Catholic Tour of Ireland

11 Days / 9 Nights

Departures April to October

 

Are you looking for an unforgettable tour of Catholic Ireland?  This is it!  We visit many of the principal general tourist sites in Ireland.  Our circle tour of the Island visits Dublin, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway.  Also, we experience Catholic highlights such as St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Trinity College, Glendalough, Kilfanora, the Aran Islands, and the Knock Shrine.

Sample Group Itinerary 

 
Day 1  -  Depart USA
Depart the USA via overnight flight bound for Dublin.

Day 2  -  Arrive Dublin
Morning arrival in Dublin.  On arrival we are met by our Tour Director, and transferred to our centrally-located hotel.  Balance of the day is at leisure to rest up or begin exploring Dublin on your own.  The evening will feature a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant.  (D)

Day 3  -  Dublin
This morning we tour the Irish capital, including a visit to Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed.  We also visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Our Lady of the Lourdes Church, and see major points of interest such as the O’Connell Bridge, Ha’penny Bridge and Newman House.  The rest of the day is free to further explore Dublin on your own.  (B,D)

Day 4  -  Dublin  -  Glendalough  -  Avoca  -  Waterford
We depart Dublin this morning and travel through the Wicklow Mountains to reach Glendalough.  We visit the Visitor Center, which describes the history Ireland’s monasteries.  We see the ruins of a 6th century settlement founded by St. Kevin.  Then we proceed to Avoca, where we see Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill.  We continue to Waterford, known for its hand-cut crystal, for dinner and overnight.  (B,D)

Day 5  -  Waterford  -  Blarney  - Killarney
This morning we visit the Waterford Crystal Factory.  Then we proceed via Dungarven and Cork to reach Blarney.  We have time for lunch, and time to visit the castle and kiss the Blarney Stone, before we continue across the Kerry Mountains to reach Killarney.  Dinner and overnight in Killarney.  (B,D)

Day 6  -  Killarney  -  Ring of Kerry  -  Killarney
After a morning Mass, we experience the Ring of Kerry, a panoramic, 100-mile-long route, which is famous for its scenic views.  Dinner and overnight in Killarney.  (B,D)

Day 7  -  Killarney  -  Bunratty  -  Cliffs of Moher  -  Kilfenora  -  Galway
We depart Killarney and drive north to reach Bunratty, where we visit the famous castle. Then to the Cliffs of Moher, rising 600 feet above sea level.  We proceed to Kilfenora, where we visit the Burren Centre, with its restored Cathedral.  Continue to Galway for dinner and overnight.

Day 8  -  Galway  -  Aran Islands  -  Galway
A full-day excursion is planned for today to the Aran Islands, where many Catholics took refuge during Cromwell’s Conquest.  From Galway, we travel to Rossaveal, where we board a ferry for the 45-minute trip to the island of Kilronan on Inishmore.  We’ll visit the Aran Heritage Center, and take a bus tour of the island, including a visit to the prehistoric stone fortress of Dun Aengus.  Stop at the Visitor Centre before a ferry back to the mainland, and our return to Galway for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 9  -  Galway  -  Kylemore Abbey  -  Murrisk  -  Knock
Departing Galway, we travel to Kylemore Abbey, where we visit the castle.  Then we continue to Murrisk, where we visit the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre, located at the base of St. Patrick’s Holy Mountain.  Proceed to Knock for dinner and overnight.  (B,D)

Day 10  -  Knock  -  Dublin
This morning we visit Knock, including the Church of the Apparition, the Knock Shrine, the Folk Museum, and the Basilica.  Then we proceed east to Dublin.  This evening we enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant.  (B,D)

Day 11  -  Dublin to USA
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the USA.  We arrive home the same day.  (B)


Included Meal Codes:
B  -  Breakfast
D  -  Dinner.


Tour Price Includes:
Round-Trip Airfare from USA to Ireland
Hotel Accommodations at First-Class and Superior Tourist Class Hotels
Land transportation by modern vehicles
Breakfast and Dinner daily, on a table d’hote basis
Services of a Tour Director from arrival in Dublin until departure
Sightseeing as indicated, including the services of local English-speaking guides where appropriate
Admission fees for included visits
 
Tour Price Does Not Include:
Taxes, Fuel Surcharges, and other fees applicable to the airfare
Tips to guides and tour director
Excess baggage fees
Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls, internet access fees, laundry, etc.
 

 
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