock which rises high above the surrounding plain. After the visit, travel south to Blarney Castle where those that are brave enough can climb the ramparts of the castle and kiss the stone that is fabled to grant the gift of eloquence. For those not that brave, why not visit the Blarney Woollen Mills opposite the castle which houses many Irish goods and souvenirs. Finally after this long day, travel to Killarney arriving in time for dinner. Mass will be celebrated during the tour.

Today you will discover the wonderful scenery of Killarney as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountains, and the varied Atlantic coast. You will be amazed at the breathtaking views and you will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes and the Skellig Experience. Continue through the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville. On the return, pass through the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Stop for a stroll through the splendid Muckross Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 6.15 pm before dinner in your hotel.

Check out of your hotel and travel northwards through County Kerry, crossing the Shannon Estuary by ferry and visit one of Ireland’s natural wonders, The Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs rise to over 200 meters along 8 kilometres of the Clare/ Atlantic coastline and the Atlantic Edge Exhibition brings to life the story of the Cliffs. Travel through the karst like landscape of the Burren and take a short tour of Galway before arriving at your hotel in time for dinner.

This morning visit Croagh Patrick the most important Catholic pilgrimage destination in Ireland. Onwards to Kylemore Abbey, home of the Benedictine Nuns and after marveling at this beautiful location travel to Knock, Ireland’s National Marian Shrine and join the evening Rosary Procession. Mass at Knock Shrine. Time permitting; also visit Our Lady, Queen of Ireland Basilica.

Check out of the hotel early today and visit Ballintubber Abbey where Mass will be celebrated and then start your journey back south calling at Ennis and Limerick. In Ennis enjoy a 1 hour walking tour of this 12th century market town and learn of its history, legends, mythology and ghosts. Onwards then to Limerick where you will visit King John’s Castle, the Treaty Stone and St. Mary’s Cathedral. Check into your hotel and travel the short distance to the 15th century Bunratty Castle where you will be entertained at their Medieval Banquet.

After breakfast start your return journey to Dublin stopping at Holy Cross Abbey where Mass will be celebrated. Continue onwards to Dublin calling at the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens and Shrine of St. Valentine. The stud is the only one open to the public in Ireland and has bred many classic winners. The Japanese Gardens are considered as the best of their kind in Europe and recently celebrated their centenary year. Check into your hotel and then visit Jameson’s Distillery for a tour followed by a four course meal and Irish Show.

After breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport arriving in time to complete check in formalities and that last minute duty free shopping before your flight departs.