logo

12-Day Ireland Pilgrimage with St. Patrick's and St. Mary of the Lake Churches

Introduction
12-Day Ireland Pilgrimage with St. Patrick's and St. Mary of the Lake Churches image

Ireland / 12 Days

general icon

Journey Through Ireland with St. Patrick's and St. Mary of the Lake Churches

Experience the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Ireland on this 12-day journey with spiritual director Fr. Eilen. Explore historic castles, breathtaking landscapes, and sacred sites from Dublin to Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Belfast, and back to Dublin. Discover ancient abbeys, legendary landmarks, and vibrant cities, all while immersing yourself in Ireland’s unique traditions and hospitality.

Image 0
Image 1

Journey Through Ireland

Journey Through Ireland image

At a glance

Day 1 - Depart US for Ireland

13-April-2027
Day 1 - Depart US for Ireland image

Overnight Flight to Ireland Begins Adventure

flight icon

Overnight Flight to Ireland

MSP airport

Ireland
Meet your group at MSP airport for your overnight flight to Ireland. Get ready for an amazing experience.

Day 2 - Welcome To Dublin

14-April-2027
Day 2 - Welcome To Dublin image

Arrive in Dublin, Visit Blarney Castle, Killarney Hotel

general icon

Arrive at Dublin Airport

general icon

Meet with your English-speaking guide and driver and transfer

activity icon

Visit at the Blarney Castle

Attracting visitors from all over the world, Blarney Castle is situated in Blarney village, 8 km from Cork city. An ancient stronghold of the McCarthy's, Lords of Muskerry, it is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster. Built in 1446, Blarney Castle is famous for its Blarney stone, the Stone of Eloquence, which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it. Many legends tell the story of the Stone, but why not kiss it and find out the truth behind the legend. The Castle gardens covering 60 acres of land are under constant change and over the past few years, a water garden, fern garden and poison garden have been developed and are all open to visitors.
accommodation icon

The Heights Hotel Killarney or The International Hotel Killarney

meal icon

Hotel

Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 3 - Ring of Kerry and Kells Sheepdog Experience

15-April-2027
Day 3 - Ring of Kerry and Kells Sheepdog Experience image

Scenic Ring of Kerry, Sheepdog Show, National Park

general icon

Attend a private mass

transport icon

Ring of Kerry Day Tour

DepartureKillarney
DestinationRing of Kerry
Depart for a Ring of Kerry day tour including a visit to Kells Sheepdog experience. The Ring of Kerry (166km) is the most famous and panoramic route in Ireland, offering spectacular scenery, mountains, peat bogs, lakes, and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Pass through Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville, Sneem Village, Molls Gap, and Ladies View with superb views of the famous Lakes of Killarney.
activity icon

Kells Sheepdog Experience

Visit to Kells Sheepdog experience as part of the Ring of Kerry day tour.
activity icon

Killarney National Park Visit

Enjoy your visit at the Killarney National Park.
accommodation icon

The Heights Hotel Killarney or The International Hotel Killarney

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel

Day 4 - Cliffs of Moher and Atlantic Edge

16-April-2027
Day 4 - Cliffs of Moher and Atlantic Edge image

Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher and Atlantic Edge

general icon

Attend a private mass

activity icon

Visit of the Cliffs of Moher

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O' Brien's Tower built by Cornelius O’ Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to entertain his lady friends. A visit of the tower is also possible. The sweeping view across the Atlantic has recently been ranked the best 'cliff-view' on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler. The respected travel publication has voted the world-famous landmark at the top of a new chart of ' Nine Gorgeous Cliff Views That Rival The Grand Canyon'.
activity icon

Atlantic Edge Interpretive Centre

Atlantic Edge is the exciting new interpretive centre at the Cliffs of Moher and is built into the natural landscape. The centre is a huge domed cave that contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences exploring different elements of the mighty Cliffs of Moher: Ocean, Rock, Nature and Man. The visitor centre has a restaurant, shop facilities and ample coach and car parking. A spectacular upgraded 13 km of scenic coastal pathway along the Cliffs of Moher links Doolin to Hags Head.
accommodation icon

Clayton Hotel Galway or Salthill Hotel

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel.

Day 5 - Kylemore Abbey and Ashford Castle

17-April-2027
Day 5 - Kylemore Abbey and Ashford Castle image

Explore Kylemore Abbey and Ashford Castle

general icon

Private Mass

This morning attend a private mass before traveling to Kylemore Abbey.
activity icon

Visit to Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is stunningly located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. Mitchell Henry built the House in 1868, after having spent his honeymoon in the area. The architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey's most famous features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns. They established a private school for young girls, which was the renowned Kylemore Abbey International School. The school eventually closed in 2010. Facilities at Kylemore include a visitor centre, an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes the visitor through the history of the house and its occupants. The Gothic church is available to visit and as a venue for choir groups to sing in. If time allows guests can also visit the Kylemore Abbey Victorian Walled Garden was laid out in 1867 and took three years to complete.
meal icon

Afternoon tea

Next enjoy afternoon tea at the Ashford Castle.
activity icon

Visit to Ashford Castle

Once the estate of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle opened its doors as an exclusive hotel in 1939. A 13th century castle located 40 minutes north of Galway City, it has since become renowned as one of the top resort hotels in Europe. Set amongst 300 acres of woodlands and 19th century designed gardens, the hotel overlooks the famous picturesque Lough Corrib in Connemara. There are 83 rooms including 5 Staterooms and 6 suites, all individually and lavishly decorated and combine the old world charm with all the modern comforts. Many of the rooms retain their original features and enjoy lake or river views. Formal dining is available in the George V Dining Room, while more informal lunch, afternoon tea and dinner options are served in the Drawing Room. Guests can relax with a drink in the Cocktail bar or in the relaxed atmosphere of the Dungeon Bar. A traditional style thatched cottage in the grounds of the castle offers bistro style dining in the summer season. Extensive meeting and conference facilities are available with an experienced specialist conference team. A wide variety of outdoor sports are offered, including a private 9-hole golf course, the Ashford Equestrian Centre, fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, cycling, hiking, jogging and other leisure activities.
meal icon

Dinner at a local restaurant

accommodation icon

Clayton Hotel Galway or Salthill Hotel

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel.

Day 6 - Galway to Mayo

18-April-2027
Day 6 - Galway to Mayo image

Explore Ballintubber Abbey and Knock Shrine

general icon

Private Mass

This morning attend a private Mass and then visit the Knock Shrine.

activity icon

Visit to Knock Shrine

Knock Shrine, located in Co. Mayo is Ireland's National Marian Shrine where over 1.5 million pilgrims visit each year. The Pilgrimage Season at Knock runs from April to October each year with daily Masses and Confessions, Anointing of the Sick and Stations of the Cross. Groups are always welcome and can avail of guided tours, private Mass and a visit to the award-winning Knock Museum.
activity icon

Visit to Ballintubber Abbey

Built in 1216 for the Canon Regulars of St Augustine, Ballintubber Abbey is the only church in Ireland that was founded by an Irish King and which is still in use today. It was built next to the site of an earlier church founded by St Patrick in the 5th century. It is also known as 'the Abbey that refused to die' as through its many vicissitudes, including burning by Cromwell's army in 1653, the Abbey has remained a place of worship despite years of continuous attacks and religious repression. Ballintubber retains an air of ancient beauty and spirituality and has been restored with simple elegance. Ballintubber is one of the most impressive church buildings in Ireland today. There is a video display and an interpretative centre at the Abbey and the grounds are landscaped to portray spiritual themes.
accommodation icon

Knock House Hotel or Knockranny House Hotel

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel Knock House Hotel or Knockranny House Hotel in Mayo or area.

Day 7 - Lough Derg Retreat and Arrival in Donegal

19-April-2027
Day 7 - Lough Derg Retreat and Arrival in Donegal image

Half Day Retreat at Lough Derg and Donegal Stay

general icon

Travel to Lough Derg for a half day retreat

This morning travel to Lough Derg for a half day retreat.
activity icon

Lough Derg Retreat

Lough Derg lies about four miles north of the village of Pettigo in County Donegal. Station Island, the location of the pilgrimage, is often referred to as Saint Patrick's Purgatory or simply Lough Derg. This is a special sanctuary of peace and personal challenge. This small lake-island, renowned in Irish Christian tradition since the time of St. Patrick, has been receiving pilgrims continuously for well over 1000 years.
accommodation icon

Clanree Hotel Letterkenny or Radisson Letterkenny

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel Clanree Hotel Letterkenny or Radisson Letterkenny in Donegal or area.

Day 8 - Giant's Causeway and Northern Legends

20-April-2027
Day 8 - Giant's Causeway and Northern Legends image

Explore Giant's Causeway and Local Legends

general icon

Attend a private mass before traveling to the Giant's Causeway

This morning attend a private mass before traveling to the Giant's Causeway.
activity icon

Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre

Encounter Northern Ireland’s favourite giant Finn McCool at the new Giants Causeway Visitor centre on the North Antrim coast which opened in the summer of 2012. According to legend Finn McCool created the Giants Causeway by building stepping stones to Scotland to challenge the Scottish giant Benandonner! The new Visitor centre explores the major themes of mythology, geology, landscape, ecology, culture and social history based on the UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of 40,000 basalt polygonal columns formed 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption.
meal icon

Dinner at a local restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
accommodation icon

Stormont Hotel or The Malone Hotel

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel Stormont Hotel or The Malone Hotel in Belfast or area.

Day 9 - Belfast Black Taxi Tour and Titanic Belfast

21-April-2027
Day 9 - Belfast Black Taxi Tour and Titanic Belfast image

Explore Belfast's History and Titanic Experience

general icon

Attend a private mass before enjoying your Belfast Black Taxi Tour

This morning attend a private mass before enjoying your Belfast Black Taxi Tour.
activity icon

Belfast Black Taxi Tour

Why not enjoy an escorted tour of Greater Belfast's historical sites. Let the experienced driver take you on a journey back in time to explore the many places of interest. You choose what you want to see or simply leave it to the driver. The political murals of the Falls and the Shankill tell their own graphic story of what has been called 'The Troubles' in Ireland's recent history. See the infamous Peaceline, a wall built to keep Nationalists and Loyalists apart and in the process divided the communities.
activity icon

Visit the Titanic Belfast

Located in the heart of Belfast, the Titanic Belfast recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship in an iconic, six floor building right beside the historic site of the original ship’s construction. Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self-guided journey begins on entering the building's giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four 'ship’s hull’ shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience. As you journey through the nine large galleries of the interactive exhibition, you will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900's, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.
meal icon

Dinner at a local restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
accommodation icon

Stormont Hotel or The Malone Hotel

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel Stormont Hotel or The Malone Hotel in Belfast or area.

Day 10 - St. Patrick's Cathedral & Guinness Storehouse

22-April-2027
Day 10 - St. Patrick's Cathedral & Guinness Storehouse image

Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and Guinness Storehouse

general icon

Attend a private mass before you visit St. Patrick's Cathedral

This morning attend a private mass before you visit St. Patrick's Cathedral.
activity icon

Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral

Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. The parish church of Saint Patrick on this site was granted collegiate status in 1191, and raised to cathedral status in 1224. The present building dates from 1220. The Cathedral is today the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland (a church of the Anglican communion). St Patrick’s is Gothic in style and its splendid interior is adorned with funeral monuments, such as The Boyle Family Memorial and the grave of Dean Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels). Swift was dean here until his death in 1745. The Chancel has ornate stained-glass windows, and spectacular choir stalls, once used by the knights of St Patrick, adjoin the Altar. The massive west towers, houses a large peal of bells whose ringing tones are so much part of the character of Dublin.
activity icon

Visit the Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe's largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Visitors will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness - the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion. The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries. Once the tour has finished, the guest is invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy their pint of Guinness. Regular demonstrations on the art of pulling a pint of Guinness also take place in the Storehouse. Launched on the fifth floor in 2011, "Five" at Guinness Storehouse, includes a small replica authentic Irish Bar, an 18th Century inspired Brewers Dining Hall, and a restaurant named Gilroy’s where guests enjoy a Guinness gastronomical experience driven entirely by the Irish tradition of wholesome local produce. Menus include local foods such as Ardsallagh goat’s cheese, Irish mussels from Carlingford and the Waterford Blaas bread supplied by MD Bakery in Waterford. This area will host from time to time live cooking demonstrations using Guinness in the recipe and it includes an interactive recipe sharing bank that allows visitors to take Guinness recipe cards home.
accommodation icon

Camden Court Hotel or Ashling Hotel

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel Camden Court Hotel or Ashling Hotel in Dublin or area.

Day 11 - Dublin City Tour and Irish Music Pub

23-April-2027
Day 11 - Dublin City Tour and Irish Music Pub image

Discover Dublin and Enjoy Irish Music Pub

general icon

Attend a private mass and tour of Dublin

This morning attend a private mass a tour of Dublin.
activity icon

Dublin City Tour

Here you will discover the north and south side of the River Liffey. This area offers great striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O'Connell Street, or the Custom House along the quays, as well as the Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College), its colourful doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops. Not so far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare St., you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. This part of the city is also dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library. The university is facing the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican Cathedrals can be found.
meal icon

Dinner and entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub

Enjoy dinner and entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub. The show takes place in the ideal location, a pub owned and run by musicians who have been performing to audiences in Dublin since 1989. The Merry Ploughboys live in concert is widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin and also as a must see for any visitors to Dublin city. The show is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, song and Irish dancing. From start to finish, this is a show based on fantastic interaction between the performers and the audience.
accommodation icon

Camden Court Hotel or Ashling Hotel

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel Camden Court Hotel or Ashling Hotel in Dublin or area.

Day 12 - Dublin Farewell

24-April-2027
Day 12 - Dublin Farewell image

Farewell Transfer to Dublin Airport

general icon

Transfer to Dublin Airport for your journey home

This morning transfer to Dublin Airport for your journey home.
Loading Map…

Map

1. Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport, Dublin, Ireland

2. Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland

3. Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

4. Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher, Lislorkan North, Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland

5. Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland

6. Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland

7. Ballintubber Abbey

Ballintubber Abbey, Ballintubber, Co. Mayo, Ireland

8. Knock Shrine

Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo, Ireland

9. Lough Derg (Station Island)

Lough Derg, Station Island, Pettigo, Co. Donegal, Ireland

10. Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland

11. Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast, 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland

12. St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

St. Patrick's Cathedral, St Patrick's Close, Dublin, Ireland

13. Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse, St. James's Gate, Dublin, Ireland

14. Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub

Merry Ploughboy Pub, Edmondstown Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin, Ireland