$6,400 (plus air)
Daily Mass. Excellent local guide. Amazing food. And a most beautiful country with a small group of like-minded travelers.
Sign up
If you have any questions: mtn@thecatholictraveler.com
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 over 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 three nights in Dingle. We are staying at the Dingle Skellig Hotel, situated right on the coast of the most westerly peninsula in Europe. From here we will explore the Dingle Peninsula, Slea Head, and the Ring of Kerry. These will be some of the most beautiful drives you’ll ever experience – as long as the weather cooperates. Sweeping views of mountains, lakes, seaside villages, and dramatic coastal views that capture the romance of the Irish landscape.
From here we head north into Connemara for two nights. We will explore the wild, remote, and impossibly beautiful, western coast of Ireland. Traveling winding coastal roads, we’ll see ancient stone walls, sheep-covered hills, and dramatic Atlantic views around every corner. We are spending two nights at the Cashel House, a luxurious Victorian country house hideaway nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way and set within 50 acres of stunning gardens.
Next we head to Westport for two nights at The Grace Westport Estate. This will be our base as we visit the Marian Apparition site of Knock and the Croagh Patrick.
We continue to Donegal for a few nights in the lovely Lough Eske 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.
Finally, we head south to County Clare, staying at the quaint Old Ground Hotel in Ennis.
As always, we have some special surprises planned along the way.
Of course Mass will be celebrated daily in some beautiful churches by our own priest.
Price
$6,400 per person – ground only.
$1,000 deposit secures your spot.
Final payment of $5,400 is due June 13th, 2026.
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 $1,900. Single rooms are very limited, I only have 3.
Included in the price
Accommodations for 10 nights
In Dingle we are at Dingle Skellig Hotel
In Connemara we are at the Cashel House
In Westport we are at The Grace Westport Estate
In Donegal we are at the Lough Eske Castle
In Ennis we are at the Old Ground Hotel
Breakfast daily plus 9 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 WhatsApp 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.
Arrivals and Departures
Arrival
You should be in Shannon no later than 1 p.m. on July 13th.
The nearest airport is Shannon (SNN), with nonstops to/from Boston, Chicago, and New York and plenty of connections from Dublin.
From BOS
Aer Lingus 134 arrives at 5:25 a.m.
Aer Lingus 144 arrives at 10:25 a.m.
From EWR
United 270 arrives at 10:15 a.m.
From ORD
United 288 arrives 7:30 a.m.
From JFK
Aer Lingus 110 arrives at 6 a.m.
Delta 284 arrives at 11:10 a.m.
We will plan to leave from the airport by 1 p.m. on July 13th. For those who want to arrive early, the nearby Limerick is a nice little town you could visit.
Departing
For departures, again, Shannon is the closest airport from Ennis.
You should schedule your departure for no earlier than the morning of July 24th.
Nigel, our guide/driver will be returning to Dublin this afternoon and has offered to let anyone ride the coach with him. So if you want some time in Dublin, you can catch a ride with him.
No Hassle Cancellations
No other tour or pilgrimage company offers this level of free cancellation coverage.
If you need to cancel for any reason at all, up to 60 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 60 days of departure, you’ll get everything back minus the deposit.
If 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. 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.