The Celtic Way An Adventurous Journey Through Ireland with Tsh Oxenreider

Depart Newark International Airport for an overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland. (Add-on airfare from most major airports, as well as premium and business class upgrades, are available upon request.)

We arrive at Dublin airport, where we meet our local guide and then travel together via bus through the central plain of Ireland to the lovely town of Athlone for lunch. Our next stop is Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest traditional Irish whiskey distillery in the world, dating back to 1757 and situated on the River Brosna. We learn the art of making authentic artisan Irish whiskey and sample a wee bit for ourselves. We then continue on to County Mayo for a well-deserved night of rest. (meals included)

After enjoying a fantastic Irish breakfast at our hotel, our day is at leisure with two options. First, you might explore Westport, a lovely Georgian town with stone bridges, tree-lined promenades, and stories to tell. In the heart of the town you'll find Burrishoole Abbey and Rockfleet Castle, where you'll learn about Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen, as well as the famous Matt Malloy’s (of The Chieftans) Pub, famous for its traditional Irish music. We're also able to partake in a scone-making class! Westport is easily explorable on foot, which means you'll also find plenty of shops, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants along the way.

Following a delightful Irish breakfast, we drive to Croagh Patrick, the Holy Mountain which St. Patrick climbed and where he spent 40 days praying and fasting. We'll follow in his footsteps, hiking to the top of the mountain (bring good shoes!). Once there, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch packed by our hotel on the mountain's green slopes before heading back down. In the afternoon we'll head to Galway, the City of Tribes and traditional music. Tonight we'll explore the town on our own, visit a pub or two for dinner, and meet some new friends. Overnight in Galway. (breakfast and lunch included)

We'll have a full-day trip to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands and famous for its sweaters. We'll hop on a ferry for island exploration, including a visit to the stone ruins of Dun Aonghasa Fort on the very western edge of Europe. Following lunch at the renowned Joe Watty's Pub, we'll have time to hike, pray, and wander through the beautiful landscape before returning to Galway. You're free for dinner this evening to enjoy a night of fun and music with friends. Overnight in Galway. (breakfast and lunch included)

Our morning drive takes us through the beautiful Connemara region to Lough Na Fooney Lake for a farm visit and to meet the Joyce Country Sheepdogs, who keep a watchful eye on over 200 ewes. We'll wander through the Village of Cong (the setting for John Wayne’s movie The Quiet Man) before making our way to the historic Ashford Castle for their long-established tradition of Afternoon Tea. Wonderfully preserved since 1868, the tea includes finger sandwiches, homemade jam, and tasty pastries. It’s the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon with kindred spirits. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Galway. (breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner included)

The magnificent landscape of the Burren awaits us today. A local, Oliver Connell, welcomes us to his home for home-baked treats, poetry, storytelling, and, most importantly, live music in his family kitchen. Oliver’s home is in the very heart of the Burren at Rockforest Tubber. We then visit the incredible famous Cliffs of Moher, followed by an Irish Coffeemaking demonstration and a lesson about the history of Irish coffee with an expert at the famous Durty Nellie's Pub — just the thing to warm us from the wind. We wrap up this full day at the Bunratty Medieval Dinner. Overnight in the area. (breakfast and special dinner included)

We'll drive to see the magnificent Rock of Cashel, which was the seat of kings and bishops for 900 years and flourished until the early 17th century. After this we'll stop and celebrate Mass at Glendalough, an ancient monastic site founded by St. Kevin. Famed for its beautiful scenery and historical monuments, Glendalough has been a center for pilgrims and visitors from the time of its founding by St. Kevin in the 6th Century. There are many legends about St. Kevin, and he's often likened as the Irish St. Francis of Assisi. We'll learn about the history of the monastic community and the Golden Age of early Christian Ireland. We'll explore the site with a guided tour, which includes the Round Tower, the Cathedral's ruins, and “St. Kevin’s Kitchen” surrounded by an old cemetery. Dinner and overnight in Dublin. (breakfast and dinner included)

After breakfast we'll drive to Mary’s Pro-Cathedral for Mass, followed by a panoramic sightseeing tour of the storied city, including O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, Leinster House, and the famous Irish doors. Your afternoon will be at leisure — you may want to visit the Irish Emigration Museum to uncover the story of Irish emigrants and how they shaped the world, or perhaps the city's famous Trinity College. Dinner is at your leisure tonight for an opportunity to visit the Temple Bar area, known for its live music. Overnight in Dublin. (breakfast included)

We'll celebrate Mass before heading to The Storehouse, originally built in 1904 to house the Guinness fermentation process. The tour takes us step by step through the brewing process, finishing at the Gravity Bar, where we'll taste a pint of Guinness while enjoying panoramic views over the city of Dublin. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the city on your own (do your best to stop at Brazen Head pub, the oldest in Dublin for another great Irish experience!). Our farewell dinner will be accompanied by music and dancing, an apropos way to end our pilgrimage together. Overnight in Dublin. (breakfast and special dinner included)

We'll have breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to the airport where you'll clear customs before embarking on your flight home with your heart and soul full of lifelong memories. Slán Abhaile! (breakfast included)