12 Day Pilgrimage to Ireland
With Fr. Patrick J. Fletcher
Although it is a relatively small island, Ireland has had a great effect upon the history of Christianity as well as on the U.S. It was here that Christianity was preserved in ancient monasteries during the Dark Ages and from here that millions migrated to the U.S. From the wave-battered Cliffs of Moher to the ancient peak of Croagh Patrick and the bustling city of Dublin, Ireland offers both natural beauty and the hospitality of its people. This is a journey that will enable you to encounter both as we explore this fascinating land.
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MERCY TOURS
Your Catholic Pilgrimage Resource
A Spiritual & Cultural Experience
Day 1 FLIGHT TO DUBLIN
Departure on our flight to Dublin, Ireland. Dinner will be served on board.
Day 2 DUBLIN
At Dublin airport we meet our Irish tour guide. He will help us discover this beautiful, picturesque and charming city. 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 thoroughfare, O'Connell Street, Customhouse, and Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe. On the other side of the river are the Georgian squares characterized by colorful doors, Grafton Street and Trinity College, which is the oldest university in Ireland founded in 1592 by Elizabeth the 1st. Time permitting we will visit the ancient library containing over twenty thousand 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 beautiful tomb monuments, the ornate stained glass windows can be found in the Chancel. Late in the afternoon is our transfer to the hotel for dinner and a great nights rest.
Day 3 DUBLIN – GLENDALOUGH – BALTINGLASS
On day 3 we will travel through the beautiful mountains of Wicklow, called the ‘Garden of Ireland’ to reach Medieval Kilkenny and a magnificent view of the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Morning visit to Glendalough, an ancient monastic city, established in the 6th century by St. Kevin, in the heart of “the valley of the two lakes” (Gleann da Loch). 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. The Interpretative Centre traces the history of its community through an exhibition and an audio-visual, which relates to the Golden Age of early Christian Ireland. Then we’ll be taken on a guided tour of the site, which includes a Round Tower, the ruins of the Cathedral, and “St. Kevin’s Kitchen” surrounded by an old cemetery. This route 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 in Co Tipperary for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4 ROCK OF CASHEL – CORK – KERRY
On day 4 we are on to the “Rock of Cashel”, standing high in the middle of the “Golden Vale”, these religious buildings, dating from the 12thcentury, form the most spectacular medieval set in Ireland. The Cathedral, the Round Tower and Cormac Chapel, which is the first Irish Romanesque church, testify to the importance of the site. This area 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 stories of St. Patrick’s Cross will tell us more…! Then we head towards Cork, going through a large valley ‘the Golden Vale’. In Kerry or region is our hotel for overnight and dinner.
Day 5 – KERRY
The Dingle Peninsula is the most northern of the Kerry peninsulas. From the town Inch, where David Lean shot the movie “Ryan’s daughter”, and the last part of the country where Gaelic is spoken, we continue along the Eagle Mount and the cliffs of Slea Head. In Early Christian Ireland monks were looking for isolated places, Gallarus Oratory is one of them. It dates back to the 9th century, and its excellent preservation testifies to very good construction quality. Oratory used to be a place of prayer for monks. Our next stop is Kilmalkedar Church, built in the 12th century; it was once part of a complex of religious buildings. We stay overnight with dinner is in Kerry or the region.
DAY 6 – CLIFFS OF MOHER – GALWAY
After a good Irish breakfast we will be going north through Listowel and getting on a ferry at Killimer to cross the Shannon estuary. After that, we visit the Cliffs of Moher. Our next stop is to Corcomroe Abbey that is another Cistercian Abbey in ruins. It lies in its own valley and “Donal Mor O’Brien” founded it in the late 12th century. In the abbey one can find fine Romanesque carvings. From here it’s on to Galway, a place of medieval charm with colorful streets and many authentic pubs. Dinner and a good night’s rest await us in Galway.
Day 7 GALWAY
On day 7 we take a Corrib Cruise on Corrib Lake, which is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. It is the best way to see Galway and its surroundings. On our route today is a visit to Clonmacnoise, which is Ireland’s most important monastic site, which overlooks the River Shannon. The 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. An overnight stay and dinner is provided in Galway.
Day 8 KNOCK
Today on our Christian path is a visit to Knock, and the shrine situated in the plains of East Mayo. It is one of the world’s leading Marian shrines. On 21st August 1879, at about 8 o’clock, fifteen people; women, men and children, witnessed an Apparition. We will visit the Basilica, the largest church in Ireland. Knock is a very popular pilgrimage destination, and in 1979 Pope John Paul II visited this holy place. Travel through Sligo, made famous by the renowned Irish poet W.B. Yeats. Visit Carrowmore cemetery, not far from the mountain called Ben Bulben. It is a cemetery around 6 000 years old. Witness the fascinating landscapes, history, burial techniques, and legends; An overnight stay and dinner are provided in Sligo
Day 9 DERRY – BELFAST
On day 9 we will depart from Donegal for Mayo via Derry which is our first stop for this city tour. We will enjoy a visit to O’Doherty’s Tower in Derry; it houses the Tower Museum, which tells the story of the town from the days of St Columcilleto to the present. Here we will have some free time to take a walking tour of Derry City and discover it on our own. Following this, we visit the North’s number one attraction, the Giants Causeway; an area with over 40000 interlocking basalt columns, which are the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Overnight stay and dinner is provided in Belfast.
Day 10 DOWNPATRICK – DUBLIN.
Today we will enjoy beautiful scenery travelling through the Mourne Mountains. Downpatrick is our target. Downpatrick is believed to be the burial site of not only St. Patrick but also of St. Brigit and St. Colmcille. It was in Saul, only a few miles from Downpatrick, that St. Patrick established his first church and from here he developed Ireland to become the ‘Island of Saints and Scholars’. We will visit the Struell Wells, our final pilgrimage site. Situated two kilometers from Downpatrick, we can enjoy a walk if weather and time allow it! Once known throughout Europe, these wells are said, to have been blessed by St. Patrick. Overnight stay and dinner are in Dublin.
Day 11 DUBLIN
Today we are in Dublin and will visit the National Museum, situated in the heart of the city; its collection of golden prehistoric jewellery 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. Our last dinner in Ireland is at Abbey’s Tavern, located in the fishing village of Howth, where we will enjoy Irish singers and musicians in an authentic Irish atmosphere. Overnight stay is in Dublin.
Day 12 DUBLIN – USA
After breakfast we depart from Dublin International airport, flight back home.
Dear Fellow Pilgrims,
I invite you to join me on a wonderful pilgrimage to Ireland: the Land of St Patrick this June 2011. 12 days of faith, prayers, fun and all the shopping for the ladies! I'll encourage you to examine the rich Irish heritage that they brought to America with them. So the time is right and the price is better.
God bless and I hope to see you soon.
Fr. Patrick J. Fletcher
Mercy Tours value includes:
- Centrally located hotel accommodations throughout the pilgrimage.
- Tips at hotels and restaurants.
- Full Irish breakfast & dinner daily.
- Medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle.
- Visits and admissions as outlined.
- Experienced local guide/driver accompanying us throughout Ireland.
- Airport transfers and all ground travel by luxury motor coach in Ireland.
- Porterage of one bag per person at hotels.
Our current schedule:
June 20th - July 1st --- Cost is $2175.00, per person, double occupancy plus air fare.
double occupancy plus air fare. A few single rooms are available at additional cost.
A deposit of $300 is due by May 1st, and the full payment is due by May 15th 2011.
is due by May 15th 2011.Cost is per person, double occupancy. A few single rooms are available at an additional cost. A $300 per person deposit will hold your place due by May 1st, the entire balance is due by May 15th. There is no extra charge for late registrations--if we can get you on at the same price then we will do so.
Items not included: lunches, beverages other than water and coffee at meals, personal expenses.
