A Pilgrimage to Ireland

Daily Mass. Excellent local guide. Amazing food. And a most beautiful country with a small group of like-minded travelers.

Is this pilgrimage trip for you?

You need to be flexible.
This pilgrimage is not for grumpy people or those unable to be joyfully flexible. This is Europe after all, and things can come up when traveling.

If you are easy-going and excited to travel, even with some uncertainties mixed in, this could be the trip for you!

If this pilgrimage doesn’t work for you, no worries, I’ve been doing this for nearly 20 years and plan to do many, many more.

You should be in good physical shape.
We will do a lot of walking, much of it outside, and much of it on uneven ground. We can walk up to 5 miles per day. Please do consider this before signing up.

You need to be able to carry your own luggage.
You are responsible for your luggage. We do not have porters. I will provide a thorough packing list to help you pack lightly and efficiently.

Itinerary

You’ll get the full itinerary closer to departure, but…

We begin with two nights in Dublin, where we will have a walking tour of the city, have a pint at the Guinness Storehouse, and have an excellent welcome dinner.

Next we have three nights in Killarney. This will be our base as we drive the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. One day we will tour the stunning Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head, before spending an afternoon exploring Dingle town. The next day we will drive the Ring of Kerry and sample some Irish Coffee. It’s sure to be one of the most beautiful drives you’ve experienced – as long as the weather cooperates. 🙂

From here we head north towards Westport for two nights. We will visit the Marian Apparition site of Knock. You’ll also have a chance to climb Croagh Patrick. We will will visit a nearby farm to watch a sheepdog demonstration and sample some homemade scones and jam.

We continue to Donegal for a lovely two nights in a castle. You’ll have a bit of time to relax and enjoy the property. But from here we will visit the Slieve League Cliffs – which are three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher.

Then we head back to Dublin for one more night and one more amazing dinner.

As always, we have some special surprises planned along the way.

Of course Mass will be celebrated daily in some beautiful churches.

Price

$5,600 per person – ground only.

$1,000 deposit secures your spot.

Final payment of $4,600 is due June 14th, 2024.

The cost is per person, in double occupancy, meaning two people to a room.

Traveling alone?
I match singles with other traveling singles (of the same sex) and that always works out great. If you are uncomfortable sharing a room with a stranger, you can request a single room for an additional $1,000. Single rooms are very limited.

Included in the price

Accommodations for 10 nights
2 nights in Dublin

3 nights in Killarney

2 nights in Westport

2 nights in Donegal

1 night in Dublin

Breakfast daily plus 8 additional meals – I’m not kidding, Ireland has some of the best food I’ve ever had!
Drinks, including unlimited wine, or beer, are included in all our groups lunches and dinners.

All group ground transportation
We’ll be traveling in a private motor coach.

Full time service of a tour director
I’ll be with you at all times.

No hidden costs
If we do it as a group, it’s included in the price! You are responsible only for the meals you have on your own, souvenirs you wish to buy, and anything you want to do in your free time.

Guaranteed price
Once I receive your deposit, your tour price will not go up!

All tips for group meals, guides, and drivers
Would you believe that many tour companies require you to tip as you go? Not only does that add to the advertised sticker price of a tour, it’s also a huge hassle to you! No need to worry about that here. Tips are already included.

Entry fees and tours
All entry fees and tours to our included group activities.

Social planning
Plan your trip with your traveling companions before you leave! I’ll set up a private Facebook group for the tour to give you a chance to meet before you meet!

You time
We have a lot planned, but time on your own is important. We take our time in churches to give you the opportunity for prayer and reflection. We also include free time for you to explore, shop, and relax on your own.

Not Included

Your flights
You should arrive in Dublin no later than July 1st, we will begin at 3 PM on July 1st. If you want to arrive early, contact the hotel directly and let them know you are with The Catholic Traveler – this will ensure you don’t have to switch rooms when the trip begins.

You should depart no earlier than July 11th, our last group activity will be a dinner July 10th and you’ll have the hotel room for the night. If you want to stay longer, contact the hotel directly and let them know you are with The Catholic Traveler – this will ensure you don’t have to switch rooms when the trip end.

Most airlines are offering free changes should anything happen to the trip. Most airlines are not offering refunds, but rather a credit.

Airport transfers
You are responsible for getting between the airport and the Dublin hotel.

No Hassle Cancellations

No other tour or pilgrimage company offers this level of free cancellation coverage.

As this trip is soon, I am adjusting my cancellation policy to be even more generous…

If you need to cancel for any reason at all, up to 30 days before the start of the trip, you will be refunded 100% of the cost of the pilgrimage.

If you need to cancel for any reason at all within 14 days of departure, you’ll get everything back minus the deposit.

If for any reason I need to cancel or postpone the trip, you will be refunded 100% of the cost of the pilgrimage.

In all cases, you are responsible for working with the airline to get credit or refunds for changed or cancelled flights.

Trip insurance is a wise investment in case something comes up while you are in Italy. If you think there is any chance you may need to cancel, I recommend you purchase travel insurance. A “Cancel for Any Reason” plan will let you, well, cancel for ‘most’ any reason. Most plans should allow for at least a 75% refund should you need to cancel at any time before departure. I have a friend who specializes in trip insurance, you can contact him directly, but you are under no obligation to use him and I don’t get any sort of kick backs, so shop around and find what is best for you.