Depart from your hometown for your overnight flight(s) to Ireland. Meals will be served on board.

Cead Mile Failte – Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival into Dublin you will be greeted by your tour guide and driver. You will board the bus and transfer to Belfast city centre. En-route enjoy a My Streets Drogheda history and music tour. Experience 1,000 thousand years of history distilled down to one hour with harmonica and the odd bad joke thrown in and you have Cyril and Martin’s tour of Drogheda! Beginning outside St. Peter’s church on Anglo Norman West Street the tour takes you through the trials and tribulations of the past 1000 years and gives an idea of how the modern Drogheda came to be. With a jig and a reel thrown in what else could you want. Upon arrival enjoy a panoramic tour of Belfast. A guided city tour is an excellent way to discover Belfast City. The tour will take in the leaning Albert Memorial Clock tower (Irelands answer to the Tower of Pisa) and the Opera House, which is one of Belfast’s great landmarks. Your tour will pass by the City Hall, the Opera house, The Crown Bar (dates from 1885), Queens University and the Botanic Gardens. Some tours will take in a visit to the Harland and Wolfe Shipyard, where the Titanic was built and launched in 1912. A visit to the Shankill and Falls road will be of interest as it will give the visitor an indication of how life was in Belfast during the troubles. Continue to your hotel and check in. Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure. Welcome dinner and overnight in Belfast.

Make your way this morning to Downpatrick. Visit St. Patrick’s Centre for either a reconciliation talk or St. Patricks way Walk with two Nuns. The Group is welcomed to The Saint Patrick Centre by guides Martina and Elaine. Brief intro about their backgrounds. Group will watch the IMAX film and hear a little bit about why St. Patrick was so successful in bringing Christianity. Message of forgiveness, reconciliation. An introduction about the Good Friday Agreement and where we are at in the peace process today – Martina was in the White House when the Agreement was finalised and wrote a book about her time at Stormont Parliament and she personally knew the players and inside track on what was happening in the negotiations. 10 minute presentation over tea/coffee each from Elaine and Martina on their own journeys from West Belfast to BBC & Attorney Courts of Northern Ireland.

• • Option 1: Reconciliation Talk
    Depart by your bus for Saul (Anglican), where Patrick built the first church and where he died on 17th March, reflecting on the fact that as someone from Britain who became the patron saint of Ireland he is the ultimate role model for reconciliation. This is a famous ‘thin place’ where pilgrims still say they feel the weight of Heaven. Drive to St Patrick’s Saul (Roman Catholic) to see Saint Patrick’s altar stone and then visit the Medieval Cathedral of Down to learn about how this once Benedictine Cathedral still has Benedictines in its Church Committee event though it has been Anglican for 400 years – this an other acts of reconciliation which bring communities together in Northern Ireland. Finish at adjacent Saint Patrick’s Grave and a Prayer for Peace.
  • Option 2: St Patrick’s Pilgrim Walk Downpatrick is an epic 4 mile adventure.
    Meet our Guides, get your pilgrim’s passport, discover the amazing story of Saint Patrick at the Saint Patrick Centre and walk in his footsteps on our Pilgrim’s Way around the Medieval Town of Downpatrick. Explore the stunning countryside and visit important sites in Patrick’s story with our experienced guides Martina and Elaine who will bring Saint Patrick’s story to life and discuss spiritual aspects of his journey.
    • Visit the World’s only St Patrick Exhibition to see our Imax Experience.
    • Visit the Medieval Cathedral of Down and Saint Patrick’s Grave.
    • Ramble the Quoile River and see Inch Abbey where the legend of the snakes was written.
    • Pilgrim’s Passport and High Vis ‘Patrick’s Way Pilgrim’ Vest included.
    • Rainproof gear sunscreen, small backpacks, firm footwear recommended.
    • Get your passport stamped.

• • Visit Down Cathedral and St. Patrick’s grave
    Down Cathedral overlooking Downpatrick, stands close to what is believed to be the mortal remains of Patrick, the Patron saint of Ireland. Visitor can access the cathedral via gardens at the back of the St Patricks Centre or through English street from the town centre. The Cathedral is impressive inside and has a wonderful organ and a very interesting seating arrangement. A retail area is housed at the entrance of the Cathedral. It is generally accepted that the main walls of the Cathedral date from the years after 1220. It suffered destruction on numerous occasions including during the wars with Edward Bruce in 1316 and finally, on the suppression of the monasteries in 1541, the Cathedral was laid waste. Notwithstanding its ruinous state which lasted until 1790, King James I granted a Charter to the Cathedral in 1609, providing for a Dean and Chapter. Rather than lose the connection with Patrick, the name began to be used for the growing town, which assumed the name Downpatrick. Rebuilding of the Cathedral began in 1790, it was consecrated in 1818 and the tower was completed in 1829.The Cathedral was closed again for repairs and renovations in 1986/7. Attacks of rot were so extensive that the Cathedral Board, acting on professional advice decided to remove almost the entire interior plaster walls and vaulting. What the visitor sees now is an almost entirely new interior, a replica of that which it replaced. The cost of this was upwards of £750,000 which was all raised voluntarily.

Celebrate Mass at Saul Church or similar. Return to Belfast for Dinner at a local restaurant followed by a restful overnight in Belfast.

Enjoy your full Irish breakfast today before travelling to Galway city. En route visit Clonmacnoise, a wonderful early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. In a stunning setting, the site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th -13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of graveslabs are on display in the visitor centre. In 1979 Pope John Paul II celebrated mass at this site. Guided tours are provided and the long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region. Dinner and overnight in Galway.

Today celebrate mass at Knock Shrine and enjoy a tour. The story of Knock shrine began on Thursday evening of the 21st August, 1879, when the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of the church at Knock in County Mayo. Two commissions of enquiry, in 1879 and 1936, accepted the testimony of this apparition as trustworthy and satisfactory. Today, Knock ranks among the world’s major Marian shrines. Spend the rest of your day exploring the Connemara Region. Connemara is a land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains. A land of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and the most romantic part of Ireland. Connemara is a vast peninsula bordered by the arid and rocky coastline of Galway Bay in the south ~ a land characteristic for its stone walls and thatched cottages. On its northern shore the land is harsher and more secret, with spectacular views of the Ocean and the beautiful fjord of Killary Harbour, as well as the steep mountains overlooking numerous lakes and large bog areas. Connemara is a real paradise for Nature lovers and those in search of strong emotions. In 1951, John Ford’s great movie “The Quiet Man” starring John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara and Barry Fitzgerald was made, and filming was centred in the village of Cong on the Mayo-Galway border. Kylemore Abbey is stunningly located in the Kylemore Pass in Connemara. Mitchell Henry built the House in 1868, after having spent his honeymoon in the area. The architecture is best described as neo-gothic and the house still displays all the characteristics of that period. One of Kylemore Abbey’s most famous features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns. They established a private school for young girls, which was the renowned Kylemore Abbey International School. The school eventually closed in 2010. Facilities at Kylemore include a visitor centre, an exhibition housed in the main reception rooms of the house and a video which takes the visitor through the history of the house and its occupants. The Gothic church is available to visit and as a venue for choir groups to sing in. If time allows guests can also visit the Kylemore Abbey Victorian Walled Garden was laid out in 1867 and took three years to complete. A bus service provided from the front door of the Abbey directly to the garden and is the only permitted means of access. Dinner and overnight in Galway or area.

Enjoy your breakfast in the hotel before departing for Limerick. Travel through the Burren Region. The Burren landscape covers over 150 square kilometres and is one of Ireland’s 6 National Parks. The region is visually similar to a moonscape, yet shelters a mixture of flora and archaeological sites which have attracted visitors for centuries. Man came here over 6000 years ago, cleared the forests and set in motion soil erosion. Centuries of weathering has produced a terrain of fissured limestone pavements, disappearing lakes, terraced mountains, and underground cave systems. For millennia man has left his mark, megalithic tombs and cooking sites litter the pavements, while medieval tower houses and churches guard the valleys. Today man is absent from most of the upland, leaving behind ancient field systems, route ways and place names. Today’s visitors to the Burren will find Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants growing together. Next group will visit the Cliffs of Moher.

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering the Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The cliffs reach their highest point just north of O’ Brien’s Tower built by Cornelius O’ Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, to entertain his lady friends. A visit of the tower is also possible. The sweeping view across the Atlantic has recently been ranked the best ‘cliff-view’ on the planet by Conde Nast Traveler. The respected travel publication has voted the world-famous landmark at the top of a new chart of ‘ Nine Gorgeous Cliff Views That Rival The Grand Canyon’. Atlantic Edge is the exciting new interpretive centre at the Cliffs of Moher and is built into the natural landscape. The centre is a huge domed cave that contains images, exhibits, displays & experiences exploring different elements of the mighty Cliffs of Moher: Ocean, Rock, Nature and Man. Dinner and overnight in Limerick.

Enjoy your breakfast today before departing for Dublin city. Enjoy a visit to the Solas Bhride Centre where you will meet the Brigidine Sisters. The Centre at Solas Bhride (Brigid’s light/flame) offers an opportunity to visitors/pilgrims to walk in the footsteps of St. Brigid. Pilgrims will be led to the various sites associated with her and learn about the traditions, values and spirituality of Ireland’s Patroness. Solas Bhride Centre was established in Kildare town by the Brigidine sisters for the purpose of exploring, promoting and developing the heritage and legacy of St. Brigid of Kildare. Brigid’s flame, tended in Solas Bhride since it was relit in Kildare in 1993, is a beacon of hope, justice and peace. The Centre welcomes people of all faiths and none. “Walking in the footsteps of Brigid” is a pilgrim journey conducted by the sisters to the sites around Kildare town associated with St. Brigid. The pilgrimage will include a visit to Solas Bhride Centre, as well as St. Brigid’s cathedral, the original monastic site of St. Brigid, the round tower, Brigid’s Fire Temple and St. Brigid’s well. Upon arrival in Dublin enjoy a panoramic city tour. Here you will discover the north and south side of the River Liffey. This area offers great striking monuments such as the GPO (General Post Office) on the city main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, or the Custom House along the quays, as well as the Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe. The south side appears more sophisticated with its vast Georgian squares, such as Merrion Square, where Oscar Wilde’s House can still be found (today owned by an American College), its colourful doors, along with Grafton Street and its quality shops. Not so far from St. Stephen’s Green, in Kildare St., you will see the house of Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. This part of the city is also dominated by the students of Trinity College, where the famous book of Kells is permanently exhibited in its library. The university is facing the medieval district where Dublin Castle and the two Anglican Cathedrals can be found. Dinner and overnight in Dublin.

Following breakfast group will visit Glendalough. The English name Glendalough originated from the Irish “Gleann Dá Locha”, which translates as “The valley of the two lakes”. It was here that St. Kevin, son of the king of Leinster, founded a monastery in the 6th century. From a simple beginning the site grew to become famous as a centre of learning throughout Europe. Standing for 600 years it was destroyed in 1398. Much of what is to be seen today dates from the 10 to 12th century. One of the most attractive features is the fine 34m high round tower. A cathedral, stone churches and decorated crosses also survived albeit as ruins. Beautifully scenic walking trails take visitors on a circular route by the lakes from the Car park. Glendalough has an excellent visitor’s centre and display area, which is located at the entrance to the Valley. It houses a very comprehensive exhibition on Glendalough detailing the history, archaeology and wildlife of this area of Wicklow. An entrance charge applies to the visitor centre. In the evening enjoy evening entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub or similar. The show takes place in the ideal location, a pub owned and run by musicians who have been performing to audiences in Dublin since 1989. The Merry Ploughboys live in concert is widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin and also as a must see for any visitors to Dublin city. The show is a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, song and Irish dancing. From start to finish, this is a show based on fantastic interaction between the performers and the audience. Farewell dinner and overnight at your hotel in Dublin.

This morning, we will transfer to Dublin Airport for your return flight(s) home.

*206 Tours Disclaimer:
Though every effort will be made to follow the itinerary, it should be considered as an indication, rather than a contract of places to be visited. Occasionally local religious holidays, national days, weather, traffic conditions and other events may necessitate changes in the sequence of visits or the missing of certain visits.