Monateries, Castles and Pubs: A Journey Through the Soul of Ireland

Father Scott Carpentier would like to invite you to join him on a pilgrimage to Ireland.  We are planning to travel during a time of the year when crowds are thinner, access to sites much richer, and prices more appealing.  This is an exciting and inspiring itinerary that weaves together sites of great historical, cultural and spiritual significance in a land of immense beauty.  We will be treated to first class accommodations in centrally located hotels and enjoy the expertise of a full-time tour manager and guide who will open doors for us at local sites and help us access cultural activities such as local music that Ireland is known for.  We begin in the cosmopolitan city of Dublin, journey to the beautiful medieval village of Kilkenny, explore the breathtaking Dingle peninsula and other sites in and around Limerick and end our program in the Burren area and the historic town of Galway. 

More program details and prices will be available in April-May 2019.  We estimate that the cost of this program with airfare from Boston will be somewhere in the $3500-$3800 per person range. We invite you to explore the rich itinerary planned by Father Carpentier. Complete the interest sheet below to receive updated information when it is available and be on the priority list of those eligible to register when registration opens.

Program Itinerary

Wednesday/Day 1:    Depart Boston for Dublin.

Thursday/Day 2: Arrival Dublin. Your group will be met by your local tour manager who will accompany you on private motorcoach to your centrally located hotel in historic Dublin.  After checking in and having an opportunity to relax, adjust to new time zone and freshen up, afternoon walking tour of historic Dublin including Dublin Castle and State Apartment. A festive welcome dinner will be included this evening at a local restaurant.  Overnight Dublin.

Friday/Day 3: Breakfast. Morning guided visits including Trinity College, the Book of Kells and St. Patrick's Cathedral.  Enjoy lunch today at Seasons Restaurant at the Guinness Storehouse, followed by a tour.  Afternoon at leisure.  Overnight Dublin.

Saturday/Day 4:Breakfast. Travel to Kilkenny, a beautifully preserved Irish medieval village. Visit the ancient monastic site of Glendalough en route. After checking into the hotel at Kilkenny, enjoy a walking tour of the historic center.  Dinner and overnight Kilkenny.

Sunday/Day 5: Breakfast.  Depending on interest/time, have some free time in Kilkenny.  Othewise, travel this morning to Limerick.  Stop in Cashel for guided visit to the Rock of Cashel. Liturgy/worship can be arranged today.  On arrival in Limerick - after checking in - walking tour of St. John’s Castle, the Bishop’s Palace and St. Mary’s (Anglican Cathedral).  Dinner/overnight Limerick.

Monday/Day 6:Breakfast. Go on a day excursion to the Dingle Peninsula. Enjoy a scenic drive to Slea Head and Dun an Oir Fort, and then continue to some historical sites, including the Reasc monastery (6th century), the Gallerus Oratory (primitive Christian architecture), and finally Kilmalkedar Church (12th century). Stop in Dingle for some free time before returning to Limerick for the evening at leisure and opportunity to sample local pubs/music. Overnight Limerick.

Tuesday/Day 7: Breakfast.  Travel to Galway via the Burren region – visiting Bunratty Castle,  the Cliffs of Moher and other sites nearby, including Poulnabrone - a neolithic stone portal tomb.  If interest permits, visit Lidsoonvarna, a quirky spa town that has a match-making event every year.  Liturgy/worship can be arranged today.  Some free time in Galway to explore the village at leisure.  Overnight Galway.

Wednesday/Day 8:    Breakfast.  One of the following excursions: 1. Excursion to the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise.  or 2. Excursion to the Connemara region - visiting various sites there.  or 3. Excursion to the shrine at Knock and Croagh Patrick .  A farewell dinner this evening with beverages and music at a cosy pub. Overnight Galway. Overnight Galway.

Thursday/Day 9: Breakfast.  Transfer to Shannon airport for return flight(s) to Boston.