Celtic Spirituality

10-Day Pilgrimage to Ireland, with a two-day extension to London
Galway - Knock - Killarney - Blarney Castle - Cashel - Waterford - Dublin

from $1,845 (from New York) Discover the very soul and wonder of Ireland, a land of haunting legends, majestic beauty and unbridled spirit. Experience her beauty. Be captivated by her people. See the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and the splendor of the Ring of Kerry. From her soft rolling hills and towering cliffs, to her storybook 18th century castles restored to an elegance you can only imagine, Ireland will take your breath away.

ITINERARY

Day 1> Depart USA

Day 2> Arrive Shannon - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
Upon your arrival at Shannon Airport, you will be on your way to explore the Cliffs of Moher. Drive around the shores of Galway Bay to reach Galway City, capital of the West.
Overnight at Hotel in Galway.

Day 3> Full day excursion Kylemore Abbey - Knock
Leave Shannon for Kylemore Abbey. Visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, where the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared to 15 people on August 21, 1879. Celebrate Mass at the Chapel of the Apparition, followed by time for prayer and reflection.
Overnight at hotel in Galway.

Day 4> AM/Galway City - PM/Bunratty Folk Park - Evening/Bunratty Ceili
Celebrate Mass at Galway Cathedral. Visit the Spanish Arch, and the main streets of Galway. Next, drive to Bunratty Folk Park. This is a 22 acre living museum of traditional village life. It has 25 houses, a village street complete with a pub, and fully operational workshops such as a blacksmith forge, a printers shop and a drapers. Overnight at hotel in County Clare.

Day 5> Tour of Dingle Peninsula
Leave Dromoland and embark on one of Ireland's most popular scenic drives through the Dingle Peninsula. This excursion is one of the most breathtaking tours you will have. A drive around the coast at Slea Head will offer fine panoramas of the Blasket Islands.
Mass will be celebrated in Clare or Killarney.
Overnight at hotel in Killarney or Tralee.

Day 6> Killarney Lakes - PM/Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral
Enjoy an excursion thru the heart of the Kerry mountains. Travel on traditional Jaunting Cars thru the gap of Dunloe to Brandon's Cottage, which is in a delightful setting overlooking the lakes and mountains. From the cottage, you will continue your travels by open boats to Killarney, in its glorious setting of lakes and mountains. Today's Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral in Killarney.
Overnight at hotel in Killarney or Tralee.

Day 7> Blarney Castle - Cobh Heritage Centre - Waterford
Celebrate Mass at the Franciscan Friary in Killarney. Then, leave Killarney to Blarney. Stop to visit Blarney Castle where you climb to the battlements and kiss the famous “stone of eloquence.” Then drive through the pleasant scenery of Cork to visit Cobh Heritage Centre, which relates the history of emigration. End with a scenic drive along the coast to Waterford.
Overnight at hotel in Waterford.

Day 8> Waterford - Rock of Cashel - Wicklow Mountains - Dublin
See the creation of Waterford Crystal on a factory tour before heading north to visit Rock of Cashel - one of Ireland’s great historic sites. Continue to Dublin. Enroute, you will tour the scenic Wicklow Mountains, which is said to be a microcosm of all the landscapes and colors to be found in Ireland. Today Mass will be celebrated in Waterford or Dublin.
Overnight at hotel in Dublin.

Day 9> Highlights Tour of Dublin - Afternoon at leisure - Evening/Gala Dinner
Explore Dublin, an elegant and artistic city. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and 400-year-old-Trinity College, to see the Book of Kells. Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral.
This evening a special dinner at Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin.
Overnight at hotel in Dublin.

Day 10> Dublin - USA

Two Day London Extension

Day 10> Dublin - London
Depart Dublin for your continuing flight to London.
Overnight in London.

Day 11> AM/Highlights Tour of London - PM/At Leisure
Enjoy a half day tour of all the major sights of the city including the House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and the Mall, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London located within the City of London. Overnight in at hotel in London.

Day 12> Return to the USA