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In the Footsteps of
St. PatrickAn 11-Day Pilgrimage to the Catholic Heart of Ireland
with Fr. Thomas Wray, Fr. Ethan Moore, and Dcn. Russ Feldkamp
September 15-25, 2025
Only $4,400 per person
Double Occupancy, Land-Only -
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Pilgrimage Information Meeting
A pilgrimage information meeting was hosted on February 3, 2025. To view the recording of the meeting, click the button below:
Meeting Recording
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Join Fr. Thomas Wray, Fr. Ethan Moore, and Dcn. Russ Feldkamp in the footsteps of St. Patrick as we pilgrimage to the Catholic heart of Ireland.
Journey to Ireland for an authentically Catholic pilgrimage as we explore St. Patrick’s profoundly Trinitarian spirituality, his pilgrimage philosophy of life, and his rich appreciation of nature as an icon of God’s beauty and mystery.
Encounter our Lord by following in the Footsteps of St. Patrick’s profound journey of prayer, conversion and discipleship, the matchless beauty of the Emerald Isle, the historical narrative of castles and abbeys, Marian spirituality in the beautiful Knock Shrine, and of course through the joy of Irish music, food, and drink in the “Land of Saints and Scholars.”
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Pricing
Double Occupancy Price: $4,400*
Single Occupancy Price: $5,400**Price includes cash discountAll rates above are per person, land-only.
Airfare from your preferred airport of departure is available upon request. To learn more, please review the "Flight Information" section.
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What's Included
- Accommodations at the best 4-star hotels with baggage handling
- All tours and transfers in an air-conditioned deluxe motorcoach
- Full Irish breakfast every morning and one dinner
- Wine and bottled water at the included dinner
- Tips for hotel staff and restaurants (for included meals and porterage)
- Admission tickets and private tours through all shrines, monasteries, abbeys, and historical sites on our itinerary
- Listening devices provided (for groups larger than 30)
- Local, English-speaking pilgrimage escort & guide for the entire duration of the pilgrimage
- Daily Mass, confessions, and spiritual guidance with Fr. Thomas Wray & Fr. Ethan Moore
- Two pre-departure information meetings
- A custom neck wallet and luggage tag for each pilgrim
What's Not Included:- Airfare (available for purchase from your airport of choice)
- Meals not mentioned above
- Tips for local guides and drivers (estimated €120 total)
- Travel insurance (optional, but highly recommended)
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Our Itinerary
- Days 1 & 2 - Sept 15 & 16
- Day 3 - Sept 17
- Day 4 - Sept 18
- Day 5 - Sept 19
- Day 6 - Sept 20
- Day 7 - Sept 21
- Day 8 - Sept 22
- Day 9 - Sept 23
- Day 10 & 11 - Sept 24 & 25
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Across the Atlantic ~ Arrival in Dublin ~ Hill of Slane ~ Downpatrick ~ Grave of St. PatrickDepart today on board your overnight transatlantic flight to Dublin, arriving the following day in Ireland, the Emerald Isle. Meals served on flight.Welcome to Ireland! Upon your arrival at Dublin airport, you will claim your luggage, pass through customs, and meet your pilgrimage guide and driver who will escort you to our deluxe motorcoach. Our pilgrimage begins with a transfer to the Hill of Slane. Here, we will visit a well-preserved tower found among the ruins of a Franciscan Monastery, dating back to the early 1500s. This monastic site was founded by St. Eric (a follower of St. Patrick). We continue our journey to Northern Ireland destined for Downpatrick. Upon our arrival, we will enjoy lunch and a guided tour of the St. Patrick Centre, concluding with the veneration of the graves of St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Columcille. After visiting the gift shop, we make our way to the beautiful St. Patrick’s Church for Mass. Following Mass, we will check into our Belfast hotel before meeting for a festive welcome dinner (included) in a private room at the hotel restaurant. During dinner in our private dining room, Fr. Tom will offer introductions and a talk titled, The Catholic Spirituality of Pilgrimage. Overnight in Belfast. (D)
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Armagh ~ Two Cathedrals of St. Patrick ~ Enniskillen Castle ~ KnockFollowing breakfast and hotel check-out, we will board our motorcoach and make our way to the charming city of Armagh. During our time here, we will visit both cathedrals dedicated to St. Patrick. The oldest cathedral currently belongs to the Church of Ireland, and stands on the very spot where a 5th century monastery was located, founded by St. Patrick. Throughout the Middle Ages, the cathedral was the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, head of the Catholic Church in Ireland, and one of the most important churches in Ireland. With the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, the Irish Church divided between Protestants and Roman Catholics, with the cathedral being retained by the Church of Ireland (protestants). Following Catholic emancipation in the 19th century, a new Catholic cathedral was built in Armagh, also called St Patrick's Cathedral. Our visit to the Catholic Cathedral of St. Patrick will be accompanied by Mass and a guided tour. Following lunch, we board our motorcoach destined for Knock. Along the way, we will make a special stop at the town of Enniskillen. Here, we will have the opportunity to stretch our legs as we tour the 15th century Enniskillen Castle and its two museums. Following our visit, we make our way to Knock, where we will check-in to our hotel. Dinner on our own. Overnight in Knock. (B)
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Shrine of Our Lady of KnockFollowing breakfast at our hotel, we will prayerfully enjoy our day at the International Shrine of Our Lady of Knock. We first start our visit to the Shrine Museum to learn more about the apparition and the history that surrounds it followed by a tour of the campus. During our tour of Knock, Fr. Tom will offer a talk titled, Spirituality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Mother on the Order of Grace. The 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. You can visit the fantastic book and gift shop, pray the stations of the cross, and make a visit to the basilica, all before returning back to the hotel for dinner on your own. Overnight in Knock. (B)
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Kylemore Abbey ~ Connemara National Park ~ GalwayFollowing breakfast and hotel check-out, we begin our journey to Kylemore Abbey and their romantic Victorian Walled Gardens and Gothic Chapel. Upon our arrival at Kylemore, we will join the Benedictine sisters for Mass in their private chapel. After Mass, we will have lunch in the café and following, a private tour of the grounds and Abbey. The afternoon will be free for pilgrims to explore the grounds and the Victorian Walled Gardens, the Connemara ponies, and simply take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and water that surrounds us. 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. Enjoy your evening in the musical streets of Galway, full of shops, pubs, and winding streets. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Galway. (B)
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Galway Cathedral ~ Cliffs of Moher ~ Wild Atlantic Way ~ Killarney
After breakfast and hotel check-out, we will make our way to Galway Cathedral for a private Mass. After Mass, we will board our motorcoach and take yet another amazing drive down the Wild Atlantic Way. Hugging the west coast of Ireland with views of the ocean, bays, cliffs, mountains, and the Burren National Park, we find ourselves at our destination: The Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher offer one of Ireland's most commanding landscapes, being sure to make you stand in awe! After a delicious lunch in the Cliffs View Café, we will board our motorcoach and make our way to Killarney where we will check into our hotel and have a free evening with dinner on your own. Overnight in Killarney. (B)
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The Ring of Kerry
Following a delicious Irish breakfast, we will take a short walk to the Killarney Franciscan Friary (OFM) for Mass. Following Mass, we will board our motorcoach and begin the scenic journey around the famous Ring of Kerry. Some of our stops will include the Kerry Bog Village Museum (entrance at additional cost) and the Red Fox Inn, the Daniel O'Connell Memorial Church (where Fr. Tom will offer a talk titled, Celtic Spirituality of Creation), Waterville, the charming village of Sneem, Moll's Gap and Ladies' View, and the Killarney National Park. We return to Killarney for dinner on your own. Overnight in Killarney. (B)
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A Free Day in Killarney ~ Optional Climbing of Skellig Michael
Following breakfast at our hotel, pilgrims will have the choice to join an optional day trip to Skellig Michael or to enjoy a free day in Killarney exploring the surrounding areas. For those joining the optional excursion to Skellig Michael, we will board our motorcoach early in the morning for our transfer to the far point of the Kerry peninsula. Once there we will board a 50 minute boat ride to Skellig Michael. Upon arrival, we will start our hike up the 600 uneven stone steps to the summit where we will find the ruins of a 6th century monastery that was occupied for more than 600 years, as well as the famous beehive huts.
Please note: The steps are cut directly into the rock face and are steep, uneven, and vary in height and width. There is no handrail and a steep cliff face lies below. Those who opt to join this excursion must be in good physical condition and used to steep, prolonged hikes.
For those who choose to stay in Killarney and enjoy the free day, we suggest a visit to the Killarney National Park, exploring the beautiful Torc Waterfall, or walking through the extravagant Muckross House and Gardens. We will gather together this evening for Mass at the Killarney Franciscan Friary followed by dinner on your own. Overnight in Killarney. (B)
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The Rock of Cashel ~ Kilkenny Castle
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. After lunch in Cashel, we make our way to Kilkenny Castle. One of the most instantly recognized buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since it was built by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. Following our time at Kilkenny Castle, we will check into our hotel and enjoy free time to explore the charming city with dinner on your own. Overnight in Kilkenny. (B)
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Glendalough Monastic Site ~ Afternoon in Dublin ~ Our Journey HomeThis 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 churches and some decorated crosses. At the end of our guided tour and amongst the beauty of the glen, Fr. Tom will offer a talk titled, The Spirituality of St. Patrick and Irish Monasticism. After our time at 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 to celebrate Mass. Following Mass, 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 your own, and partake in the musical culture of Dublin. Overnight in Dublin. (B)
After breakfast, with warm memories of our time in the land of saints and scholars, we will board our bus for our group transfer to the Dublin airport for our return flights home. (B)
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Additional Information
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Designated Arrival and Departure Times
This is a land-only pilgrimage. Pilgrims are responsible for arranging their own airfare. Please reference the designated arrival and departure times below when purchasing your airfare:- Arrival Information
- Arrive by: September 16, 2025
- Arrival time: 8:15 AM
- Arrival Airport: Dublin Airport (DUB)
- Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred in one group from the Dublin Airport (DUB) to the first activity on the itinerary.
- Departure Information
- Depart on: September 25, 2025
- Departure time: 1:35 PM
- Departure airport: Dublin Airport (DUB)
- Departure transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred in one group from the hotel to Dublin Airport (DUB).
Want to arrive or depart outside of the designated times?- Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times are not included in the pilgrimage fee.
- We can assist you with arranging your private airport transfer. Contact us at [email protected].
- As a reminder, airport transfers to your home airport are not included in the pilgrimage fee and are on your own arrangement.
Want help arranging your flights?- Our flight specialist is standing by ready to assist you with arranging your airfare. Contact Jody at [email protected] or call (507) 446-3683.
After your flights have been arranged, please email us a copy of your flight itinerary to [email protected] - Arrival Information
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Accommodations
The accommodations listed below are not yet confirmed. This list will be updated as hotels are confirmed.- September 16-17 (1 night) - Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre or similar (Belfast)
- September 17-19 (2 nights) - Knock House Hotel or similar (Knock)
- September 19-20 (1 night) - Eyre Square Hotel or similar (Galway)
- September 20-23 (3 nights) - The Scotts Hotel or similar (Killarney)
- September 23-24 (1 night) - Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel or similar (Kilkenny)
- September 24-25 (1 night) - Academy Plaza Hotel or similar (Dublin)
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Travel Insurance
- We highly encourage each pilgrim to purchase a travel insurance policy. Ultimately, like all types of insurance, the level of coverage you purchase will have a direct correlation to the price of your policy.
- Some benefits (such as coverage for pre-existing medical conditions) are time-sensitive and must be purchased within 15 days of paying your initial deposit.
- To request a quote, please fill out this digital form:
Travel Insurance Request Form
* Please direct all travel insurance questions to Jody at [email protected] or call (507) 446-3683.
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Payment Schedule
- A deposit of $500 per person is due upon registration.
- Final payment/remainder of balance is due by June 15, 2025.
- Late bookings after 90 days prior to departure require payment in full at time of booking.
Payment Options
You have three payment options:- Mailed Check (not applicable for the initial deposit): Zero fees. Make your check out to St. Charles Pilgrimages LLC and mail it to 399 Draher Lane, Bainbridge, Ohio 45612
- ACH (eCheck): 1% + 0.30 cents processing fee fee
- Credit Card: 1% + 0.30 cents processing fee + 2.9% CC fee (AMEX is 3.9%)
Cancellation Policy- Prior to 120 days prior to departure, all payments are fully refundable.
- At 120 days prior to departure, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
- At 90 days prior to departure, final payments are due and a cancellation would receive a 50% refund.
- At 30 days prior to departure, a cancellation would receive no refund.
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