Catholic Ireland

Day 1 | USA – Ireland
Depart the USA for your overnight flight to Shannon, Ireland. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.
Day 2 | Shannon – Killarney
You will be greeted by your guide upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. Depending upon the time of arrival, we will begin our city tour of this enchanting land. We start our Irish experience with a visit to one of the most complete medieval castles in Ireland, Bunratty. Within the ground of the castle is Bunratty Folk Park where 19th century life is vividly created. We leave the precious grounds of Bunratty for Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest  villages. We will have time to explore this village and then will board our coach for dinner and overnight in Killarney. (D)
Day 3 | Ring of Kerry
This morning we enjoy a decadent breakfast before starting our tour along the Ring of Kerry. This is Ireland’s most iconic drive. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks (Ireland’s tallest mountain range) and the Atlantic Ocean. Sit back and enjoy the breath taking view. Our coach will stop for photos at the most dramatic scenes. This scenic drive is not only for enjoying the view but for learning the history of the Skellig Monks that lived on the Skellig Islands. Our drive will take us through Cahirciveen and Waterville as well as the colorful village of Sneem. Enjoy dinner on your own in one of these quaint villages. Overnight in Killarney. (B)
Day 4 | Killarney – Inis Mór – Doolin
Today’s adventure leads us to the open seas with a ferry ride to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. The rugged, natural beauty along with thatch roofed stone cottages that dot the island provide a splendid example of Celtic and early Christian heritage. The forts, churches, and monasteries will leave you in bewildered awe at how people lived on this rock infested island. They also show how the Catholic Church held roots on this isolated landscape. Tonight we overnight in the sweet village of Doolin. (B, D)
Day 5 | Doolin – Cliffs of Moher – Galway
After breakfast we head to the astonishing Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs rise 120 meters (394 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag’s Head and reach their maximum height of 214 meters (702 feet) just north of O’Brien’s Tower. Along the Cliffs we will stop at the picturesque village of Kinvara where we will visit the Dunguaire Castle. Our drive will continue and as we enjoy the scenic coastline we will also learn of the persecution of many Irish Catholics. This will be a time to reflect on our ancestors and the fight they endured to practice our beloved faith. Our drive ends in Galway and the remainder of the afternoon is open to your leisure with a group dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 6 | Galway – Connemara – Kylemore Abbey – Galway 
This day is dedicated to exploring the scenic region of Connemara. This region is home to the ever changing cloud formations >> Come explore Ireland; an Island nation that is not only rich in vegetation but rich in the Faith. This pilgrimage will take you to some of the most beautiful greenery this world holds as well as take you on a journey of faith as we walk in the footsteps of many memorable saints. Open your hearts and join us on this once in a ifetime pilgrimage!

Day 7 | Galway – Knock – Letterkenny
Today starts with prayer as we head to the Marian Shrine of Knock, where, in 1879, Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of the church. We will tour the shrine and museum as well as celebrate Holy Mass in this beautiful shrine. The afternoon we travel to Letterkenny where we have a walking tour of this town that borders Northern Ireland. Enjoy a group dinner and overnight here. (B, D)
Day 8 | Letterkenny – Derry – Letterkenny
We travel north into Northern Ireland and visit the only walled city on the island, Derry. In Derry we meet with a local historian and enjoy a walking tour of this enchanting city. Other highlights of Derry include the Bushmills Distillery, Giant’s Causeway, and Dunluce Castle. Tonight enjoy dinner on your own in Letterkenny. (B)
Day 9 | Letterkenny – Armagh – Dublin
We are leaving the peaceful country side of this beautiful country and heading to the nationals capital, Dublin. We will stop in Armagh where we visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Here we will celebrate Holy Mass and have time to pray on the life of this amazing saint. This afternoon we travel to Dublin where we enjoy a half day tour and a group dinner. (B, D)
Day 10 | Dublin – Wicklow – Glendalough
– Dublin
This morning finds us in the “garden of Ireland”, Wicklow. We also visit Glendalough founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. This driving tour will show us the surrounding beauty around the metropolitan hub of Dublin and will be our last glimpse of this beauty before leaving this beautiful island nation. Upon arrival in Dublin the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore before meeting up with the group to share a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 11 | Dublin – USA
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight home. (B)