Day 1 
- Depart Chicago O'Hare
Day 2
- Arrive Dublin
- Pro-Cathedral fo St. Mary
- Welcome Dinner
Day 3
- Glendalough
- Dublin City
- Christchurch Cathedral
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
Day 4
- Drogheda
- Lough Derg
- Donegal
Day 5
- Stranorlar
- Glenncolumbcille
- Killibegs
- Donegal Town
Day 6
- County Sligo
- Knock Shrine
Day 7
- Ballintubber Abbey
- Croagh Patrick
- Connemara
- Galway
Day 8
- Cong
- Galway City
Day 9
- The Burren
- Cliffs of Moher
- Shannon Ferry
- County Kerry
Day 10
- Ring of Kerry
- Killarney
Day 11
- Cork 
- Blarney Stone
- Bunratty Castle
Day 12
- Return to U.S.A
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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LEGEND: (M = Aircraft Meals / B = Breakfast / D = Dinner)


Day 1: Monday, March 16th: Depart USA: All group members, dressed in green, depart Chicago’s O’Hare Airport to board our with Aer Lingus (Ireland’s airline) flight to the Emerald Isle (go to Aer Lingus Terminal #5). Enjoy your flight with dinner and on-board electronic entertainment, and relax as we fly into the Irish time zone. First night is spent on-board. (M)

Day 2: Tuesday, March 17th (Feast of St. Patrick): Happy St. Patrick’s Day:  After a small breakfast on-board, arrive in Dublin, the historic Capital of Ireland. Clear Irish Immigrations and Customs and board our group’s coach. First, we go to Mass to celebrate the Feast Day of the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Holy Mass is celebrated at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary (present Catholic Cathedral while the original Catholic Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity - Christchurch - is under ‘occupation’). After Mass, before heading to our hotel, walk to Dublin’s most famous street, O’Connell Street, with the widest bridge in Europe, and pass by the famous Post Office (site of the 1916 encounter) to catch a glimpse of the festivities. Check in at historic Dunboyne Castle hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner. (M, D)


Day 3: Wednesday, March 18th: Glendalough and Dublin City:
Travel to County Wicklow (the garden county of Ireland) to see the 6th century monastic ruins of Glendalough. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the mountains of Wicklow, Glendalough exudes the peacefulness so much desired for the contemplative prayer of the monks. St. Kevin founded this settlement and St. Lawrence O’Toole made it famous at a time when Christianity was burgeoning throughout Ireland. Today the monks have long gone, leaving the ruins of numerous tombs, chapels, Celtic Crosses and a round tower. After this visit, enjoy the scenic drive to Dublin City where a city tour awaits us. Start with visit to Trinity College to view one of the world’s most famous copies of the Holy Scriptures known as the ‘Book of Kells’, plus the ‘Book of Armagh’ containing the confessions of St. Patrick. After this visit, go to historic White Friars Church (Holy Mass celebrated here), a Carmelite church where the beautiful Our Lady of Dublin wooden sculpture and the relics of St. Valentine can be found. After Mass, drive by St. Patrick’s Cathedral (where St. Patrick baptized the locals) and Christchurch Cathedral (both Cathedral’s captured by the English in the 1600’s and now Anglican Churches). Return to our hotel and rest. Dinner on your own tonight. (B)


Day 4: Thursday, March 19th (Feast of St. Joseph): Drogheda, Lough Derg and Donegal: Travel north this morning from County Dublin to County Meath driving through a region rich in history and pre-history. This is the reputed area where St. Patrick explained the Blessed Trinity to the pagan king of Ireland using the Shamrock as an example. Arrive in Drogheda where the remains of Saint Oliver Plunkett (a great Martyr for our faith and for Ireland) can be found. Holy Mass celebrated here. After Mass continue our scenic drive to Donegal, one of the most scenic counties of Ireland. On our way there we pass through the town of Kells (as in the Book of Kells), temporarily enter the United Kingdom to pass through Enniskillen and Irvinestown. Re-enter Ireland arriving at Lough Derg (Lake Derg) a special pilgrimage place of peace that has been receiving pilgrims continuously for well over 1,000 years. Enjoy a boat ride tour of Lough Dergh to admire Saint’s Island (commonly known as Station Island) where St. Patrick himself spent 40 days in penance (St. Patrick’s Purgatory). Irish pilgrims come here on three-day pilgrimages with no meals nor shoes! Afterwards check into your hotel in County Donegal. After check-in, relax and join your fellow pilgrims at our group dinner. (B, D)

 
 

Day 5: Friday, March 20th: Stranorlar, Glencolmcille, Killibegs and Donegal Town:  Flanked by the Blue Stack Mountains, travel to one of the twin towns of the Finn Valley, Stranorlar. We have Eucharistic Adoration at St. Mary Immaculate followed by Holy Mass at this historic parish. From here travel west to a beautiful place called Glenncolumbcille (Gleann Cholm Cille) an Irish speaking village situated in a picturesque glenn named after St. Columbcill (also known as St. Columba), one of Ireland’s most famous Saints (from County Donegal). He founded a monastery here as he also did in Kells and in the Island of Iona (where the Book of Kells was written). From there, continue on our Donegal journey to Killibegs, a picturesque fishing port situated at the mouth of Donegal Bay. Because this county is famous for the Donegal Tweed, there will be opportunity for shopping today. Return to our hotel and relax. Dinner on your own tonight. (B)

Day 6: Saturday, March 21st: County Sligo and Knock Shrine:
Head south for County Sligo, an area well associated with the great poet W.B. Yeats. Sligo is also famous for the peculiar shape of its mountains, like Ben Bulben (Mount Bulben). Here you’ll visit Tobernault, a peaceful glen where many pilgrims come to pray in remembrance of times when the Catholic faith was forbidden. Of great importance is the Mass Rock, used by Priests during Penal times in the 18th century, when churches were closed or confiscated. Everyone who came to Mass was risking their life, especially the Priests. A prayer will be said here for all those persecuted for their faith (specially Catholic Priests). Afterwards continue to Knock, Ireland’s center of Marian devotion. Knock Shrine, is one of the most celebrated Marian shrines where the Virgin Mary, along with St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist, appeared to 15 people on August 21, 1879. Holy Mass is celebrated at the site of the apparition. There will be time for Confession and Stations of the Cross. End the day here in Knock. After check-in, gather with your fellow travelers to enjoy a group dinner. (B, D)

Day 7: Sunday, March 22nd: Ballintubber Abbey, Croagh Patrick, Connemara and Galway:  Start the day with Sunday Mass at the Knock Shrine. After Mass, travel west through County Mayo and arrive at Ballintubber Abbey where St. Patrick’s Well can be found. This is the site where St. Patrick baptized the locals in the area. After this visit, pass through the city of Westport, famous for being one of the two major points of emigration during the Irish famine. A short distance outside of Westport, we climb the slopes of Croagh Patrick, a persistent landmark throughout central and southern Mayo. It was once sacred to the pagan god ‘crom’, but St. Patrick spent 40 days of Lent here around 441 AD and won the mountain for Christianity. In the afternoon, drive through the Connemara National Park, where sweeping views of boglands and misty mountains compose the majority of this National Park. Here it is common to hear locals chatting in the Irish language and to see sheep grazing freely. Tracts of bogland can be seen here, where people hand-cut peat for home heating. Stop by the Connemara Celtic Glass Factory to see why the Irish are also famous for glass making. End the day in Galway City, City of the Tribes, famous for the Claddagh Ring, representing its Irish/Spanish past. We check in to our Galway hotel where we enjoy dinner and overnight stay. (B, D)

Day 8: Monday, March 23rd: Cong and Galway City:
Travel by the eastern side of lake Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic, to visit the town of Cong, Ireland, most famous for being the filming site of the acclaimed movie “The Quiet Man” with Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. This movie epitomizes all the stereotypes of the Irish in a fun and memorable way. Visit the quiet ruins of the Cong Abbey, and walk through the forrest until reaching the majestic grounds of Ashford Castle on the coast of Lake Corrib. Originally known as the Guinness Mansion, Ashford Castle is one of the few 5-star Castles in Ireland. Return to Galway City for Holy Mass at the awesome Cathedral of St. Nicholas and Mary. After Mass, enjoy a leisure afternoon and evening in Galway’s pedestrian city center. Dinner on your own tonight. (B)

Day 9: Tuesday, March 24th: Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Shannon Ferry and County Kerry:  After a hearty full Irish breakfast, embark on a beautiful journey of the West of Ireland. First depart County Galway traveling around beautiful Galway Bay. Arrive in County Clare and drive through the Burren Country, an area of silvery-gray limestone that has weathered into curious pavements and elsewhere into mountains or cliffs. Despite its windswept appearance, it is home to a number of rare Irish wild flowers. Then head west to visit the spectacular and massive Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and extend five miles along the coast. Continue south along the coast and then turn to Killimer where we cross the mighty River Shannon. Arrive in County Kerry. Relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside (Rosary and meditation on-board). We arrive in lively Killarney situated with a backdrop of mountains and lakes. Holy Mass at the Franciscan Friary of Killarney. Afterwards, enjoy a group dinner at our hotel. (B, D)

Day 10 Wednesday, March 25th: Ring of Kerry and Killarney:
Embark on a spectacular journey through one of Ireland’s loveliest districts. The Ring of Kerry! “Heaven’s Reflex” as Poets, painters, writers and musicians have all tried to convey its beauty of mountains and lakes. Drive along the coastline of the broad Iveragh Peninsula where the road winds between the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountains in Ireland, and the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy plenty of stops to admire the views. Travel through Caherdaniel and Waterville at the western end of the peninsula and enjoy the bracing Atlantic breezes. Continue your drive through the colorful Irish speaking village of Sneem and the vantage point of Moll’s Gap. Return to Killarney in time for Holy Mass at Killarney's beautiful Cathedral. Leisure evening with dinner on your own at one of the many options available. (B)

Day 11: Thursday, March 26th: Cork (Blarney Stone) and Bunratty:
Depart Killarney driving through the Kerry Mountains into County Cork, to visit Blarney Castle, where you may climb a tower to acquire the "gift of eloquence" by kissing the popular stone in the ramparts of Blarney Castle. If you do not wish to climb, you may want to walk through the gardens, around the village green or do some shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills, renowned for their quality Irish merchandise of all types. Continue your drive into the Irish countryside where you can see the "Forty Shades of Green" as you pass through the dairy region of Cork and the farm area of County Tipperary. Drive through the outskirts of Limerick and cross the wide River Shannon and arrive to our hotel. Celebrate Farewell Mass in a spirit of thanksgiving for a fruitful pilgrimage. Afterwards, a treat awaits us! This evening join in the fun and feasting at Bunratty Castle. Your medieval-style banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15th century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories. (B, D)

Day 12: Friday, March 27th: Return to USA:
All too soon, our pilgrimage in Ireland has come to the end. Transfer to Shannon Airport in plenty of time to check in for your flight and clear security. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores. During your connection in Dublin, clear US Immigration, then relax, board your wide-body Aer Lingus jet and enjoy the flight across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States. Arrive in the US on the same day. Proceed straight to US Customs (by-passing US Immigration which was pre-cleared in Dublin) to collect your luggage. Those connecting with other airlines, stop by the airlines baggage counter right outside US Customs to check-in you luggage for your connection flights. Welcome Home! (B, M)
 

11 - Day Trip Inclusions:

  • Round trip Non-stop Trans-Atlantic Air Transportation from Chicago via AER LINGUS (call for add-on from other cities)

  • 1st class hotel accommodations

  • Full touring program visiting unforgettable places: Dublin, Trinity College (book of kells), White Friar’s Church, St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Glendalough, Drogheda, Boat Ride on Lough Derg, Glencolmcille, Stranorlar, Killibegs, Donegal, Tobernault, knock, Ballintuber Abbey, Croagh patrick, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Galway City, Cong Abbey, Quiet Man Tour, Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Ferry Ride across the Shannon, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Stone, Bunratty Castle, glimpse of St. Patrick's Festival and so much more!

  • Boat rides on Lough Derg (Saint’s Island / St. Patrick’s Purgatory) and across the Shannon River.

  • Any Admissions to all featured visits

  • Touring in our private Motorcoach

  • Spiritual Pilgrimage program including Rosaries, Meditations, Reconciliation and Masses at remarkable places lead by

  • Fr. John Silva from the Diocese of Evansville, Indiana (chaplain)

  • Professional Irish driver/guide

  • 16 meals: 10 Full Irish Breakfasts and 6 Dinners including a Medieval banquet.

  • Full documentation with luggage tags and passport/document holder

  • Porterage of 1 suitcase per person.

  • Irish Government Hospitality taxes, charges & fees

  • All tips included except Irish driver/guide.
    Does not include:

  • Tips for Irish driver/guide.

  • Airfare transportation taxes, ticket fees luggage & fuel surcharges ($350 approx.).

 Price: $2799.00*
* (Per person, double occupancy. Plus Taxes, Fees & Fuel Surcharges of approximately $359.00 per person)

 (or Save $100 per person! $2699! by signing up by to November 4, 2008)

  • Optional Single Occupancy:  $3299.00 (limited supply)
  • Optional Land Only:  $2299.00 per person based on double room (additional $500.00 for land only single room occupancy)
  • Optional Triple Occupancy:  $2779.00 per person based on triple room occupancy.
  • Optional Travel Guard/AIG insurance: $171.00 per person (add $16.00 for single occupancy passengers).  A $5 processing fee from Travel Guard is included. 
  • For $100.00 discount - registrations must be received by November 4, 2008.  See registration for instructions and details. 
  • Deposit of $500 per person is due to secure space (no later than November 04, 2008 to receive $100 per person discount)
  • Registration deadline without discount is due by December 5th.
  • Final Balance is due December 30th, 2008. 

Cancellation Schedule:

  • All Cancellations must be received in writing!
  • 95 days prior to departure or before...................$300.00 per person
  • 94 to 65 days prior to departure.........................$50% of tour cost
  • 64 to 35 days prior to departure ........................$75% of tour cost
  • 34 to 0 days prior to departure .......................No Refunds
  • No Refunds can be made for non-refundable airfare

 

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