Ireland: St. Patrick’s Island

Day 1 | USA – Dublin
Depart the USA on your over night flight to Dublin, Ireland. Meals will be served aboard your transatlantic flight.

Day 2 | Dublin
Welcome to Dublin, the capital of this beautiful nation. Upon arrival, the guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodations. Depending on time of arrival we will start our walking tour of this enchanting city. This tour will include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublinia and the Viking World, Christ Church Cathedral, The National Museum, and Trinity College. We will celebrate Holy Mass in one of the beautiful local churches. Tonight enjoy your first group dinner. (D)

Day 3 | Dublin – Boyne Valley – Drogheda – Dublin
This morning after a filling breakfast we leave the city for the suburbs in the surrounding Boyne Valley. Our tour will include many breath taking sites such as Monasterboice Monastery, Hill of Tara, St. Brigid’s Shrine and Newgrange. On our return back to the city we will pass through Drogheda to visit St. Peter’s Church. Once in Dublin, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 4 | Dublin – Glendalough – Killarney
Today we board our comfortable coach to head to the luscious countryside of Killarney. On the way we stop in Glendalough, which was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. This region is located in the Wicklow Mountains National Park and is known for its scenic lakes and valleys. You will truly be in awe as we explore “The Garden of Ireland” which is the local name for Wicklow. We continue our journey forward to St. Patrick’s Rock and Blarney Castle, where you will have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone. This evening enjoy local cuisine with the group in Killarney. (B, D)

Day 5 | 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. We celebrate Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Enjoy dinner on your own in one of these quaint villages. Overnight in Killarney. (B)

Day 6 | Killarney – Cliffs of Moher – Galway – Claremorris
This morning we head through County Kerry, crossing the Shannon Estuary to the Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs rise over 200 meters along 8 kilometers of the Atlantic coastline. While driving along these awe inspiring masterpieces we will learn about the history of the Catholic people in this area. Our tour takes us through Galway and Burren before arriving at our hotel in Claremorris. (B, D)

Day 7 | Claremorris – Croagh Patrick – Kylemore Abbey – Knock – Claremorris
Our journey leads us to Croagh Patrick which is the most important Catholic pilgrimage destination in Ireland. After taking time for prayer and reflection we head to another famous site, the Kylemore Abbey. The Kylemore Abbey is home to the Benedictine Nuns of Ireland. We will celebrate Holy Mass in this iconic setting. After adequate time here we travel to Knock to marvel at Ireland’s National Marian Shrine. Our last stop of the day is a visit to Our Lady, Queen of Ireland Basilica. (B)

Day 8 | Claremorris – Ennis – Limerick
We start our morning at Ballintubber Abbey where Holy Mass will be celebrated and then start our journey back south calling at Ennis and Limerick. In Ennis we will enjoy a walking tour of the 12th century market town and learn of its history, legends, mythology, and ghosts. After free time and lunch we head to Limerick where we visit King John’s Castle, the Treaty Stone and St. Mary’s Cathedral. This evening we head to the Bunratty Castle where we will be entertained at their Medieval Banquet. (B, D)

Day 9 | Limerick – Dublin
This morning we begin our journey back to Dublin by stopping at the Holy Cross Abbey where we will celebrate Holy Mass. We also visit the Shrine of St. Valentine on the way. Once in Dublin, the afternoon is yours to enjoy before meeting the group for our farwell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 10 | Dublin – USA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, (B)