Peter's Way Tours | Choir Tour | Performance Tours

10-Day Performance Tour | Heart & Soul of Celtic Spirituality

Tour Description
Itinerary

Tour Description

Pilgrimage has always been an important aspect of Irish Spirituality, dating all the way back to the country’s Celtic roots. The overwhelming beauty of the countryside makes it easy to appreciate God’s abiding presence. We will follow the missionary journeys of Celtic Christians in the early Middle Ages, after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 400’s AD. Celtic Christians took refuge from the barbarian invaders on the very edges of the known world. Celtic sisters and brothers kept the lamps of learning and piety alight, while the rest of Europe suffered through the Dark Ages. On this pilgrimage we will follow the footsteps of St. Patrick, St. Columba, St. Aidan and many others who kept Christian faith alive in difficult times. We’ll find that Celtic Christianity speaks powerfully to us today. Integrate that spirit with liturgies or concerts at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, the Shrine of Knock, Galway Cathedral, and St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral or one of the fine churches in Dublin. Take your discoveries of this island paradise with you as memories to cherish!

Package Includes:

Round-trip airfare from New York. (Please inquire about airfares from other cities in the U.S. or Canada)
Eight (8) nights’ accommodations in tourist class hotels with private facilities.
Hotel upgrades are available upon request.
Breakfast and dinner daily.
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure overseas.
Transportation in private motor-coach including airport transfers.
Sightseeing as per itinerary with a professional licensed English-speaking guide.
Porterage at hotels.
Entrance fees to all sites on itinerary.
Services of a Peter’s Way Tour Manager/Guide from arrival to departure in Ireland.
Coordination of all Venues, including concert promotion; printed programs and posters.
Portfolio of travel documents, including a Peter’s Way Flight Packet.

One FREE package for group leader for every 25 participants (based on a minimum of 40 participants)

10-Day Performance Tour priced from $2,095
	from New York, double occupancy + departure taxes/fuel surcharge, November - March For other travel seasons, please inquire. Contact us today for your custom designed choir program and detailed proposal!

10-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Thursday | Depart for Ireland

Day 2 | Friday | Boyne Valley, Hill of Tara & Hill of Slane | Monasterboice | Armagh

Arrive Dublin and journey through the historic Boyne Valley with Irish monuments such as Newgrange, Knowth or Loughcrew Cairns. Visit the Hill of Tara, known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland. See the Hill of Slane where, tradition holds that from here, St. Patrick proclaimed Christianity throughout Ireland. Visit Monasterboice, "St. Buithe's Abbey," an early monastic site celebrated for its crosses. The treasure of this site is the high Cross-of Muiredach.

Day 3 | Saturday | Armagh | Downpatrick | Evening Performance

We begin the day with a visit to Armagh, which St. Patrick referred to as, “my sweet hill.” Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In the historic town of Downpatrick, learn and live the story of Ireland’s Patron Saint and visit the traditional burial place of Saint Patrick, marked by a granite boulder at Down Cathedral.

This evening present a formal concert at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh.

Day 4 | Sunday | Giant’s Causeway | Derry

Today we leave Armagh and drive along the Antrim Coast of Ireland to explore the Giant’s Causeway. The coastal scenery adjacent to the causeway is awe inspiring with its majestic cliffs, barren bays and hidden harbors. As we travel to Derry, consider the meaning of the old Irish word Daire; “oak grove.” Oak groves were sacred places for the Celtic people. Enjoy a guided tour of the Guildhall, Derry’s main display!

Day 5 | Monday | Sligo | Knock | Galway

Sligo’s name means “the Place of Shells.” Enjoy County Sligo's beautiful scenery, an inspiration for Yeats, who is buried at Drumcliff. See the imposing Neolithic cairn, known locally as Queen Maeve's grave, a striking landmark on the summit of Knocknarea. We continue to Knock, Ireland’s National Marian Shrine. The pilgrimage centre of Knock is a place of great beauty and healing. Visit prayerful Chapels and the Basilica. Sing for the regularly scheduled Mass at the Shrine Basilica in Knock.

Day 6 | Tuesday | Connemara Excursion | Kylemore Abbey

The magnificent cinematic Connemara countryside is one of the most scenic regions of Ireland. Many of the ancient Irish traditions and customs are preserved; the Gaelic language is spoken; and you are invited to enter into the passion of a place where time seems to stand still. Through the Kylemore Pass in Connemara we come to another spot of breathtaking beauty - the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys. Celebrate Mass at Kylemore Abbey.

Morning sung Mass at the Magnificent Galway Cathedral. Then, enjoy an adventurous drive through the “rocky” Burren Region to the majestic Cliffs of Moher. At additional cost enjoy a Feast on a meal, “Medieval style,” at the famous Bunratty Castle or Knappogue Castle. The best of Irish hospitality will bless you for your return home.

Day 8 | Thursday | Rock of Cashel | Glendalough | Dublin

Visit St. Cormac’s Chapel, a jewel in the crown amidst a cluster of ruins, on the “Rock of Cashel.” Drive through the scenic Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, a place of tranquility for St. Patrick and St. Kevin. Visit the monastery founded by St. Kevin and explore the monastic ruins of cathedrals, churches, crosses and the famous round tower. Today’s journey ends with dining and dancing in Dublin! Optional at additional cost enjoy a traditional Irish Dinner and Show with music and dancers!

Day 9 | Friday | Tour of Dublin | Afternoon at leisure | Evening Mass or Concert in Dublin

In Dublin’s “Fair City,” meet the perfect match of mystery and majesty. Walk through elegant Georgian Squares. See the illuminated manuscripts of The Book of Kells housed at Trinity College, followed by a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. We recommend a stroll down Grafton Street where you can enjoy the best in street entertainment and a coffee in Bewleys Cafe.
This evening, sing Mass or present a concert at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral or at one of the fine churches in Dublin.

Day 10 | Saturday | Return from Dublin