KNOCK, IRELAND 

Day 1 | Depart for Dublin

Make your way to your local airport to board your overnight transatlantic flight(s) bound for the Emerald Isle. Relax and prepare your heart for the sacred pilgrimage ahead as hot meals and hospitality are served on board.

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Day 2 | Arrive in Dublin

Céad Míle Fáilte—A Hundred Thousand Welcomes to Ireland! Upon touching down in Dublin, collect your luggage, clear customs, and step into the arrivals hall, where our friendly tour manager and driver will greet you warmly. Transfer directly to your hotel to settle in and refresh.

Your Irish journey opens with a panoramic introduction to Dublin along both banks of the River Liffey. Drive past the sweeping greens of Phoenix Park—the largest enclosed public city park in Europe—before crossing to view classic Georgian squares known for their brightly colored doors. Continue past Trinity College, founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, with an opportunity (time permitting) to step inside the Old Library to behold the 9th-century Book of Kells, an illuminated Latin Gospel manuscript of peerless beauty. Gather together to celebrate our opening Holy Mass, followed by a welcoming pilgrim dinner and an evening stroll before a restful night's sleep in Dublin.

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Day 3 | Dublin – Wicklow – Glendalough – Tipperary

Awake to a hearty breakfast before departing Dublin south into the mountains of County Wicklow, affectionately called the "Garden of Ireland." Wind through heather-draped hills to Glendalough, the peaceful 6th-century monastic sanctuary established by Saint Kevin in the "valley of the two lakes." Here, walk through an ancient center of Christian learning and prayer: view the iconic round tower, the atmospheric ruins of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and the quaint, steep-roofed St. Kevin’s Church, surrounded by ancient Celtic high crosses and quiet graves.

Continuing southwest, journey through Baltinglass to view the striking remnants of its 12th-century Cistercian Abbey, followed by a stop in Castledermot to contemplate the historic Franciscan friary ruins. Conclude your day's travels in County Tipperary, gathering for a warm group dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.

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Day 4 | Tipperary – Rock of Cashel – Killarney

Begin your day in the Golden Vale as the legendary Rock of Cashel rises dramatically against the horizon. Ascend this ancient limestone outcrop, once the seat of the High Kings of Munster before becoming one of medieval Ireland's premier spiritual centers. Walk among 12th-century monuments, exploring the Gothic Cathedral, the intact Round Tower, and the rare Romanesque murals preserved within Cormac’s Chapel.

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After time for reflection amid the ancient stones, continue your route west toward County Kerry. Arrive in the scenic town of Killarney, check in to your hotel, and unwind. Gather in the evening for a relaxing dinner and enjoy a tranquil night in the heart of this charming town.

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Day 5 | Killarney – Dingle Peninsula – Slea Head – Killarney

Set out this morning to explore the wild, rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, where windswept cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean in scenes straight from a storybook. Follow in the footsteps of Early Christian hermits and ascetic monks who sought communion with God in complete isolation. Tour the remarkably preserved Gallarus Oratory, an intact stone dry-rubble chapel dating back over a thousand years.

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Pause in the seaside village of Inch, famous for its sweeping strand and cinematic heritage, before navigating the breathtaking coastal bends of Slea Head looking out toward the Blasket Islands. Visit the 12th-century Kilmalkedar Church, an evocative Romanesque complex echoing centuries of prayer and pilgrimage. In the late afternoon, return to Killarney for a comforting dinner, fellowship, and a restful evening.

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Day 6 | Killarney – Shannon Estuary – Cliffs of Moher – Galway

Enjoy breakfast before heading north through the market town of Listowel. Cross the broad waters of the Shannon Estuary by scenic car ferry, arriving along the coast of County Clare. Continue toward the Atlantic coastline to encounter the majesty of the Cliffs of Moher, rising dramatically over the crashing ocean swells below, offering expansive views and a humbling encounter with nature’s grandeur.

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Follow the scenic coastal road alongside the rocky Burren landscape and the shimmering expanse of Galway Bay. Arrive in Galway, a city rich in medieval heritage, spirited music, and cobblestone lanes. Settle in, gather for dinner at a local restaurant, and enjoy an evening at leisure in the vibrant city center.

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Day 7 | Galway – Lough Corrib – Clonmacnoise – Galway

Begin your morning taking in the gentle waters of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland, on a relaxing cruise that showcases the natural beauty and serene shoreline framing Galway.

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In the afternoon, travel to the spiritual heartland of the Irish Midlands to walk the sacred grounds of Clonmacnoise, set peacefully beside the River Shannon. Founded by Saint Ciarán in the 6th century, this monastery became one of Europe’s foremost centers of scholarship, craft, and scripture. Walk among the ancient cathedral ruins, stone round towers, and the famed Cross of the Scriptures. Return to Galway for an evening together over dinner and a restful night's sleep.

 

Day 8 | Galway – Knock Shrine

Direct your pilgrimage northeast across the plains of County Mayo to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, one of the world's most cherished Marian sanctuaries. On the rainy evening of August 21, 1879, fifteen villagers witnessed a silent, luminous two-hour apparition of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint John the Evangelist, and the Lamb of God upon an altar before a Cross.

Celebrate Holy Mass in the soaring Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland—elevated to basilica status by Pope Saint John Paul II during his centenary visit in 1979. Spend unhurried hours in personal prayer and meditation at the Apparition Chapel, venerate the sanctuary grounds, and browse the shrine museum and local shops at your own pace. Gather in the evening for dinner at your hotel in Knock, resting in the quiet grace of this holy place.

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Day 9 | Knock – Dublin

Depart Knock after breakfast, soaking in panoramic rural vistas as you journey east across the island back toward Dublin. Upon arrival in the capital, visit the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street to marvel at its world-renowned collection of Celtic and Early Christian treasures—including intricate prehistoric gold jewelry, the Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch, and venerable saintly relics.

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Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace, strolling Grafton Street, sitting at a sidewalk café, or revisiting a quiet chapel. In the evening, reunite for a traditional farewell dinner, raising a glass to newfound friendships, shared faith, and the unforgettable blessings of your Irish pilgrimage.

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Day 10 | Dublin – Return Flight Home

After an early breakfast, say your heartfelt goodbyes to the Emerald Isle. Board the coach for Dublin Airport, checking in for your transatlantic return flight home, carrying the prayers, grace, and memories of Ireland in your heart for years to come.