8 Day Shrines Of Ireland

From the famed Book of Kells to the Marian Shrine of Knock, discover the spiritually revered sites of the Emerald Isle. Make your way through Dublin, Belfast, Westport and Galway to experience Ireland's religious heritage, rich history, and natural beauty. Arrive in the “Fair City” of Dublin, Ireland’s historic capital city. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for an evening of traditional Irish music and local cuisi

Begin the morning with Mass* before joining your local guide for a sightseeing tour of Dublin, featuring O’Connell and Grafton streets. Feel the spiritual magnitude of the 11th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral – the spiritual heart of the city – when a local expert details the rich history of this iconic building. Your tour continues on the grounds of Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells. As one of the most famous religious masterpieces of the medieval world, stand in awe before this ornate Latin gospel. With the remainder of the day at leisure, relax or explore the cultural and spiritual offerings of Dublin on your own.

Depart Dublin for “Saint Patrick’s country.” Feel the past come to life at the St. Patrick Centre in Downpatrick. On a privately guided tour, gain a glimpse into the history of Ireland’s patron saint. Learn the story of his death as you explore St. Patrick’s first Irish church at Saul. Celebrate Mass* this afternoon at a local church. The legend continues with a visit to the medieval Down Cathedral, the burial place of St. Patrick. A site of meditation and worship, this cathedral has become a symbol of the Irish people’s deep connection to their religious past and Celtic roots. Make your way to Belfast, Northern Ireland’s largest city.

Your journey takes you to the town of Armagh, seat of the Archbishop of both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland. Discover the Armagh Cathedral, destroyed and rebuilt over ten times since its initial founding in the 5th century by St. Patrick. Celebrate Mass* this afternoon, then wind your way through a patchwork of green to the charming coastal town of Westport, settling in for a relaxing 2-night stay.

Relish in the chance to worship at the Marian Shrine of Knock. On this site in 1879, fifteen witnesses saw an apparition of the Blessed Virgin with St. John and St. Joseph. This revered spot is visited by 1.5 million pilgrims each year, including Pope St. John Paul II in 1979 on the 100th anniversary and Mother Teresa in 1993 to pray. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Westport to explore the town’s quaint shops, historic pubs, and award-winning restaurants.

Start the day at Croagh Patrick, St. Patrick’s holy mountain. In the 5th century, St. Patrick fasted for forty days on this mountain’s iconic summit. Set off for Kylemore Abbey, a stunning Benedictine monastery founded in 1920 by nuns fleeing Belgium during World War I. Explore the Abbey and its historic Victorian Walled Garden, restored by the Benedictine community. Celebrate Mass* in a local church, then your day comes to a close in Galway, Ireland’s historic “City of Tribes.”

After morning Mass, get to know the city of Galway on a guided tour. Explore the city’s winding lanes and historic Eyre Square, taking in the energy and excitement of colourful shops and historic pubs that Galway is known for. Leave the city behind and travel along stunning vistas and rolling hills on the Wild Atlantic Way. Board a ferry and take in unrivalled views as you sail beneath the iconic Cliffs of Moher. This evening, return to Galway and join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner to celebrate your spiritual journey through the Emerald Isle.

Your journey comes to a close today, leaving you with the spiritual reverence of Ireland in your heart forever.