Depart the USA today on board our overnight transatlantic flights to Dublin (DUB) arriving the following day. Enjoy a full meal service as well as in-flight entertainment.

Welcome to the Emerald Isle, the “land of saints and scholars!” Upon our arrival at the Dublin Airport (DUB) we will go through passport control, gather our luggage, and continue to the arrivals hall to meet our pilgrimage guide. We will then be escorted to our deluxe motorcoach for our transfer to our hotel in the city. After hotel check in, time to unpack, freshen up, and rest. We will then have a short orientation followed by our welcome Mass at a local church in downtown Dublin. Lunch on our own with free time to rest or explore. In the evening we will convene for our festive group welcome dinner (included) served with local cuisine. Overnight in Dublin. (D)

Following breakfast, we will check out of our Dublin hotel and board our motorcoach destined for the International Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Knock. On the evening of the 21st of August 1879, a heavenly apparition occurred outdoors at the gable wall of the local parish church when Our Lady appeared, in the company of St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist. Unique to the Knock apparition was the presence of the Eucharistic Lamb in front of a cross, standing upon an altar and surrounded by angels. The apparition lasted for about two hours and fifteen official witnesses gave their testimonies to a commission of enquiry in October of that year. Upon arrival, we will drop off our luggage at our hotel and make our way to the shrine's cafe for lunch. Following lunch, pilgrims will be invited to explore the Shrine Museum prior to gathering back together for a guided tour of the campus. Our tour will culminate at the very spot where the apparition took place. We will have the blessed opportunity to celebrate Mass here. Following Mass, pilgrims are free to explore the grounds at their leisure with adequate time for prayer and shopping for religious souvenirs. Feel free to visit the fantastic book and gift shops, pray the stations of the cross, or make a visit to the Basilica to see its new mural painting of the apparition, all before returning back to our hotel for free time and dinner on our own. Overnight in Knock. (B)

Following breakfast and hotel check out, we begin our journey to the enchanting Kylemore Abbey and its incredible grounds and gardens, located on a pristine lake with majestic views. Our tour will include the mansion (a former convent school) as well as the romantic Victorian Walled Gardens and exquisite Neo-Gothic Chapel. Upon our arrival at Kylemore, we will join the Benedictine sisters for Mass in their new chapel. After Mass, we will have lunch in the lovely café on the grounds with time to visit the gift shop, our favorite in Ireland. The afternoon will be free for pilgrims to explore the property, enjoying the gardens, the scenic fields, the lake and mountains, and not to mention the famous local Connemara ponies. The breathtaking views of the mountains and water that surrounds the mansion are stunning. After an inspiring day at Kylemore, we board our motorcoach and make our way to our hotel in Galway. On our way, we will take the scenic route through the Connemara National Park, taking in the mountainous beauty of this region, where a famous local marble is quarried that is naturally green in color. Check in to our hotel in Galway, a city of traditional Irish music in the streets and pubs. Enjoy a free evening in the winding streets, full of boutique shops, and local pubs with live traditional Irish music. Dinner on our own. Overnight in Galway. (B)

After breakfast and hotel check out, we will make our way to Galway Cathedral for a private Mass and a special tour of this beautiful church built with funds from Irish Catholics in Boston. After Mass, we will board our motorcoach and enjoy the panoramic drive down the “Wild Atlantic Way,” a scenic route hugging the west coast of Ireland. The majestic views include wonders of nature that include the ocean, bays, cliffs, mountains, and the Burren National Park. Finally, we find ourselves at one of the most beautiful natural views in the world: the famous Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs offer one of Ireland's most commanding views of the crashing ocean, sure to make you stand in awe! After a quick lunch in the Cliffs View Café, with time for shopping in the official gift shop, we will board our motorcoach and continue our journey to Tralee where we will check into our hotel and have a festive evening full of traditional Irish music, food, drink, and shopping. Dinner on our own. Overnight in Tralee. (B)

After breakfast and Mass, we will check out of our hotel and make our way to the Rock of Cashel, originally the seat of the kings of Munster. According to legend, St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. Brian Boru was crowned High King at Cashel in 978 and made it his capital. After lunch in Cashel, we make our way to Kilkenny Castle. One of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since it was built by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. The castle was remodeled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Following our time at the Castle, we will check into our hotel and enjoy free time to explore the charming city with dinner on our own. Overnight in Kilkenny. (B) 

This morning, we depart Kilkenny and make our way to the stunning glaciated valley in County Wicklow where in the sixth century, one of Ireland’s most revered saints founded a monastery. The foundation of St. Kevin at Glendalough became one of the most famous religious centers in Europe. The remains of this monastic city, which are dotted across the glen, include a superb round tower, numerous medieval stone chapels and some decorated crosses. After a guided tour of the monastic site, we will board our motorcoach and journey to Dublin passing through the breathtaking Wicklow Mountains National Park. After dropping our bags off at the hotel, we will begin our walking tour of Dublin. Halfway through the tour, we will visit St. Teresa's Church (Discalced Carmelite Friary) to celebrate Mass. Following, we will continue our journey to the historic Cathedrals of St. Patrick and Christ Church Cathedral. The evening is free to explore the Temple Bar District, have dinner on our own, and partake in the delightful musical culture of Dublin. Overnight in Dublin. (B)

Our final full day in Ireland is a scheduled free day. Pilgrims get the chance to pick and choose what sites interest them individually and explore Dublin at their own pace. Some of the most popular sites include the National Gallery of Ireland, the GPO Museum, Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College Old Library & the Book of Kells, Jameson Distillery Bow St. Tour & Tasting, Dublin Castle, and Kilmainham Gaol (prison). We will gather together one final time for a festive farewell dinner (included) at our hotel, served with local cuisine. Overnight in Dublin. (B, D)

After an early breakfast and with warm memories of our time in Ireland, we will check out of our hotel and board our bus for our group transfer to Dublin Airport. (B)