A Catholic Pilgrimage through Ireland

The pilgrimage begins with an evening departure from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) aboard a United Airlines overnight flight to Ireland. During the flight, travelers enjoy in-flight entertainment, dinner, and breakfast before arriving at Dublin Airport (DUB) the following morning.

After customs and immigration formalities at Dublin Airport, the Tour Manager welcomes the group to Ireland as everyone boards the motorcoach. The journey west to Galway includes a stop at Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most important early Christian monastic sites, founded by St. Ciarán in the 6th century on the banks of the Shannon. Following a tour of the site and its famous high crosses and round towers, the group enjoys lunch on their own in the charming village of Shannonbridge before continuing to Galway. The first evening concludes with a “Fáilte” (welcome) dinner at the hotel.

Overnight Galway (four-star hotel).

Morning Mass is celebrated at Galway Cathedral (the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas). A walking tour of Galway’s medieval streets follows, including the famous Spanish Arch, The Claddagh — the traditional fishing village that gave its name to the Claddagh ring — and the historic Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, Ireland’s largest medieval parish church. The group then departs for an excursion to the Aran Islands, taking the ferry across to Inis Mór to explore the windswept landscape, ancient stone forts, and early Christian remains that have made the islands a stronghold of Irish language and faith. The group returns by ferry and gathers for dinner.

Overnight Galway.

After morning Mass, the group departs for Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain where St. Patrick kept his forty-day Lenten vigil and where pilgrims have climbed for over 1,500 years. Those who wish to make the climb will be given time to ascend Ireland’s holy mountain, while those who prefer not to hike enjoy a guided visit to the heritage town of Westport — one of Ireland’s most beautiful planned towns, with its tree-lined Mall, Georgian streets, and shopping. The groups reunite before returning to Galway for dinner.

Overnight Galway.

The day begins with morning Mass at Galway Cathedral. The group then explores the breathtaking region of Connemara, famous for its rugged landscapes, pristine lakes, and wild beauty. As the motorcoach travels through the Gaeltacht (the Irish-speaking region), there is the possibility of visiting Pádraic Pearse’s cottage at Ros Muc, home of one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. The day includes time in the picturesque town of Clifden, often called the “capital of Connemara,” with lunch on their own. The evening brings a return to Galway.

Overnight Galway.

The group departs Galway and travels north to Knock Shrine, one of Ireland’s most important Marian pilgrimage sites. Mass is celebrated at the Apparition Chapel, the site where the Blessed Virgin Mary, along with St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist, appeared to fifteen witnesses on August 21, 1879. After Mass and time at the shrine, lunch is arranged nearby. The journey continues north with a tea break at Drumcliff, Co. Sligo, burial place of the poet William Butler Yeats in the shadow of Benbulben, before arriving in Donegal for dinner.

Overnight Donegal (four-star hotel).

After Mass, the group travels to Slieve League, home to some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe — rising nearly 2,000 feet above the Atlantic, almost three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher. The day continues to Glencolumbcille, named for St. Columba (Colmcille), where the group visits reconstructed traditional homes with spectacular views of the beaches and cliffs, with time for lunch. Continuing through the dramatic Glengesh Pass to Ardara, the group sees a demonstration by the famed Donegal weavers before returning for dinner.

Overnight Donegal.

A day dedicated to the hidden faith of penal-era Ireland. The group travels to Doon Well and Doon Rock, where Mass is celebrated at the Mass Rock — one of the secret altars where Irish Catholics gathered to hear Mass when the faith was outlawed. The day also includes a tour of St. Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny and a visit to Doe Castle on Sheephaven Bay for history and poetry. The group returns to Donegal, with an opportunity to visit Donegal Castle and the ruins of the Franciscan friary in Donegal Town.

Overnight Donegal.

After breakfast, the group departs Donegal for Dublin. En route, the group stops at Drogheda to venerate the relic of St. Oliver Plunkett, the martyred Archbishop of Armagh, at St. Peter’s Church. The group then continues to Dublin, arriving in time for dinner.

Overnight Dublin (four-star hotel).

A full day exploring Dublin. Mass is celebrated, followed by a tour covering both the Catholic and historic heritage of the capital: St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral (Dublin’s principal Catholic church), Newman’s University Church on St. Stephen’s Green, and the medieval cathedrals. The group also visits Kilmainham Gaol, where the leaders of the 1916 Rising were executed, and the GPO, headquarters of the Rising. Lunch is on their own in the city center, with optional time at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. A farewell dinner brings the Irish portion of the pilgrimage to a close.

Overnight Dublin.

After a leisurely breakfast and final packing, the group transfers to Dublin Airport (DUB) for the return United Airlines flight to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), arriving the same day. Welcome home!