Saints and Spirits of Ireland with Fr. Cody Chatagnier and Fr. Mike Bergeron

We depart New Orleans on an overnight flight to Dublin. Dinner and breakfast are served on the flight.

We arrive in Dublin in the morning and are met at the airport by our Irish driver/guide, who will accompany us during the trip. Our first stop is Kilbeggan Distilling Company. Founded in 1757, the distillery is full of history, heritage, and honest-to-goodness, great-tasting whiskey. We have a private tour, meet the distillers and have a chance to bottle our whiskey. Continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Mass will be celebrated. Overnight in Galway. (D.)

Following a hardy Irish breakfast, we depart for Knock, where we visit the Shrine of Our Lady and celebrate Mass. In the afternoon, we return to Galway, the city of pubs and music. Tonight we can taste some pub food and listen to great Irish music. Overnight Galway. (B.)

We celebrate Mass in Galway this morning. We then head out of the city driving south along the coastline toward the famous Cliffs of Moher. Travel through the ancient burial grounds and the unique countryside of the Burren before arriving at the Cliffs, where we have time to hike along the cliff trails, relax, read poetry, etc. We stop at one of the many St. Brigid’s Wells found throughout Ireland. Then proceed to our hotel in Limerick. After check-in, a brief rest, and an opportunity to freshen up, we conclude our day with a very entertaining medieval dinner at Bunratty Castle. After the show, you may wish to drink at the historic Durty Nelly’s, known as the original Irish pub. Overnight in Limerick. (B.Special Dinner)

This morning we depart for Cork, where we celebrate Mass. Our next stop is Jameson Distillery Midleton for a tasting and tour. We have both an indoor and outdoor guided tour experience, where we can appreciate the vast scale of the distillery building and the largest pot still in the world. Actual maturing whiskey barrels are on display, and dedicated space is given to this most cherished part of the Jameson Irish Whiskey story. We stop at the English Market for a taste of local food before we continue to the Franciscan Well for a taste of their unique blend of Jameson Aged Stout and Jameson Pale Ale. Dinner is at leisure in Cork. (B.)

This morning we drive to the coastal town of Cobh, where we visit the Cobh Heritage Centre for a “Walk in the Footsteps of our Irish Ancestors” tour. Located in the harbor from where many ships with Irish immigrants sailed to America, we learn the stories of the Titanic, the Lusitania, and many others. We celebrate Mass and see St. Coleman’s Cathedral perched high on the hill overlooking Cobh Harbor. Dinner and overnight in Cork. (B.D.)

Today we are off to Blarney Castle, where we may acquire the ‘gift of the gab’ by kissing the Blarney Stone. The Woollen Mills next door offer some great shopping for traditional Irish gifts. We continue our drive to the “Rock of Cashel,” dating from the 12th century, the ruins of Ireland’s most spectacular medieval romantic site. Our next stop is the Holy Cross Abbey to celebrate Mass. Our day ends in Kildare, where we visit St. Brigid’s Cathedral and the Round Tower and have time to explore the lovely little town. Dinner and overnight in Kildare. (B.D.)

We drive from Kildare to Glendalough, where according to legend, St. Kevin retired to be alone because his good looks made him a source of temptation. This ancient monastic city, established in the 6th century by St. Kevin, is in the heart of “the valley of the two lakes.” It was a vital center of learning and a pilgrimage destination. There are many legends concerning St. Kevin, who is often compared to St. Francis of Assisi. We have a guided tour of the site, where we see the Round Tower, the Cathedral’s ruins, and “St. Kevin’s Kitchen.” We learn why this community became a great learning center known as the “Rome of the West.” We celebrate Mass at St. Joseph Church. Upon arriving in Dublin, we check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day. You may wish to head to the Temple area of Dublin to explore the famous pubs. Overnight in Dublin. (B.)

We visit Armagh this morning to see two St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, one Catholic and one Protestant, depicting the symbolism of the divided country of Northern Ireland. We celebrate Mass before we continue to Belfast for a visit to the Titanic Museum. Following a city tour of Belfast, we return to Dublin for an overnight. Dinner is at leisure. (B.)

Dublin derives its name from “Dubh Linn,” the Black Pool in the heart of historic Dublin. Many know the city by its nickname, “The Fair City.” Our day starts with morning Mass at St. Mary Pro-Cathedral, followed by a panoramic bus tour of Dublin. We stop at the Guinness Brewery to see how the famous ale is made. The rest of the day is leisurely exploring Dublin on your own. Tonight, we have a fun and festive farewell dinner with Irish music and dancing. Overnight in Dublin. (B.Special dinner)

Following breakfast, we transfer to Dublin airport for our return home flights. (B.)