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. Journey west to Galway, where we’ll begin in the Galway Cathedral dedicated to Our Lady. Continue to St. Nicholas, and the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas with its famous Spanish Arch from where Columbus prayed before sailing for America. Proceed to our hotel where we’ll check in for dinner and overnight. (D) Overnight Galway

Following breakfast, we head to the small village of Knock, where on August 21, 1879, witnesses saw three figures on the wall of a church standing raised about two feet off the ground. The central figure, Our Lady, had hands raised to shoulder height and eyes turned heavenward, as if in prayer. With her were St. Joseph and St. John, Apostle and Evangelist. In 1979, one hundred years after the Apparition, Pope John Paul II paid a visit and bestowed the status of Basilica to the Shrine Church of Knock and declared that the Church would be known as the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon of prayer and contemplation before returning to Galway, with the balance of the day free. Overnight in Galway. (B, D) Overnight Galway

Depart Galway 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). Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Irish music, song, and dance show presented by the Celtic Steps (pending confirmation). (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. We’ll return to our hotel in Killarney for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Killarney

After Mass we will depart Killarney to visit 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. Afterwards, we continue to Wexford to check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Wexford

This morning, we visit the Irish National Heritage Park, an open-air museum bringing to life over 9000 years of Irish history. After exploring this unique and historic location, we will visit Our Lady’s Island, a tiny island at the juncture of the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea, surrounded by a salt lake and cut off from the sea by a sand bar. It has been a place of pilgrimage since pre‐ Christian times, and St. Abban founded the original Christian settlement here, evangelizing the area and dedicating the island to the Virgin Mary, thus establishing the first Marian shine in Ireland. We will return to our hotel in Wexford for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Wexford

Today we journey north to 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, where we will check into our hotel for dinner and overnight, with the balance of the day free for personal activities. (B, D) Overnight Dublin

Today we explore Dublin proper, the vibrant capital of Ireland, with a romantic aura of Old-World Europe. 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 together will be at Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells, the 9th century illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels. The remainder of the day will be free for personal activities, including dinner on our own. (B) 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

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