Tour Description

The breathtaking beauty of Ireland will greet you as a friend! This Pilgrimage will give you a special glimpse of a glorious part of the world. You will experience, first hand, familiar Irish traditions basic to her culture and way of life that have been passed down from generation to generation. A visit to Ireland has a wonderful mix of history, ancient historical ruins, stunning panoramic views, legendary castles and moats, and the romantic and rugged regions of lakes and bogs. You will be exposed to illuminated manuscripts, religious ecclesiastical centers, arts and crafts, unpretentious homes and villages. The Irish people will engage you with their lively cheerful nature and unparalleled hospitality. Integrate that spirit with the Liturgies you will celebrate at the Shrine of Knock, Galway Cathedral and the Holy Cross Monastery. Traditions will be enhanced by your new discoveries on this island paradise.

Your 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 Passages Tour Manager/Guide from arrival to departure in Ireland.
• Coordination of all Liturgies.
• Portfolio of travel documents, including a Passages Flight Packet.

One FREE package for group leader for every 25 participants (based on a minimum of 30 participants)

10-Day Pilgrimage 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 pilgrimage program and detailed proposal!

10-Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Thursday | Depart for Ireland

Day 2 | Friday | Shannon | Burren Region | Cliffs of Moher | Galway

Upon arrival in Shannon our adventure begins! Enjoy a drive through the “rocky” Burren Region to the majestic Cliffs of Mohr. Admire the scenery of the Aran Islands and Connemara Mountains. Along the shores of Galway Bay we will arrive at Galway, “The City of Tribes.”

Day 3 | Saturday | Connemara | Kylemore Abbey | Knock

The magnificent cinematic Connemara area leads to Kylemore Abbey. The pilgrimage centre of Knock is a place of great beauty and healing, where hearts are called to conversion. Visit prayerful Chapels, the Basilica, and Church of the Assumption. Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Mass at the Chapel of the Apparition.

Day 4 | Sunday | Galway & Clare | Bunratty Folk Park & Bunratty Folk Park

After morning Mass at the magnificent Galway Cathedral enjoy a Corrib River Cruise along one of the most spectacular waterways of Ireland. Celtic Ireland will come alive as you sail south to Craggaunowen. Optional at additional cost enjoy a Feast at a “Medieval style” banquet at the famous Bunratty or Knappogue Castle.

Day 5 | Monday | Adare | Tralee & Kerry | Killarney

Enjoy a brief introduction to the attractive village Adare on your way to Kerry. A visit to the Kerry Kingdom Museum in the heart of Tralee will kindle your senses and inspire your imagination. Experience and enjoy the religious and educational history of Killarney with free time after check-in.

ALTERNATIVE FOR THIS DAY:
Day 5 | Monday | Dingle Peninsula | Killarney

Today we leave County Clare and head south for the Dingle Peninsula. The extraordinarily scenic road around the peninsula passes through the mountains of Slieve Mish. Drive around the coast to Slea Head. You will be enamored with the brightly colored villages and poignant beauty of the landscape.

Day 6 | Tuesday | Killarney Lakes | Afternoon At Leisure

Your half-day tour of the Kilarne Lakes begins with a cruise of Lough Leane. Catch a glistening glimpse of Ross Castle picturesquely perched on the edge of the four-mile “Lake of Learning.” Perhaps you will choose to spend free time with a visit to Danny Mann’s Pub or enjoy a performance at Ireland’s National Folk Theatre.

ALTERNATIVE FOR THIS DAY:
Day 6 | Tuesday | Ring of Kerry Tour

This morning will delight you as you take in the most famous and panoramic route in Ireland. The Ring circles the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, beginning and ending at Killarney. Visit the restored Muckross House, a magnificent mansion and focal point of the Killarney National Park. Perhaps you will choose to spend free time with a visit to Danny Mann’s Pub or enjoy a performance at Ireland’s National Folk Theatre.

Day 7 | Wednesday | Blarney Castle | Kilkenny

Leave Kilarney for County Cork. Kiss the Blarney Stone and find the perfect traditional Irish gifts at the Blarney Woolen Mills. Visit Kilkenny Castle in the medieval capital city of Ireland.

Day 8 | Thursday | Holy Cross | Rock of Cashel or Glendalough | Dublin

Visit Holy Cross, the Benedictine Abbey where a precious relic of the true cross is enshrined. Celebrate Mass at the Holy Cross Abbey. Visit St. Cormac’s Chapel, a jewel in the crown amidst a cluster of ruins, on the “Rock of Cashel.” 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

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.
Perhaps you may want to visit the Guinness Storehouse. The best of Irish hospitality will bless you for your return home.

Day 10 | Saturday | Return to the USA