DAY 1:
Cead Mile Fault, welcome to Dublin! A driver will meet you at the Dublin Airport (DUB) and take you to our hotel, Brooks Hotel in the heart of Dublin. All guests should schedule to arrive at the hotel by 1:00 pm. We will have a welcome session at 2:00 followed by a walking tour of Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, the famous illuminated manuscript of the Gospels. We will learn about ways men and women(!) participated in the copying and illuminating of Scripture throughout the early and mid centuries of the Church in Ireland. We will enjoy dinner at a local pub.
( Dinner included.)
DAY 2:
After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will take us to the nearby city of Kilkenny where we will spend the day learning about the life and legacy of Ireland’s female patron saint, Brigid. We will visit the St. Brigid Cathedral in the morning, followed by an afternoon at the Solas Bhride center where we will learn more about Brigid, visit a holy well, have a spiritual teaching, and have an opportunity for personal reflection time and walking a prayer labyrinth if desired.
( Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included.)
DAY 3:
We will start our day with a slow morning. Mid-morning we will have a teaching at the hotel followed by small group time. We will have a few hours of free time around lunch for personal exploring, shopping, and free time before our tour at St Patrick’s Cathedral. We will enjoy a unique private tour and experience as we learn more about the real life of Patrick, his partnerships with women, and his incredible spiritual legacy. That evening will will attend Evensong service, a sung daily vespers service.
We will enjoy dinner at an award-winning steakhouse that features modern Irish cuisine focused on locally sourced ingredients.
( Breakfast and Dinner included.)
DAY 4:
After breakfast at the hotel, we will board our private charter bus and head south to Rock of Cashel. Also known as St Patrick’s Rock, we will enjoy a private tour of the ruins and remaining chapel where Patrick is said to have converted the King of Munster and many others in the nobility of Irish clans. We will enjoy lunch in the village and some free time to explore before continuing south to Killarney.
In Killarney we will arrive at our next “home away from home, The Lakes Hotel. With a rich 100 year history, the Lakes is perched on the shore of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park, a peaceful and beautiful setting for our time in Killarney. We will enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
(Breakfast, and, Dinner included.)
DAY 5:
After a slow-paced morning, we will head to St. Mary’s Cathedral for a tour, teaching, and creative reflection project. That afternoon there will be free time to explore the quiant village of Killarney known for its artisan shops offering the best of Irish handicrafts.
We will enjoy dinner together in town.
( Breakfast and Dinner included.)
DAY 6
After breakfast, we will have a private worship service together before checking out of the hotel. Our coach will bring us to The Great Southern our starting point for a fun jaunting trip through the national park. After our tour, we will enjoy a traditional high tea at The Great Southern. On our way out of Killarney, we will visit Muckross Abbey where the faithful have worshipped for over 700 years. Then it is on to Dingle!
(Breakfast, Lunch (tea), and Dinner Included)
DAY 7
We will spend two nights at the spectacular Dingle Skellig Hotel. Rated as one of Ireland’s premier hotels, it is located on Dingle Bay with beautiful water views. On day 7 we will join a local pilgrimage guide to walk a portion of the Cosan na Naomh, an ancient pilgrimage trail that Christians have traveled for centuries, and is active today. We will travel five miles at a leisurely pace, with multiple stops for reflection, teachings, and learning about the unique history and lore of the trail. For those who are unable to walk the entire trail with us, an alternative plan will be provided to allow you to participate in some of the day, and have personal reflective time at a pace that meets your needs. We will enjoy a picnic lunch along the route.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
DAY 8:
It’s time to head back to Dublin! After a leisurely morning we will drive back to Dublin. We will have some free time in the afternoon before gathering for an end-of-pilgrimage celebration before heading to The Irish House Party for a night a traditional Irish food, dance, and music!
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Day 9:
After breakfast at our hotel, airport transportation will be arranged to bring you to Dublin airport for your flight home.
(Breakfast included)