10 Days

Ireland Pilgrimage

Spiritual Director: Fr. Gregory Heidenblut

April 2 - 11, 2020

*Optional Pre Tour to Scotland  -  March 30 - April 2, 2020

202GH040220

Dublin · Wicklow · Glendalough · Tipperary · Rock Of Cashel · Kerry · Dingle Peninsula · Shannon · Cliffs Of Moher · Corcomroe Abbey · Galway · Corrib Lake · Clonmacnoise · Knock

Join Father Gregory Heidenblut on this ten-day Pilgrimage to Ireland, the Emerald Isle! The practice of Pilgrimage is almost as old as recorded history. In Ireland, "The Land of Saints and Scholars", you will journey through strong historic resonance with the early Christian scholars while in Clonmacnoise. Live through the medieval journeys in Glendalough, learn about the life of St. Patrick, who brought Catholicism to the Irish people, and finish with heightened spirituality as you visit Our Lady of Knock - the Marian Site that is on the same pedestal as Fatima and Lourdes. Open yourself to the message of "Knock", and to the renewal of faith and prayer, which is so vital to our lives as Catholics.


Fr. Gregory Heidenblut


pilgrimage map
Dates & Prices
Any Questions?  Contact:
Diane
Chris
Additional information
Terms & Conditions

Your trip includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • All airport taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Centrally located hotels: (or similar)
      ~ 1 night: Trinity Capital, Dublin
      ~ 1 night: Minella, Tipperary
      ~ 2 nights: Castlerosse, Killarney
      ~ 2 nights: Salthill, Galway
      ~ 1 night: Knock House, Knock
      ~ 1 night: Trinity Capital, Dublin
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine & Mineral Water with Dinners
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Assistance of Christian guide throughout
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
Centrally located hotels or similar
hotel
Trinity Capital
Dublin

2 Nights

hotel
Minella
Tipperary

1 Nights

hotel
Castlerosse
Killarney

2 Nights

hotel
Salthill
Galway

2 Nights

hotel
Knock House
Knock

1 Nights

Not included
  • Lunches, Tips to your guide & driver.
Optional
Travel Protection

Providing you coverage for situations that may arise during your trip, including medical and dental emergencies, loss of luggage, trip delay, and so much more.

Cancel For Any Reason Waiver

A Cancellation Waiver - allowing you to cancel your trip and receive a refund anytime - up until 48 hours prior to departure.

Itinerary

Day 1, April 2: Depart for Dublin

Depart from your hometown for your overnight flight(s) to Ireland. Meals will be served on board.

Day 2, April 3: Arrive Dublin

Cead Mile Failte - Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival into Dublin you will be greeted by your tour guide and driver. We will have a panoramic city tour on both sides of the River Liffey, where we pass by the General Post Office on the city's main streets, O'Connell Street, Custom House, and Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. On the other side of the river are Georgian squares characterized by colorful doors, Grafton Street and Trinity College which is the oldest university in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. Time permitting we visit the ancient library containing over 20,000 manuscripts, among which is the Book of Kells, a manuscript from the 9th-century written by the monks at St. Colombo's monastery on the island of Iona. Today we will also visit St. Patrick's Anglican Cathedral, built in 1213. This Gothic Cathedral has a splendid interior, with some beautiful tombs and monuments. The ornate stained glass windows can be found in the Chancel. In the late afternoon we transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3, April 4: Wicklow - Glendalough - Tipperary

Following breakfast, we will travel through the beautiful mountains of Wicklow, called the "Garden of Ireland" until we reach Glenadalough. This ancient monastic city, established in the 6th-century by St. Kevin, is in the heart of "the valley of the two lakes." It was a very important centre of learning as well as a pilgrimage destination. There are many legends concerning St. Kevin and he is often compared to St. Francis of Assisi. You will be taken on a guided tour of the site, in which you will see the Round Tower, the ruins of the Cathedral, and "St. Kevin's Kitchen" that is surrounded by an old cemetery. The tour continues to Baltinglass where the ruins of a Cistercian Abbey are found. We will then pass by Castledermot, where we set eyes upon the remnants of a Franciscan Abbey, before arriving into Tipperary for dinner and overnight.

Day 4, April 5: Rock Of Cashel - Kerry

Today we are on to the "Rock of Cashel," standing high in the middle of the "Golden Vale." These religious buildings, dating from the 12th-century, form the most spectacular medieval set in Ireland. The Cathedral, the Round Tower and Cormac Chapel, which was the first Irish Romanesque Church, testify to the importance of this site which used to be the seat of the High Kings of Munster. So, once more we find two traditions and cultures meeting with one another where the story of St. Patrick's Cross will tell us more. Our journey continues towards Kerry for dinner and overnight.

Day 5, April 6: Kerry - Dingle Peninsula

This morning continue towards the Dingle Peninsula, the most northern of the Kerry peninsulas. From the town of Inch, where David Lean shot the movie "Ryan's Daughter," and the last part of the country where Gaelic language is spoken, we continue along the Eagle Mount and the cliffs of Slea Head. In Early Christian Ireland, monks were looking for isolated places such as Gallarus Oratory. It is dated from the 9th-century, and excellently preserved. Oratory used to be a place of prayer for monks. Our next stop is the Kilmalkedar Church, built in the 12th-century and once part of a complex of religious buildings in Romanesque style. Dinner and overnight in Kerry.

Day 6, April 7: Shannon - Cliffs Of Moher - Galway

After a good Irish breakfast we will be going north through Listowel and embark on the ferry at Killimer to cross the Shannon estuary. County Clare is a beautiful landscape with a Victorian seaside resort, and where we will visit the Cliffs of Moher. The coastal road with Galway's intensely blue bay on one side and natural rocky landscape on the other. From here we go on to Galway, a city that has kept its medieval charm with its colorful streets and authentic pubs. Dinner and overnight in Galway.

Day 7, April 8: Galway - Corrib Lake - Clonmacnoise

Today we will enjoy a Cruise on Corrib Lake, which is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. It is also the best way to see Galway and its surroundings. Today we will visit to Clonmacnoise, which is Ireland's most important monastic site, overlooking the River Shannon. This site was founded by St. Ciaran in the 6th-century and consists of a walled field containing numerous early Churches, high crosses, round towers and graves. Dinner and overnight in Galway.

Day 8, April 9: Knock

Today we will visit Knock and the Shrine situated in the plains of East Mayo, which is one of the world's leading Marian Shrines. On August 21, 1879 fifteen men, women and children witnessed an Apparition of Mary. We will visit the Basilica, the largest Church in Ireland. Knock is a very popular pilgrimage destination, and in 1979 Saint John Paul II visited this holy place. After Mass we will have time for private prayer at the Shrine, followed by free time for lunch and shopping on our own. We will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 9, April 10: Knock - Dublin

Today as we leave Knock, we will enjoy beautiful scenery travelling to Dublin. We will arrive in Dublin in the afternoon and visit the National Museum, situated in the heart of the city. Its collection of golden prehistoric jewelry is without a doubt the most beautiful in Europe. You will be particularly interested in the Celtic finery as well as numerous early Christian ornaments and relics of great beauty. In the afternoon there will be some free time for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight in Dublin.

Day 10, April 11: Depart Dublin

This morning we will transfer to Dublin Airport for your return flight(s) home.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Occasionally local religious and national holidays, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of events or the missing of certain events/places. Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of events and places to be visited.


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Dates & Prices

Dates

Select airport

Booking

Options & Upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request




Pre Tour to Scotland:

March 30 - April 2

  • Centrally Located First Class Hotels: (or similar)
      ~ 1 night: Hotel Edinburgh Grosvenor, Edinburgh
      ~ 1 night: Taybet Zaman or Hilton Garden Inn, Glasgow
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Assistance of a professional local guide Throughout
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
  • Flight bag & Portfolio of all travel documents



Pre Tour to Scotland

*All pricing is per person

()

()


Itinerary
Day 1, March 30: Depart USA to Scotland

Depart USA for your overnight flight to Europe. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.

Day 2, March 31: Arrive Edinburgh

Welcome to Scotland! Upon your arrival, collect your luggage and meet your guide and driver in the Arrival’s Hall. You will then be escorted to Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Mary's, of the Archdiocese of St. Andrew's and Edinburgh. The site of this holy Church was chosen by Bishop Hay, Vicar Apostolic for the Lowland District. After seeing his previous Chapel in Blackfriars Wynd burned by a mob, he hoped that this new site would provide safety for the Church due to the surrounding buildings. The Church was further embellished and became the pro-Cathedral of the Archdiocese in 1878, during the restoration of the Scottish hierarchy, and Roman Catholicism in Scotland. After Mass, proceed to have lunch on your own, followed by a city tour that begins with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This castle holds much historical significance as its purpose has transformed from a battle ground, to a home, to an army headquarters, and finally a tourist attraction. See the numerous, fascinating sites of the castle such as, the Great Hall, David's Tower, the Scottish National War Museum, the Queen Anne Building, and many more. You will be able to view the oldest standing building in Edinburgh, St. Margaret's Chapel, which withstood numerous destruction attempts. This structure dates back to the 12th century during the reign of King David I, who dedicated this Chapel to his mother, Saint Margaret of Scotland also known as, Queen Margaret. The tour will continue to the UNESCO Palace of Holyrood House at the end of the Royal Mile. The Palace of Holyrood House is the Queens official residence in Scotland, as well as many other successive kings and queens of the monarchy of Scotland. After this fun-filled, busy day you will check into the hotel for dinner and a restful overnight.

Day 3, April 1: Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Perth - Glasgow

Following a full breakfast at the hotel, continue to explore the countryside on the way to the town of St. Andrews in Fife, named after the apostle Andrew; patron Saint of Scotland. As the remains of St. Andrew were commonly believed to be buried here, the site became a major Shrine for Christians up until the Norman Cathedral. This Cathedral is the largest in all of Scotland, and was cleansed by Calvinist zealots during the Scottish Reformation and the ruins still remain. The shape in which St. Andrew was crucified, is a symbol present on the Scottish national flag to remind the country of his martyrdom. St. Andrews is also known worldwide as the home of golf, as the modern sport is believed to have been invented here in the 15th century. The Old Course, devised in 1754, is still in operation. You will celebrate Mass at the Church of St. James, a small Roman Catholic parish situated on a clifftop which overlooks the North Sea. Next, continue your journey with a visit to the town of Perth, including Scone Palace, one of the finest examples of Georgian Gothic architecture in the UK. Proceed to Glasgow for dinner and an overnight.

Day 4, April 2: Glasgow - Carfin Motherwell

This morning after breakfast, depart for a visit to the historic small mining village of Carfin. At Carfin Motherwell, see a site built using the template of the Grotto at Massabielle; Our Lady of Lourdes. This site, built by unemployed miners of the village, has been used as a place of procession and prayer since the early part of the 20th century. Before returning to Glasgow for lunch, enjoy a visit to the community of Carfin; a town of significant importance in the life of Scottish Catholicism. Upon your return to Glasgow, you will have the opportunity to participate in a walking tour of the city before a delicious dinner and your last overnight in Scotland.

Day 5, April 3: Glasgow - Dublin

Following breakfast, board the bus that will bring you to Glasgow Airport for your flight to Dublin, Ireland. You will arrive midday, and will be greeted by your tour guide and driver, who will bring you on a panoramic city tour on both sides of the River Liffey. You will pass by the General Post Office on the city's main street, O'Connell Street, view the Custom House, and Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. On the other side of the river are Georgian squares characterized by colorful doors, Grafton Street and Trinity College which is the oldest university in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. Time permitting, you may visit the ancient library containing over 20,000 manuscripts, among which is the Book of Kells, a manuscript from the 9th-century written by the monks at St. Colombo's monastery on the island of Iona. Today you will also visit St. Patrick's Anglican Cathedral, built in 1213. This Gothic Cathedral has a splendid interior, with some beautiful tombs and monuments. The ornate stained glass windows can be found in the Chancel. In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel for dinner and a restful overnight.

Options and upgrades

*All pricing is per person

Single Supplement / Solo Traveler Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (One-Way) Upon Request

Business Class Trans-Atlantic (Round-Trip) Upon Request

Pre Tour to Scotland

*All pricing is per person

()

()

Pre Tour to Scotland:

March 30 - April 2

  • Centrally Located First Class Hotels: (or similar)
      ~ 1 night: Hotel Edinburgh Grosvenor, Edinburgh
      ~ 1 night: Taybet Zaman or Hilton Garden Inn, Glasgow
  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • Breakfast and Dinner daily
  • Wine with dinners
  • Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
  • Assistance of a professional local guide Throughout
  • Sightseeing and admissions fees as per itinerary
  • Catholic Priest, Mass daily & Spiritual activities
  • Luggage handling (1 piece per person)
  • Flight bag & Portfolio of all travel documents

Itinerary
Day 1, March 30: Depart USA to Scotland

Depart USA for your overnight flight to Europe. Dinner and breakfast will be served on board.

Day 2, March 31: Arrive Edinburgh

Welcome to Scotland! Upon your arrival, collect your luggage and meet your guide and driver in the Arrival’s Hall. You will then be escorted to Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Mary's, of the Archdiocese of St. Andrew's and Edinburgh. The site of this holy Church was chosen by Bishop Hay, Vicar Apostolic for the Lowland District. After seeing his previous Chapel in Blackfriars Wynd burned by a mob, he hoped that this new site would provide safety for the Church due to the surrounding buildings. The Church was further embellished and became the pro-Cathedral of the Archdiocese in 1878, during the restoration of the Scottish hierarchy, and Roman Catholicism in Scotland. After Mass, proceed to have lunch on your own, followed by a city tour that begins with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This castle holds much historical significance as its purpose has transformed from a battle ground, to a home, to an army headquarters, and finally a tourist attraction. See the numerous, fascinating sites of the castle such as, the Great Hall, David's Tower, the Scottish National War Museum, the Queen Anne Building, and many more. You will be able to view the oldest standing building in Edinburgh, St. Margaret's Chapel, which withstood numerous destruction attempts. This structure dates back to the 12th century during the reign of King David I, who dedicated this Chapel to his mother, Saint Margaret of Scotland also known as, Queen Margaret. The tour will continue to the UNESCO Palace of Holyrood House at the end of the Royal Mile. The Palace of Holyrood House is the Queens official residence in Scotland, as well as many other successive kings and queens of the monarchy of Scotland. After this fun-filled, busy day you will check into the hotel for dinner and a restful overnight.

Day 3, April 1: Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Perth - Glasgow

Following a full breakfast at the hotel, continue to explore the countryside on the way to the town of St. Andrews in Fife, named after the apostle Andrew; patron Saint of Scotland. As the remains of St. Andrew were commonly believed to be buried here, the site became a major Shrine for Christians up until the Norman Cathedral. This Cathedral is the largest in all of Scotland, and was cleansed by Calvinist zealots during the Scottish Reformation and the ruins still remain. The shape in which St. Andrew was crucified, is a symbol present on the Scottish national flag to remind the country of his martyrdom. St. Andrews is also known worldwide as the home of golf, as the modern sport is believed to have been invented here in the 15th century. The Old Course, devised in 1754, is still in operation. You will celebrate Mass at the Church of St. James, a small Roman Catholic parish situated on a clifftop which overlooks the North Sea. Next, continue your journey with a visit to the town of Perth, including Scone Palace, one of the finest examples of Georgian Gothic architecture in the UK. Proceed to Glasgow for dinner and an overnight.

Day 4, April 2: Glasgow - Carfin Motherwell

This morning after breakfast, depart for a visit to the historic small mining village of Carfin. At Carfin Motherwell, see a site built using the template of the Grotto at Massabielle; Our Lady of Lourdes. This site, built by unemployed miners of the village, has been used as a place of procession and prayer since the early part of the 20th century. Before returning to Glasgow for lunch, enjoy a visit to the community of Carfin; a town of significant importance in the life of Scottish Catholicism. Upon your return to Glasgow, you will have the opportunity to participate in a walking tour of the city before a delicious dinner and your last overnight in Scotland.

Day 5, April 3: Glasgow - Dublin

Following breakfast, board the bus that will bring you to Glasgow Airport for your flight to Dublin, Ireland. You will arrive midday, and will be greeted by your tour guide and driver, who will bring you on a panoramic city tour on both sides of the River Liffey. You will pass by the General Post Office on the city's main street, O'Connell Street, view the Custom House, and Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. On the other side of the river are Georgian squares characterized by colorful doors, Grafton Street and Trinity College which is the oldest university in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Elizabeth I. Time permitting, you may visit the ancient library containing over 20,000 manuscripts, among which is the Book of Kells, a manuscript from the 9th-century written by the monks at St. Colombo's monastery on the island of Iona. Today you will also visit St. Patrick's Anglican Cathedral, built in 1213. This Gothic Cathedral has a splendid interior, with some beautiful tombs and monuments. The ornate stained glass windows can be found in the Chancel. In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel for dinner and a restful overnight.

About your trip

pilgrimage map
  • Tipperary
  • Killarney
  • Dingle Peninsula
  • Kerry
  • Galway
  • Lough Corrib
  • Clonmacnoise
  • Knock
  • Dublin
About Ireland: In the Footsteps of St. Patrick

St. Patrick succeeded in bringing Catholicism to Ireland, and in time, the whole country converted from their pagan gods to the one true God. Although a small country, Ireland has played a large role in saving and bringing Christianity throughout the world. During the early Dark Ages, the Irish monasteries preserved Western writings while Europe remained in darkness. But as the Catholic country remained solidly Catholic, the Irish spread the faith to all corners of the world.

Terms & Conditions

Pilgriamge Information
Know Before You Go

We promise to do all within our power to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please feel free to contact us, please note should any problems arise during your trip you should first contact your local emergency contact in your destination country or the 206 Tours.

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Any questions?  Contact Us:
Diane
Chris