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Overview

The Great Gaelic Getaway with Fr. Matt Tralies and Fr. Jim DeGrassa
Ireland
May 4 - 13, 2025
Cloverdale Travel image
Cloverdale Travel
$4,895
Deposit: $1,000

About your trip

We are thrilled to invite you on an unforgettable pilgrimage to Ireland with two fun and dynamic priests, Fr. Matt Tralies and Fr. Jim DeGrassa, who will lead us on a journey through the Emerald Isle’s rich history, faith, and culture. 

Our adventure includes visits to the spiritual site of Knock, where countless miracles have been reported, the legendary Blarney Stone—kiss it for the gift of eloquence—and the stunning Cliffs of Moher, offering some of the most breathtaking views on earth. 

We’ll also spend time at Rathbaum Farm, experiencing authentic Irish life, and enjoy luxurious accommodations at the exquisite Lyrath Estate and the tranquil Delphi Resort.

The trip wouldn’t be complete without immersing ourselves in the vibrant Irish spirit—there will be plenty of traditional Irish music and dance to keep our hearts joyful, and a fun visit to the Guinness Storehouse to top it off!

Don’t miss this incredible blend of faith, fun, and fellowship!

What's included

Daily Mass

Tour Escort

English speaking professional tour escort meets our group at the airport upon arrival and accompanies us for duration of trip

Private Bus

Private air-conditioned bus with professional driver for touring

Accommodations

4* & 5* hotel accommodations for 8 nights as listed (or similar) in itinerary; local city tax & porterage included

Porterage at Hotels

1 piece/person for check in/check out

Local Guides

Local guides (in English): walking tour of Kilkenny, Ring of Kerry, Dublin

Ferry crossing

Killimer>Tarbert

Horse drawn carriages

Horse drawn jaunting cars (ride through the National Park and dropped back to the centre of Killarney)

Admission Charges

All admission charges & entrance fees as per the itinerary

Gratuties

Tips for Tour Escort, Local Guides, Driver, Group Meal Servers, Porters included and will be distributed on behalf of group.

Breakfast daily

American style breakfast daily

Ring of Kerry Lunch

Day 5 (3 course menu: starter, main course, dessert, bread & water)

Smithwich’s Experience

Visit & tasting

Rathbaun Farm

Tour of a traditional Irish farm in County Galway for an authentic experience of rural life.

Book of Kells

New immersive digital experience

Guinness Storehouse

Visit & tasting

The Merry Ploughboy

Festive farewell dinner with food, music, dancing on Day 10

6 additional Dinners

Days 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 (3 course menu, bread & water)

Headsets

Whisperer listening devices for touring

What's not included

Flights

Economy group air between PHL and DUB from EWR available as optional addition; airline assigns all seating (no special requests)

Airport Transportation

Pilgrims will provide their own transportation to/from PHL International Airport

ETIAS Authorization

Travel authorization to enter EU (required of USA citizens estimated to begin early 2025)

Travel Protection

Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended; link to Travelex will be provided in registration confirmation email

Medical insurance

Meals not listed

Lunches (except Days 5); dinner (Day 5)

Drinks at Meals

Except as mentioned above

Porterage at Airports

Church Donations

Collections during Mass; budget $1-2/person/Mass

Personal Expenses

Personal Gratuities

Housekeeping, personal meals & services, exceptional service

Anything not mentioned

See "Inclusions"

DAY 1: SUNDAY 04 MAY

DAY 1: SUNDAY 04 MAY image

Departure

  • Overnight direct flights from PHL to DUB available as an optional addition. 
  • Meals and standard flight services available on flight. (D,B)
  • Reserved flight: AA722 04MAY PHLDUB 635PM 615AM 05MAY

DAY 2: MON 05 MAY

DAY 2: MON 05 MAY image

Dublin arrival - Glendalough Visitor Center - Kilkenny

  • Arrive at Dublin International Airport and meet our professional English-speaking tour escort 
  • Meet your Coach and Driver
  • Depart for Kilkenny via Glendalough
  • Visit Glendalough Visitor Centre (entrance fee included)

Famed for its beautiful scenery and historic monuments, Glendalough has been a centre for pilgrims and visitors from the time of the founding of its monastery by St. Kevin in the 6th Century. The present remains tell only a small part of the monastic story. The buildings which survived, probably date from between the 8th and 12th Centuries, the most notable being a superb Round-Tower, Cathedral, Stone churches and decorated crosses. 

  • Celebrate Mass at Glendalough Visitor Centre (subject to confirmation)
  • Visit  Powerscourt House & Gardens  (entrance fee included)

Powerscourt Gardens in County Wicklow, situated at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, is one of Ireland's most beautiful gardens. It features formal gardens, terraces, lakes, secret hollows, and over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. The gardens were developed in the 18th century and designed to blend with the surrounding landscape. Visitors today are welcomed by a grand tree-lined avenue of hundreds of beech trees.

  • Continue to Lyrath Estate Hotel 5*, luxury hotel on a private estate just outside Kilkenny City, for check-in
  • Dinner at the hotel 
  • Overnight at the Lyrath Estate Hotel 5* in Kilkenny (D)

Attention:

Schedule on this day is subject to change depending on flight details

DAY 3: TUE 06 MAY

DAY 3: TUE 06 MAY image

Kilkenny - Kilkenny Castle - Smithwick's Experience -Design Center

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Celebrate Mass at St Mary's Cathedral in Kilkenny (subject to confirmation)
  • Guided walking tour of Kilkenny
  • Visit Kilkenny Castle (entrance fee included; self-guiding) 

Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first building a wooden tower in the 12th century. William the Earl Marshall built the first stone castle on the site in 1260

  • Visit and tasting - Smithwick's Experience (entrance fee included)
  • Free time for shopping at the Kilkenny Design Center where you can buy pottery, jewelry, textiles, leather goods, home decor, art, and Irish souvenirs.
  • Dinner at the hotel 

Overnight at the Lyrath Estate Hotel 5* in Kilkenny (B, D)

DAY 4: WED 07 MAY

DAY 4: WED 07 MAY image

Rock of Cashel - Blarney Castle - Killarney

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
  • Depart early for Killarney
  • Visit of Rock of Cashel (entrance fee included)

This was the seat of kings and medieval bishops for 900 years and flourished until the early 17th century. Brian Ború was crowned King of Munster here in 977 and he became High King of Ireland in 1002

  • Celebrate Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Blarney (subject to confirmation)
  • Visit Blarney Castle (entrance fee included)

The Castle was built in 1446 as a defensive fortress. The castle which stands today is in fact the keep of a much larger fortress. All visitors should kiss the famous Blarney Stone, high up on the Castle battlements. Tradition holds that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will be endowed with the gift of eloquence - “the gift of the gab” as the locals call it.

  • Visit the Blarney Woollen Mills Store, a famous Irish retail destination offering a wide range of traditional Irish products, including woolen goods, clothing, gifts, and souvenirs.
  • Proceed to the hotel in Kilkenny for check-in 
  • Continue to Kilkenny and check in
  • Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Scotts Hotel Killarney 4* in Killarney (B, D)

DAY 5: THU 08 MAY

DAY 5: THU 08 MAY image

Ring of Kerry - Killarney National Park and Muckross House - Killarney

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Mass will be celebrated en route (subject to confirmation)
  • Full day tour of the Ring of Kerry via Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Coomakesta Pass with its magnificent views over Derrynane, home of Daniel O’ Connell, known as “The Liberator” to Caherdaniel. Travel on via Sneem, Moll’s Gap, Ladies View, Killarney National Park and along the Lakes of Killarney.
  • Group lunch on the Ring of Kerry (included)
  • Continue to Killarney National Park and Muckross House
  • Horse drawn jaunting cars ride through the National Park and dropped back to the centre of Killarney (included)
  • Dropped very close to your hotel
  • Dinner on your own

Overnight at the Scotts Hotel Killarney 4* in Killarney (B, L.)

DAY 6: FRI 09 MAY

DAY 6: FRI 09 MAY image

Cliffs of Moher - Shannon Ferry - Leenane near Galway

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
  • Depart early for Delphi Resort 4* via the Cliffs of Moher
  • Ferry crossing: Killimer → Tarbert (included)

Shannon Ferry will take you and your vehicle on this memorable 20 minute journey across the estuary linking the iconic tourist destinations of the Banner County of Clare to the Kingdom of Kerry. This is a lovely experience for visitors who would like a short break in their journey to relax as they sail across the majestic Shannon Estuary. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the dolphins, which in the summer can sometimes swim so near the ferry, as if just to entertain you.

  • Visit the Cliffs of Moher (entrance fee included)

One of Ireland’s favourite visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged west Clare coast. Walk the safe, paved pathways and view the incredible Cliffs that sit on Europe’s most westerly tip and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. Their natural beauty has inspired artists, musicians, and poets for generations, as well as absorbing scientists and geologists, drawn by the unique landscape in which they sit. 

  • Mass will be celebrated en route (subject to confirmation)
  • Check-in at Delphi Resort 4*

Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the Delphi valley, Delphi Resort is a hidden gem immersed within the wilderness of Connemara and South Mayo. Breathtaking mountain vistas provide a dramatic backdrop to the 4* Resort, which overlooks the banks of the Bundorragha River.

  • Dinner at the hotel 
  • Overnight at the hotel in Leenane near Galway (B, D) 

DAY 7: SAT 10 MAY

DAY 7: SAT 10 MAY image

Knock Shrine

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Depart for Knock Shrine (donation included)
  • Visit Knock Shrine

Since the Apparition on the 21st of August 1879, pilgrims and visitors have been welcomed to Knock Shrine.

  • Celebrate Mass at Knock Shrine (subject to confirmation)
  • Return to  Delphi Resort 4*
  • Dinner at the hotel 

Overnight at the Delphi Resort 4* hotel in Leenane near Galway (B, D) 

DAY 8: SUN 11 MAY

DAY 8: SUN 11 MAY image

Rathbaun Farm - Galway -Dublin

  • Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
  • Depart for Dublin via Galway
  • Visit Rathbaun Farm (entrance fee included) 

Rathbaun Farm is a traditional Irish farm in County Galway, offering visitors an authentic experience of rural life with activities like sheep shearing demonstrations and guided tours.

  • Transfer to Galway
  • Celebrate Mass at local church (subject to confirmation) 
  • Visit Galway Cathedral (subject to confirmation)  

Galway Cathedralis the seat of the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh & Kilfenora. The Cathedral of Galway was dedicated on 15 August 1965, and as such is the youngest of Europe's great stone cathedrals. it is dedicated to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas.

Attention:

Please note that Mass and visits to local churches are subject to confirmation due to the parish Sunday Masses.

  • Some free time in Galway City
  • Continue to Dublin and check in 
  • Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Trinity City Hotel in Dublin (B, D)

DAY 9: MON 12 MAY

DAY 9: MON 12 MAY image

Dublin Tour

  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Meet with a local guide for a sightseeing tour of Dublin, including O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, Leinster House, Ha'penny Bridge, Georgian Houses and Dublin Doors. 
  • Visit St Mary's Pro Cathedral in Dublin (donation included) 

Few buildings have such a close association with significant moments in the political and religious history of Ireland as the Pro-Cathedral. Presidents, governments and foreign ambassadors come to the Pro-Cathedral on great national occasions. The Lord Mayor and the County Council come to extend Christmas greetings to the Archbishop on behalf of the citizens of Dublin. 

  • Celebrate Mass at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral (subject to confirmation)
  • Visit the Book of Kells new immersive digital experience (entrance fee included, subject to availability) 

The Book of Kells contains a Latin text of the four gospels copied and decorated by Irish monks around the year 800 AD.

Attention:

The Old Library at Trinity College is currently undergoing restoration and closed to the public

  • Visit Church of Ireland - St Patrick's Cathedral (entrance fee included; self-guiding)

The Cathedral stands on the oldest Christian site in Dublin. St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts to the Christian faith in a well which once existed north of the tower in the present park. A river at one time flowed around the cathedral. Because of its sacred association with St. Patrick, a church had stood here since the 5th century. In 1191 the Normans built another church in stone on this site. This was re-built in the first half of the 13th century and is the building we see today. The first university in Ireland was founded in St. Patrick’s in 1320 and continued for nearly 200 years.

  • Visit Guinness Storehouse (entrance and tasting included).

The Storehouse was originally built in 1904 to house the Guinness fermentation process. The core of the building is modeled on a giant pint glass. The tour takes you step by step through the brewing process, finishing at the Gravity Bar where you will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness whilst enjoying the panoramic views over Dublin city.

  • Depart for Merry Ploughboys, 

Widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin. A highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish Music, Song and Irish Dancing. The very best of fresh Irish food is served and offers a choice menu

  • Dinner and Show at The Merry Ploughboy (included, subject to confirmation)
  • Overnight at the Trinity City Hotel in Dublin (B, D)

DAY 10: TUE 13 MAY

DAY 10: TUE 13 MAY image

Dublin Departure

  • Breakfast at the hotel 
  • Check-out
  • Board the coach and transfer to Dublin International Airport (B)
  • Reserved flight: AA723 13MAY DUBPHL 930AM 1155 AM 13MAY

Attention:

Schedule on this day is subject to change depending on flight details.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

TERMS & CONDITIONS image

Please read carefully before registering!

This is an active itinerary that requires about 15,000 steps walking each day, sometimes on uneven surfaces, including stairs. Begin to prepare through a daily walking program. 


As a pilgrimage, we will commit ourselves to working together to cooperate and support one another, realizing that different foods, cultures, and experiences are why we are traveling! The unexpected is God's way of sharing with us something (or someone) we otherwise would not have encountered.  Be ready to travel in patience and trust. 


Quoted prices are based on payment by check. An additional 1% + 30¢ online processing fee is charged for all online transactions, with an additional 2.9% (Visa, Mastercard) to 3.9% (American Express) service charge for credit/debit card payments. There is no online processing fee nor service charge for registrations (or subsequent payments) mailed directly to Cloverdale Travel with payment by check. Please note that payments by check are typically processed once a week on Saturdays. 


You do hereby authorize all charges as outlined in the payment plan and Terms and Condition/Terms of Service, including the line item for Gratuities for Tour Manager, Local Guides, Driver, Waitstaff for Group Meals, Porters ($250/person added to final invoice). 


Flights offered with this trip are Group Air Reservations. All seating assignments are made by the airline. Cloverdale Travel cannot process special seating requests. If you have very specific needs regarding seating and flight accommodations, you should make your own flight arrangements and book the pilgrimage without adding air.  Switches from Land with Air to Land only after booking incur a $100 fee. 

Individual deposits are refundable except for a $500/person handling fee for cancellations made 90 days or more prior to departure. 


For cancellations 90 to 60 days prior to departure, you will be refunded everything except your initial deposit ($1000). 


If you cancel the trip within 60 days of departure, all payments are non-refundable. 

Unused portions of the trip are non-refundable. 


Cloverdale Travel cannot refund credit card/bank fees, nor refund money paid for travel protection/insurance.


Trip cancellation/protection plan is optional, but highly encouraged. Travel protections plans are available through Travelex, or through your own carrier. A link to Travelex will be included in your confirmation/registration email.  If you decline to purchase travel protection/insurance, you assume all financial liability for losses that might have been covered by appropriate travel insurance/protection. A form indicating acceptance or waiver of travel insurance/protection must be completed and submitted for each registration; those purchasing travel insurance/protection will be asked to provide carrier and policy/confirmation number. 


Please upload a copy of your passport picture page with online registration, or email to info@cloverdaletravel.org. Passports must be valid for 6 months after our return date. 


Beginning in January 2025, the European Union is requiring travel authorization (ETIAS) to enter most European countries. This permission is different from a residence permit or visa, is obtained online, and is good for three (3) years (or until your passport expires). Obtaining the ETIAS permission is the responsibility of the traveler. See www.https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en for more information.


Please note that pricing is based on 40 pilgrims and based on an exchange rate of $1= € 1.05. Prices may be adjusted based on fewer than 40 pilgrims, a higher exchange rate, or increases in taxes and fuel surcharges. 


Errors and omissions are possible in this itinerary, pricing, and communication; we are not responsible for such errors and may make corrections, including in billing, as needed to correct mistakes. 


By registering for this trip (and checking YES to Terms and Conditions), you agree that Cloverdale Group LLC, Cloverdale Travel, staff, employees, independent contractors, and vendors, Reverend Zachary Navit, and the Group Leaders, have no responsibility for any acts or occurrences beyond our control. There are inherent risks in travel and you willingly and fully accept all risks and complete responsibility, and you and your heirs agree to indemnify and hold Cloverdale Group LLC, Cloverdale Travel, and our travel partners harmless with respect to any claim that is or could be made. 


It is our intention to provide you with the very best traveling experience based on the circumstances and situation at the time of travel.


By clicking "YES" you accept these conditions and the Terms & Conditions as specified on the Cloverdale Travel website (www.cloverdalegroup.org). 

About your organizer

Jesus Christ invites us: "Come and see!" Cloverdale Travel is your partner and guide in answering that invitation to encounter Jesus with others through fun, faith-based pilgrimage. Cloverdale Travel, a division of Cloverdale Group LLC, is proud to feature the pilgrimages of Father Zachary Navit, a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and experienced group leader.

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