Your journey begins with a flight from home to Ireland. Relax and prepare for the exciting experiences ahead.

Activities:

• Dublin City Tour: Begin your Irish adventure with a guided tour of Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital city. Steeped in history, Dublin is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as well as a rich literary heritage that gave rise to writers like James Joyce and W.B. Yeats.
• Visit Guiness Store House - Immerse yourself in the unique history, heart and soul of Ireland’s most iconic beer, there’s only one place to go – its home. The Guinness Storehouse contains seven unforgettable floors of sights, sounds and sensations in a building that has been brewing beer for over 250 years.
• Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church: Visit this historic church and attend Mass while reflecting on the Shrine of Our Lady of Dublin, a significant pilgrimage site for centuries.
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Explore this majestic cathedral, dedicated to St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. Learn about the cathedral’s fascinating history and its role in Ireland’s spiritual heritage.
• Trinity College: Visit Ireland’s oldest university and see the Book of Kells, a priceless 9th-century manuscript that beautifully illuminates the Gospels and is one of Ireland’s greatest national treasures.

Stay: Dublin (Bed & Breakfast only)

Activities:

• Drive to Armagh: Travel north to Armagh, often referred to as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. Known for its deep religious significance, Armagh has been the center of Christianity in Ireland since the 5th century, with St. Patrick himself establishing his cathedral here.
• Hill of Armagh: Visit the historic Hill of Armagh, named after the pre-christian Goddess ‘Macha’ where St. Patrick is said to have founded his cathedral and where the first Christian church in Ireland was built. The hill remains a significant spiritual site for pilgrims and is considered the heart of Irish Christianity.
• Church of Ireland Cathedral: Visit this Protestant cathedral, and learn about the rich religious history of Armagh and the shared heritage between Catholic and Protestant traditions in Ireland
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Catholic): Explore this beautiful cathedral, dedicated to St. Patrick, where it’s said the saint prayed and converted the people of Armagh to Christianity. You’ll also have the opportunity to have devotions here and reflect on its deep spiritual importance.
• Workshop -Interfaith dialogue session between both churches.
• Evening Entertainment at the Merry Ploughboys: Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music and dance at one of Dublin’s best-known venues. This lively performance will introduce you to the spirit and cultural vibrancy of Ireland.

Stay: Dublin (Bed & Breakfast only)

Activities:

• St. Kevin’s Monastery & Church: Journey to Glendalough in the scenic Wicklow Mountains, where you’ll visit the ruins of an ancient monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. The tranquil valley, with its beautiful lakes and rugged hills, remains one of Ireland’s most peaceful and spiritually significant places.
• Kilkenny Castle: Explore the stunning Kilkenny Castle, a magnificent fortress that dates back to the 12th century. Learn about the castle’s rich history and the prominent Butler family who owned it for centuries.
• Smithwick Brewery Tour: Discover the history behind Smithwick’s, Ireland’s oldest brewery, and sample its famous red ale while learning about the brewing process that has been passed down through generations.

Stay: Kilkenny (Dinner & Overnight)

Activities:

• Rock of Cashel: Visit this stunning hilltop fortress that was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. The site is also linked to St. Patrick, who is said to have converted the local king, and the cathedral ruins and round tower add to its spiritual allure.
• St. Colman’s Cathedral: Discover the imposing St. Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, a Gothic masterpiece with breathtaking views over Cork Harbour.
• Cobh Heritage Centre: Learn about Ireland’s emigrant history and the role Cobh played as the final port of call for the ill-fated Titanic.
• Blarney Stone: Here you’ll kiss the famous Blarney Stone to receive the "gift of eloquence"—a long-standing Irish tradition.
• Blarney Woollen Mills: Take time to shop for Irish-made goods at one of Ireland’s most famous craft shops, offering everything from woollen sweaters to Celtic jewellery.

Stay: Killarney (Dinner & Overnight)

Activities:

• Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral: Begin the day with a peaceful Mass a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture.
• Ring of Kerry: This scenic route offering breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and the rugged Atlantic coastline, Also visit Galerius Oratory and Kilmalkedar Chruch
• Killarney National Park: Travel back in time as you take a traditional Jaunting Car Tour through Killarney National Park
• Free time in Killarney Town: After a day of sightseeing, enjoy some free time in the lively town of Killarney, famous for its traditional pubs and charming streets.

Stay: Killarney (Dinner & Overnight)

Activities:

• Mass at St. Mary’s: Attend Mass in Killarney before heading to Adare, a village known as the "prettiest village in Ireland" with its thatched cottages and medieval buildings. Enjoy some free time to wander the streets and take in the historic charm.
• Shannon: Continue your journey to Shannon and check into your hotel.
• Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet: In the evening, enjoy a traditional medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, complete with a hearty four-course meal and live entertainment.

Stay: Limerick (Bed & Breakfast only)

Activities:

• Ferry to the Aran Islands: Take a scenic ferry ride from Doolin to the Aran Islands, where you’ll visit O’Brien’s Castle and the ancient lighthouse.
• Cliffs of Moher: Return to the mainland to visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks, offering dramatic views over the Atlantic.
• The Burren: Drive through the striking limestone landscape of The Burren, home to unique flora, rare plants, and ancient archaeological sites.
• Caherconnell Sheepdogs & Fort -Experience a wonderful day of excitement at Caherconnell Sheepdogs and Fort, nestled in the heart of the Burren. Witness the incredible precision and agility of border collies as they collaborate seamlessly with the shepherd to expertly herd and manage the sheep.
• Galway: Finish the day with a guided tour of Galway, a vibrant coastal city known for its artistic atmosphere, colourful streets, and friendly pubs.

Stay: Galway (Dinner & Overnight)

Activities:

• Mass at Galway Cathedral: Begin your day with Mass at Galway Cathedral, one of Ireland’s most impressive 20th-century churches.
• Westport: Enjoy free time in the charming coastal town of Westport, known for its Georgian architecture and lively atmosphere.
• Croagh Patrick: Visit Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain where St. Patrick is said to have fasted for 40 days. For those who are up for the challenge, you can climb to the summit for panoramic views of Clew Bay.
• Claremorris: Head to Claremorris or nearby for a relaxing evening.

Stay: Claremorris or nearby (Dinner & Overnight)

Activities:

• Mass at the Apparition Chapel in Knock: Visit the Marian Shrine of Knock, one of Ireland’s most important pilgrimage sites, and attend Mass at the Apparition Chapel, where the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist are said to have appeared in 1879.
• Free Time in Knock: Take time to explore the shrine grounds or visit the Knock Museum.
• Return to Dublin – Group meal and reflections on the Tour.  Thoughts and perspective or the Tour.

Stay: Dublin or vicinity (Dinner & Overnight)

Your Irish Odyssey and ended return home with memories and connections that will last a lifetime.