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DAY 1 Arrive in Dublin, Irish Republic
Welcome to Dublin! The rest of the day is free to relax and prepare yourself for your upcoming spiritual journey on the Emerald Isle. At 6 pm, join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner with wine at the hotel.
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DAY 2 Dublin
Today’s orientation drive introduces you to the vibrant Irish capital. See statue-lined O’Connell Street with its landmark Spire of Dublin, bustling town squares surrounded by elegant Georgian architecture and colorful doorways, and Trinity College—Ireland’s oldest university and home to the legendary Book of Kells. Visit ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL, built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint. Founded in 1191, St. Patrick’s has served as the country’s national cathedral since 1870. As you explore, take a quiet moment to reflect and marvel at the magnificent stained glass that told the stories of the Bible at a time when most people were unable to read and write. Why not join an optional dinner this evening at the Guinness Storehouse?
Breakfast Breakfast
DAY 3 Dublin–Downpatrick, Northern Ireland–Belfast
On your way to Northern Ireland, cross the Boyne River, whose waters have recently revealed remains of an ancient log-boat and a Viking ship. Continue in the peaceful lee of the Mountains of Mourne, which inspired C.S. Lewis to write his Christian allegory The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. On to Downpatrick, whose Down Cathedral is the final resting place of St. Patrick. Stop at the SAINT PATRICK CENTRE for a fascinating interactive journey through Patrick’s world and the introduction of Christianity in Ireland. Later, arrive in Belfast for a guided “Living History” tour that shows off the city’s most famous landmarks: Parliament House at Stormont, City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and Queens University. Finish the day with a fascinating visit to the TITANIC EXHIBITION and learn about the construction of the largest passenger steam ship, its maiden voyage, and the tragic night of April 14, 1912.
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DAY 4 Belfast. Giant’s Causeway Excursion
After a leisurely start to the day, make your way north to the Antrim Coast to visit awe-inspiring GIANT’S CAUSEWAY. Hear the legend of Finn McCool, the Irish giant whose battle with a rival Scottish giant created the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns here—then, learn how they were really formed! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the Creator’s most impressive natural wonders. Back in Belfast this afternoon, there’s time to discover the city on your own.
Breakfast Breakfast
DAY 5 Belfast–Armagh–Knock, Irish Republic–Claremorris
First on the agenda is a stop in Armagh, the island’s Ecclesiastical capital. It is said that St. Patrick established his primary church here, and decreed that only those educated in Armagh could spread the gospel. Continue west through rolling hills and reed-fringed lakes to Knock, a major pilgrimage site since 1879 when 15 townspeople saw apparitions that included the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as the Lamb of God. Visit the KNOCK SHRINE, the CHURCH OF THE APPARITION, the BASILICA, and the FOLK MUSEUM. During free time here you may choose to attend Mass, pray the Rosary or Stations of the Cross, or simply light a candle and pause for silent contemplation.
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DAY 6 Claremorris–Murrisk–Kylemore Abbey–Galway
This morning, visit the CROAGH PATRICK VISITOR CENTRE at the foot of the holiest mountain in Ireland, where St. Patrick fasted on the summit for 40 days in 441 AD. Next, visit KYLEMORE ABBEY, a graceful castle acquired by Benedictine nuns as a precious heirloom for Ireland. Arrive in Galway, a popular seaside destination and Ireland’s “cultural heart.” On the west bank of the Corrib River is the ancient Claddagh fishing village, which has produced the famous Claddagh Rings since 1700.
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DAY 7 Galway. Aran Islands Excursion
At Rossaveal, board a comfortable FERRY for the 45-minute crossing to Kilronan on Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and where Gaelic is the primary language. Your fascinating day features a presentation by an island historian about life on Inishmore. After LUNCH at a local pub, board a minibus for a tour of the island that includes fascinating commentary by your driver/Local Guide and a visit of clifftop DUN AENGUS, one of the most dramatic prehistoric stone forts in Europe. Return to the mainland, with time to attend Mass and enjoy an evening at leisure.
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DAY 8 Galway–Cliffs Of Moher–Limerick
A special treat this morning as you glimpse rural Irish life at RATHBAUN FARM. Watch the farmer shear a sheep and maneuver a flock with the help of a sheep dog, then enjoy your morning coffee or tea and scones, fresh out of the oven. Take the scenic route across the desolate limestone plateau known as The Burren, and stop for photos of Poulnabrone Dolmen, a portal tomb dating back to the Neolithic Period. Bask in the fresh coastal breezes as you gaze out over the breathtaking CLIFFS OF MOHER, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Tonight in Limerick, why not join an optional medieval castle banquet?
Breakfast Breakfast
DAY 9 Limerick–Kilkenny–Glendalough–Dublin
Travel eastward to pretty Kilkenny and then to GLENDALOUGH, a glacial valley known for its medieval monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. See an engaging audiovisual presentation, then your Local Guide will show you the remains of the settlement, including the Round Tower, St. Kevin’s Kitchen, and more. Back in Dublin, consider joining your traveling companions for a final evening of fellowship and fun at an optional cabaret dinner featuring Irish music, song, and dance.
Breakfast Breakfast
DAY 10 Dublin
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast Breakfast
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