The Heart and Soul of Ireland

September 21 to 30, 2026
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Dear Pilgrim

Join us on a faith-filled Catholic pilgrimage through the breathtaking landscapes and sacred sites of Ireland, where prayer, history, and fellowship come together in a truly unforgettable journey. From the vibrant streets of Dublin and the majestic Rock of Cashel to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, each day offers new opportunities to encounter God’s presence in the beauty of His creation.

Along the way, we will celebrate Mass at holy places connected to Ireland’s rich spiritual heritage, including Clonmacnoise Abbey and the renowned Marian Shrine at Knock. We invite you to deepen your faith, build lasting friendships, and create memories that will remain in your heart long after we return home.

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Meet Your Spiritual Director

Rev. Msgr. Dr. Louis A. Marucci - Pastor/Executive Director/Consultant

Rev. Msgr. Dr. Louis A. Marucci, a Philadelphia native, has served the Diocese of Camden since his ordination in 1987 and currently pastors St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Gibbsboro/Voorhees, New Jersey. Despite paralysis from Multiple Sclerosis, he holds an undergraduate degree in theology, five master’s degrees, a Doctor of Ministry in Bio-Medical Ethics, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Development, Leadership, and Change. He has previously served as the Director of Vocations and Executive Director of Development for the Diocese and led numerous parish missions and retreats throughout his years of priestly ministry. He serves as a consultant for parish leadership, management, and administration.

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All-Inclusive Package

$5,249/person in Double Occupancy - $6,049/person in Single Occupancy

Packages Include:

  • 8 Nights in Superior Hotels w/ Porterage (1 bag/person)

  • Roundtrip Airfare from PHL*

  • Daily Mass Arrangements

  • Tour Escort Services

  • Transportation by a Modern, Wheelchair Accessible Coach Bus

  • 8 Breakfasts and 8 Dinners

  • One Glass of Wine, Beer, or Soft Drink with Dinners

  • All Entrances and Activities per the Itinerary

*Includes Economy-class seat with one checked bag/person. See "Day 1" for flight details.

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Land Only Package (No Airfare)

$4,199/person in Double Occupancy - $4,999/person in Single Occupancy

Overview

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Overview

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Our Path...

1. Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

2. Glendalough Cathedral

Sevenchurches Or Camaderry, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

3. Tipperary

Tipperary, Ireland

4. Rock of Cashel

St. Patricksrock, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Ireland

5. Killarney

Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

6. Dingle Peninsula

Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

7. Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, Ireland

8. Galway

Galway, Ireland

9. Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly, N37 V292, Ireland

10. Knock

Carrowmore, Knock, Co. Mayo, Ireland

Day 1

Monday, September 21
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Flights to Dublin

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Itinerary

Today, we board our long flights to Dublin and do our best to get some rest as we anticipate our arrival early the next morning.

Overnight: N/A

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Flight

Sep 21, 2026
PHL
18:50
Philadelphia International Airport

6h 40m

Sep 22, 2026
DUB
06:30
Dublin Airport
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Flight

Sep 30, 2026
DUB
09:30
Dublin Airport

7h 15m

Sep 30, 2026
PHL
11:45
Philadelphia International Airport

Day 2

Tuesday, September 22
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Arrive Dublin | City Tour | Welcome Dinner

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Itinerary

Cead Mile Failte – Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival into Dublin, collect your luggage, pass through passport and customs control, then walk to the Arrivals Hall where you will meet your tour guide and driver. Depending on your arrival time, check into your hotel. We will begin our adventure with a panoramic tour of the city on both sides of the River Liffey, where we pass by Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. On the other side of the river are Georgian squares characterized by colourful doors, and Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland. It was founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I.

Time permitting, we will visit the ancient library at Trinity College containing over 20,000 manuscripts, among which is the famous illuminated Gospel manuscript: the Book of Kells or this visit can be done on the following morning, dependant on the time of arrival. We will celebrate Mass and have dinner before our overnight stay in Dublin.

Overnight: Dublin (Dinner*)

Check inTuesday, Sep 22, 2026
Check outWednesday, Sep 23, 2026
Experience the Clayton Hotel Leopardstown, ideally situated near Sandyford Business Park with easy public transport access. Enjoy modern accommodations and on-site dining that caters to all tastes. The hotel offers scenic views of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, along with state-of-the-art meeting facilities.
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Day 3

Wednesday, September 23
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Depart Dublin | Glendalough | Arrive Tipperary

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Itinerary

Today we will travel through the beautiful mountains of Wicklow, also known as the “Garden of Ireland,” until we reach Glendalough.

This ancient monastic city, established in the 6th century by St. Kevin, is in the heart of “the valley of the two lakes.” It was a very important center of learning, as well as a pilgrimage destination. There are many legends regarding St. Kevin and he is often compared to St. Francis of Assisi.  See an Irish round tower, the ruins of St. Peter and St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the quaint St. Kevin’s Church which is surrounded by an old cemetery.  Visit to Glendalough Visitor Centre. 

The tour continues in the direction of Baltinglass where we will come upon the ruins of a Cistercian Abbey. We will then pass by Castledermot, where we set our eyes upon the remains of a Franciscan Abbey. We will finish our day in Tipperary for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Tipperary (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Check inWednesday, Sep 23, 2026
Check outThursday, Sep 24, 2026
Experience the charm of Hotel Minella, where scenic views along the River Suir meet the vibrant atmosphere of Clonmel's town center. Enjoy luxurious spa facilities and dine on local cuisine in a historic setting dating back to the 19th century, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.
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Day 4

Thursday, September 24
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Rock of Cashel | Depart Tipperary | Arrive Killarney

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Itinerary

Today in Tipperary we will see the Rock of Cashel, standing high in the middle of the “Golden Vale.” These religious buildings dating from the 12th century form the most spectacular medieval site in Ireland. The Rock of Cashel used to be the seat of the High Kings of Munster. The Cathedral, the Round Tower, and the Cormac Chapel (which was the first Irish Romanesque church) testify to the significance of this site. Celebrate Mass en route. Our journey continues towards Killarney for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Killarney (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Brandon Hotel Conference and Leisure Centre

Check inThursday, Sep 24, 2026
Check outSaturday, Sep 26, 2026
Experience the Brandon Hotel Conference and Leisure Centre, conveniently located in Tralee, just steps away from local attractions. This accommodation features extensive conference facilities, making it ideal for business events. Enjoy the leisure center with a pool and gym, along with on-site dining that highlights local cuisine.
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Day 5

Friday, September 25
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Explore Dingle Peninsula

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Itinerary

This morning, we will behold Dingle, the most northern of the Kerry peninsulas. This gorgeous taste of Irish landscape looks like it is straight out of the pages of a storybook. In Early Christian Irish monks were looking for isolated places to live, such as Gallarus Oratory on the peninsula.

This oratory, which used to be a sacred place of prayer for monks, dates back to the 9th century and is excellently preserved. We will visit the town of Inch, where David Lean shot the movie “Ryan’s Daughter.” Inch is the last part of the country where the Gaelic language is commonly spoken!

We will continue venturing along the Eagle Mount and the cliffs of Slea Head. Our next stop is the Kilmalkedar Church, built in the 12th century as a part of a complex of religious buildings in the Romanesque style. Celebrate Mass en route.  We will return to Killarney at the end of a lovely day for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Killarney (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Day 6

Saturday, September 26
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Depart Killarney | Cliffs of Moher | Arrive Galway

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Itinerary

After a good Irish breakfast, we will be heading north through Listowel and boarding a ferry at Killarney to cross the Shannon estuary. We will arrive at County Clare, where we will encounter the mystical Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs of Moher rise up to 390 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and allure their many visitors with their beauty. We will move on to Galway, a city that has kept its medieval charm with its colourful streets and authentic pubs.

The coastal road from the Cliffs of Moher travels along the blue Galway Bay, with a natural rocky landscape on the other side. Celebrate Mass en route.  We will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Galway.

Overnight: Galway (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Check inSaturday, Sep 26, 2026
Check outMonday, Sep 28, 2026
Experience the Galway Bay Hotel, where stunning views of Galway Bay and direct access to the scenic promenade await you. Enjoy award-winning dining and unwind at the on-site spa. With local attractions and vibrant nightlife nearby, this hotel offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional Irish hospitality.
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Day 7

Sunday, September 27
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Corrib Lake Cruise | Clonmacnoise Abbey

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Itinerary

After Breakfast, concelebrate Mass in Galway.  Afterwards, we will enjoy a cruise on Corrib Lake, which is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland! It is also the best way to appreciate Galway and its surroundings. We will also visit Clonmacnoise Abbey, which is Ireland’s most important monastic site, overlooking the River Shannon. This site was founded by St. Ciaran in the 6th century and consists of a grass field containing numerous early churches, high crosses, round towers, and graves. We will complete our day with dinner and an overnight stay in Galway.

Overnight: Galway (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Day 8

Monday, September 28
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Depart Galway | Arrive Knock | Explore Knock

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Itinerary

This morning, we will direct our pilgrimage to one of the world’s leading Marian shrines, situated in the plains of East Mayo. On August 21, 1879, fifteen men, women, and children witnessed an apparition of Mary. The silent apparition lasted two hours, including more than only Our Lady of Knock. The vision was of a lamb and a cross above an altar, with St. John the Apostle, Mary, and Joseph to the left. The apparition is rich in symbolism and is venerated internationally.

Celebrate Mass in the Apparition Chapel. Following Mass, you will have time for private meditation on the mystery of the apparition’s message. Next, you will have free time for lunch and shopping on your own. Late afternoon, check-in at the hotel in Knock for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Knock (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Check inMonday, Sep 28, 2026
Check outTuesday, Sep 29, 2026
Experience the welcoming atmosphere of Knock House Hotel, conveniently located near the renowned Knock Shrine. Enjoy modern accommodations and savor delicious locally sourced cuisine at the on-site restaurant. With stunning countryside views and access to beautiful walking trails, it’s a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.
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Day 9

Tuesday, September 29
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Depart Knock | Arrive Dublin | National Museum | St. Patrick’s Cathedral | Farewell Dinner

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Itinerary

Today as we leave Knock, we will enjoy plenty of breathtaking scenery while traveling to Dublin. We will arrive in Dublin to visit the National Museum, situated in the heart of the city. Its collection of golden prehistoric jewellery is without a doubt some of the most stunning in Europe. The museum is also home to a vast collection of Celtic finery, as well as numerous early Christian artifacts and incredible relics. 

Visit to St Patrick’s Cathedral which is one of Dublin’s most visited landmarks founded in 1191, its history stretches back to 450 AD.  Its stands today as one of the few surviving medieval buildings in the city and is the burial place of Jonathan Swift.  There will be some free time for lunch and relaxation later in the day. In the evening, we will have a final dinner before retiring for our last overnight stay in Ireland.

Overnight: Dublin (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Check inTuesday, Sep 29, 2026
Check outWednesday, Sep 30, 2026
Discover the Iveagh Garden Hotel, where modern comfort meets the beauty of lush gardens in Dublin's city center. Enjoy easy access to cultural landmarks like the National Concert Hall while relaxing in a tranquil environment. This eco-friendly hotel prioritizes your comfort, making it a great choice for your stay.
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Day 10

Wednesday, September 30
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Transfer to DUB Airport | Flights Home

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Itinerary

Following breakfast, we will board our bus that will bring us to Dublin Airport for our return flights home. We will bid farewell to our new friends and to a pilgrimage which will be in our memories and hearts for a long time to come.

Overnight: N/A (Breakfast*)

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