DAY 1: Monday 30thSeptember 2024 – Depart for Dublin

Make your way to your local airport where you will board your flight(s) to Irelnd, Dublin City.

DAY 2: Tuesday 1stOctober 2024 – WELCOME TO DUBLIN

Arrive at Dublin Airport.

Meet with your English-speaking guide and driver and transfer to Dublin city centre.

Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Dublin.

Celebrate Mass at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church (subject to availability).

Next, visitTrinity College & Book of Kells

Trinity was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory and is the oldest university in Ireland. The Campanile, erected in 1852, was built on what is believed to be the centre of the monastery. Built to further the education of the ruling Anglo-Irish families, restrictions were imposed to prevent Catholic from attending courses. These restrictions were not fully lifted until the 1970’s. Trinity however admitted women in 1902, earlier than most British universities. Most of the main buildings off the main square were built during the Georgian period, some of which replaced older buildings. Within its walls, visitors will be able to admire Parliament Square and its 18th Century edifices. Trinity College has had many famous students such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett who later became a lecturer in French at the university. The inter-denominational Church is very much worth a visit.

Continue to your hotel and check in.

*May not be possible before 16h00.

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Dublin or area.

DAY 3: Wednesday 2nd October 2024 – DUBLIN

This morning, celebrate Mass at St. Mary's Pro Cathedral (subject to availability).

Next, visit the Legion of Mary (subject to availability).

Visit Kilmainham Gaol (subject to availability).

Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison in Kilmainham, Dublin, Ireland. It is now a museum run by the Office of Public Works, an agency of the Government of Ireland. Today the building symbolises the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848,1867 and 1916 were detained and in some cases executed here. Many members of the Irish Republican movement during the Anglo-Irish War (1919-21) were also detained in Kilmainham Gaol, guarded by British troops.

Visit the Guinness Storehouse.

The Guinness Brewery in Dublin is Europe's largest stout producing brewery and home to the Guinness Storehouse. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Visitors will discover what goes into the making a pint of Guinness - the ingredients, the brewing process, the time, the craft and the passion. The exhibition shows how the brew has been marketed and how it is today sold in over 150 countries.

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Dublin or area.

DAY 4: Thursday 3rdOctober 2024 – DUBLIN TO KILKENNY

This morning, depart Dublin to journey to Kilkenny.

First, visit Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

Built in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. The parish church of Saint Patrick on this site was granted collegiate status in 1191, and raised to cathedral status in 1224. The present building dates from 1220. The Cathedral is today the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland (a church of the Anglican communion).

Next, continue to Glendalough to celebrate Mass at Saint Kevin’s Parish Church (subject to availability).

Visit the Glendalough monastic site.

This early Christian monastic site was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley with two lakes, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses.

Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins of Saint Kevin’s Church.

Next, visit Kilkenny Castle.

One of the most instantly recognised buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since it was built by the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century. The castle has been remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Due to major restoration works, the central block now includes a library, drawing room, and bedrooms decorated in 1830's splendour, as well as the beautiful Long Gallery. A suite of former servant's rooms is now the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art.The Parade Tower is the Castle's conference venue.

Continue to your hotel to check in.

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Kilkenny or area.

DAY 5: Friday 4thOctober 2024 – KILKENNY TO COUNTY MAYO

This morning, depart Kilkenny to journey to Knock.

First, celebrate mass at St Mary's Cathedral (subject to availability).

Then, visit the Cliffs of Moher.

Continue to Galway via the Burren.

Visit Galway Cathedral.

The largest catholic church in Galway, the cathedral is located on Nun’s Island, on the west bank of the River Corrib near Salmon Weir Bridge. It was the last large church in Ireland to be made from stone, and features a huge octagonal dome that complements the skyline of the City of Galway. The cathedral combines many features from different styles and periods of architecture. There are many treasures of art inside and outside. Erected on the site of an old jail, the parking lot of the cathedral contains a white cross in the pavement. It marks the site of the prison graveyard.

Continue to your hotel to check in.

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel in County Mayo or area.

DAY 6: Saturday 5thOctober 2024 – COUNTY MAYO TO BELFAST

This morning, visit the Knock Shrine and attend mass in the Apparition Chapel (subject to availability).

Enjoy some free time to explore the Sanctuary’s grounds.

Depart Knock to journey to Belfast

Make a photo stop at the Harland & Wolff shipyard.

Continue to your hotel to check in.

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Belfast or area.

DAY 7: Sunday 6thOctober 2024 – BELFAST TO EDINBURGH

This morning, depart Belfast to journey via ferry to Cairnryan.

Upon arrival, meet with your driver and continue to Glasgow.

Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Glasgow.

Celebrate mass at St Andrew's Cathedral (subject to availability).

Next, continue to Edinburgh.

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Edinburgh or area.

DAY 8: Monday 7thOctober 2024 – EDINBURGH

This morning, celebrate Mass at Saint Patrick’s Church (subject to availability).

Next, enjoy a walking tour of the Royal Mile.

Visit Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh’s Castle rock has been a stronghold for over 3000 years. In its dominating position overlooking the capital city, the grandeur and historical significance of Edinburgh Castle has made it a globally famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Sited on top of an extinct volcano, gaining stunning views across City of Edinburgh, the castle has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history and has dominated its surroundings with majesty for centuries.

Next, enjoy some free time for independent lunch.

This afternoon, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is The Queen's official residence in Scotland and is closely associated with Scotland's turbulent past. Mary, Queen of Scots lived here between 1561 and 1567. Successive kings and queens have made the Palace of Holyroodhouse the premier royal residence in Scotland. At the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat, the Palace of Holyroodhouse visitors can explore the 14 historic State Apartments and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Edinburgh or area.

DAY 9: Tuesday 8thOctober 2024 – EDINBURGH

This morning, celebrate Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart (subject to availability).

Next, visit Stirling Castle.

One of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture, Stirling Castle commands the countryside for many miles around. It towers over some of the most important battlefields of Scotland’s past including Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe in the summer of 1314. Situated on a volcanic outcrop guarding the lowest crossing point of the River Forth, Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish Independence and a source of enduring national pride. The castle’s long, turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland’s past, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. It has seen many royal dramas and witnessed the lives and deaths of almost every Scottish monarch up to the Union of the Crowns in 1603.

Enjoy some free time in Stirling.

Then, visit a local distillery.

Return to Edinburgh.

Overnight, dinner, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Edinburgh or area.

DAY 10: Wednesday 9th October 2024 – FAREWELL

This morning, journey to Edinburgh Aiport for your departure flight home.