9 Night Catholic Pilgrimage Tour of Ireland

On arrival into Dublin Airport transfer directly to your hotel. At 2pm meet your tour guide at the hotel and begin a half day tour of Dublin. Drive through the main streets to see historic buildings such as the GPO which was the headquarters of the uprising leaders in the famous 1916 Rising; the haunting portrait of the Famine Memorial; and rows of beautiful Georgian houses with brightly coloured doorways. Visit Trinity College which houses the famous Book of Kells transcribed by 9th century monks then Christ Church Cathedral, the elder of the city's two medieval cathedrals. Check into your hotel after which the remainder of the day is free for additional sightseeing, shopping or just to relax. Overnight in Dublin, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Included. 

Depart early morning and begin your tour through the majestic countryside to Wexford. Along the way visit Glendalough, located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and renowned for its Monastic Site with Round Tower and its scenic lakes and valleys. Enjoy a guided tour of Glendalough monastic site before continuing on your journey to Wicklow’s Historic Gaol. Once an actual jail this historic building has been transformed into a museum depicting the harsh life of prisoners held there from the 1700’s. The earliest recorded prisoner was Fr. Owen McFee, a seventy two year old priest, who was convicted of saying Mass in the County contrary to the law. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town which has many pubs and restaurants where you can have dinner as this is not included tonight. Overnight in Wexford, Bed & Breakfast Included.

This morning you will board the coach and take the short journey from Wexford town to Our Lady’s Island. Our Lady's Island is an ancient place of pilgrimage in the south east corner of Ireland in the diocese of Ferns. A local guide will show you the traditional pilgrim route and mass will be said for you. Depart Our Lady’s Island in the late afternoon and take the short drive from there to Waterford. Time permitting a visit to the Waterford Crystal Factory will be arranged for you. The centre comprises an actual living and breathing crystal factory tour, fascinating visitor centre and opulent retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Overnight in Waterford, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Included. 

If there wasn’t time to visit Waterford Crystal a tour will be arranged after breakfast, before setting off for Kerry. Next visit Blarney Castle a medieval stronghold near Cork City. The Blarney Stone is a block of bluestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of gab (great eloquence or skill at flattery).  Next, travel the short journey to Millstreet where you will visit Tubrid Holy Well, a holy well of great importance to the people of North Cork. In the month of May each year vast numbers of people young and old travel to the well to “do the rounds”. According to local tradition a fish appears in the well on occasions. The pilgrim who is lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the fish is sure of having his or her request granted! Travel to Killarney where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. Overnight in Killarney Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Included. 

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. Stop for a stroll through the splendid Muckross House & Gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake and visit Muckross Abbey. Founded in the 15th Century this Franciscan friary is preserved to a high standard, it was built of local limestone. Overnight in Killarney, Bed & Breakfast Included. 

Today you will enjoy a Forest Walk and Meditation Retreat Day kindly provided by the monks of Glenstal Abbey.  Glenstal Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in County Limerick on the south-west coast of Ireland. A 500 acre estate with streams, lakes and woodland paths, surrounds a castle built in the romantic Norman style. The Abbey, which is dedicated to Saints Joseph and Columba, is home to a community of monks. You are especially welcome to join the Community at times of prayer and for Mass, though you may visit the Church at any time.  Continue onward to the colourful town of Ennis in Clare where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. There are many pubs and restaurants in Ennis to enjoy. Overnight in Ennis, Bed & Breakfast Included. 

First stop on your tour of Clare is St. Brigid’s Holy Well in Liscannor. This unusual, colourful and vibrant site is centred around an ancient graveyard. Circular walks follow the Stations of the Cross, ending with the Rite of the Holy Well. People have come to St. Brigid’s Well as a place of Catholic Pilgrimage for centuries, many leaving offerings and trinkets, an incredibly intimate and touching collection which gives the well its unique character. Next it’s onward to the nearby Cliffs of Moher which are located at the south-western edge of the Burren area near Doolin. Your final stop before returning to your hotel is the Burren Centre which gives the visitor an introduction to the visual delights and ancient mysteries that can be discovered in this unspoiled corner of Ireland. Return to Ennis where there will be time to explore this colourful town if you have not done so already. Overnight in Ennis, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Included.

Travel to Knock, Ireland’s National Marian Shrine and join the Rosary Procession (depending on time of year). Plenty of time is allowed for you to enjoy mass and explore the Shrine grounds at leisure. After checking into your hotel your driver will take you on an optional journey to Croagh Patrick (Time Permitting). Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Catholic Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been handed down from one generation to the next. Overnight in Claremorris, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Included. 

Travel to Dublin Airport in time for your onward flight.