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). (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. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Irish music, song, and dance show presented by the Celtic Steps. (pending confirmation) (B, D) Overnight Killarney

This morning, we visit Muckross House and Abbey as we begin our journey to Cork, stopping at the picturesque town of Kinsale first. Kinsale is known as one of the 10 Most Colourful Towns and Villages in Ireland! Your tour manager will point out a few areas of interest, but much of the time here will be free for personal exploration. There are a number of cozy cafes, unique boutiques, and seaside trails for everyone to explore according to their interests. Kinsale has been recognized over the years as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, so there are plenty of options for our lunch today as well. After more free time this afternoon and dinner on our own, we proceed to Cork to check into our hotel for our overnight. (B) Overnight Cork

This morning, we journey to the port town of Cobh. Cobh is infamous as the last port of call for the Titanic and was also the departure point for many Irish emigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. We will visit St. Colman’s Cathedral and marvel at the stunning views of the town and surrounding islands. We’ll walk by the charming “Deck of Cards” Houses on our way to the seaside. After some free time for personal exploration and lunch, we 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, we proceed to Wexford for dinner and overnight. (B, D) Overnight Wexford

This morning, 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 then depart 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 enjoy a morning tour of Dublin proper. 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 and then Trinity College. The highlight of this visit will be seeing the famous Book of Kells, the 9thcentury illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels. This afternoon, we venture to the Guinness factory and storehouse for a tour and tasting. 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)