Irish Wisdom and Wonder with Katie Marquette and Christy Isinger

We arrive at Dublin airport, where our guide assists us to the bus. We travel through the central plain of Ireland to Athlone for a lunch stop and an opportunity to stretch our legs after the long flight by walking through this lovely Irish town. Our next stop is Kilbeggan Distillery, a traditional Irish whiskey distillery situated on the River Brosna. Kilbeggan is the oldest distillery in the world, dating back to 1757. We learn the art of making authentic artisan Irish whiskey and have a wee bit to sample for ourselves. Then, continue to Co Mayo for a well-deserved night of rest. Dinner and overnight in Kiltimagh. (B.D)

This morning, we have time to sleep in a bit and enjoy a fantastic Irish breakfast at our hotel. The day starts with a visit to Knock, Ireland’s national Marian Shrine. On the 21st of August, 1879, Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. Fifteen people, young and old, witnessed this apparition. From this miraculous occurrence, Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognized Marian Shrine. The personal pilgrimage of Pope John Paul II in 1979, commemorating the centenary of the apparition, inspired an even greater devotion to the Shrine and endorsed the indelible seal of Vatican approval. We explore Knock and celebrate Mass at the Shrine. In the afternoon, we have time to explore Westport, a lovely Georgian town with fine-stoned bridges, tree-lined promenades, and many stories to tell. We find Rockfleet Castle and Burrishoole Abbey in the heart of the town. We may learn about the Pirate Queen of Ireland, Grace O’Malley, or visit Mescan Brewery or the famous Matt Malloy’s (of the Chieftains) Pub with traditional Irish music. This small town can be toured on foot, and there are many shops, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants along the way for you to explore. Dinner at leisure in Westport. Return to our hotel after dinner. (B)

Following a delightful Irish breakfast, we drive to Croagh Patrick, the Holy Mountain St. Patrick climbed, where he spent 40 days praying and fasting. Today we follow in the footsteps of St. Patrick, hiking to the top of the mountain. On the mountain’s slopes, we enjoy a picnic lunch our hotel has packed for us. In the afternoon, we visit Galway, the City of Tribes and music. We have a chance to explore the town on our own, visit a pub and meet some new friends. Overnight in the Galway area. (B.L)

This morning, we celebrate Mass with the Irish in the local church. Then our drive takes us through the beautiful Connemara region to Lough Na Fooey lake for a farm visit and a chance to meet the Joyce Country Sheepdogs, who keep a watchful eye on over 200 ewes spread out over a large farm area. We have time to wander through the Village of Cong, the setting for John Wayne’s movie “The Quiet Man,” before we make our way to the historic Ashford Castle for the long-established tradition of afternoon tea. Wonderfully preserved at Ashford Castle since 1868, afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, homemade jam, and tasty pastries. It’s the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon with new friends. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in the Galway area. (B. Afternoon Tea, D)

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. (TBC) Continuing our day, we visit the incredible Cliffs of Moher. Then, we warm up from the wind blowing at the Cliffs with an Irish coffee-making demonstration at the famous Durty Nellies Pub with an expert who talks about the history of Irish Coffee. Tonight we participate in the Bunratty Medieval Dinner. Overnight in the area. (B. Special dinner)

This morning, we 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. We stop at the Holy Cross Abbey for a visit before arriving at Glendalough, a 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 the founding of its monastery by St. Kevin in the 6th Century. St. Kevin is the subject of many legends, and he is often compared to St. Francis of Assisi. We learn about the history of the monastic community through an exhibition showing us the Golden Age of early Christian Ireland. Then enjoy a guided tour of the site, including a Round Tower, the Cathedral’s ruins, and “St. Kevin’s Kitchen,” surrounded by an old cemetery. We arrive in Dublin and settle into our hotel. Dinner is at leisure tonight for an opportunity to visit the Temple Bar area. Overnight in Dublin. (B)

After breakfast, we have a panoramic sightseeing tour of Dublin, including O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, Leinster House, and the famous Irish doors. We visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, the Old Library, and the National Library. In the afternoon, enjoy exploring Dublin on your own and perhaps visiting the Dublin Writers Museum or the Abbey Theater. Tonight our group is split into smaller groups as we enjoy the guided Literary Pub Crawl Tour. Overnight in Dublin. (B.D)

We celebrate Mass before driving to the Storehouse, originally built in 1904 to house the Guinness fermentation process. The core of the building is modeled on a giant pint glass. The tour takes us step by step through the brewing process, finishing at the Gravity Bar, where we can taste a pint of Guinness while enjoying panoramic views over Dublin City. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own. Be sure to stop at Brazen Head Pub, the oldest in Dublin, for another great Irish experience. Our farewell dinner is at a local pub where we enjoy pub food and good Irish music. Overnight in Dublin. (B, Special dinner)

Following breakfast at the hotel, we are transferred to the airport for our flights back to the United States. (B)