Saints and Spirits of Ireland with Fr. Angel Diaz

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 we are met at the airport by our Irish driver/guide, who will accompany us during the trip. Following a stop for coffee and pastries, we drive to Knock for a visit to the Shrine and to celebrate Mass. We have an early dinner tonight with time to get some well-deserved rest. Overnight in the area of Knock. (D)

Following a hardy Irish breakfast, we depart for Galway, stopping en route to see Croagh Patrick, the mountain St. Patrick climbed, where he fasted for 40 days. Our next stop is Kylemore Abbey for Mass and a visit. We see Lough Nafooey, which legend tells us has its monster and is known as the most haunted lake in Ireland. We have time to explore the village of Cong, where the movie The Quiet Man was filmed, and where we see the Augustinian Abbey dating back to the early 12th century. Dinner and overnight are in the area. (B.D)

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 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. 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 celebrate Mass in a local church. Dinner and overnight in Cork. (B.D)

This morning we celebrate Mass, and we take a drive to Waterford to visit the crystal-making facility and have time to explore the city. Dinner is at leisure in Cork. (B)

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. Mass will be celebrated. 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 day ends in Kildare for dinner and an overnight. (B.D)

We visit St. Brigid’s Cathedral and the Round Tower and have time to celebrate Mass and explore the lovely little town. Our next stop is 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.” 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. Dinner at leisure.Overnight in Dublin. (B)

We celebrate Mass before we continue to Belfast for a visit to the Titanic Museum. Following a panoramic city tour of Belfast, we drive to Armagh where we see two St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, one Catholic and one Protestant, depicting the symbolism of the divided country of Northern Ireland. Our pub dinner is in Armagh tonight. Overnight in Dublin. (B. Special dinner)

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. Farewell dinner)

Following breakfast, we celebrate Mass, check out of the hotel and transfer to Dublin airport for our return home flights. (B)