Pictures from Ireland

Journey to Adulthood

Exploring our Celtic Spirituality

Youth Pilgrimage to Ireland

Led by:

Sister Barbara Jean Brown

July 10 - 19, 2013

Trip map

DAY 1: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 - Depart New York, JFK Airport for our trans-Atlantic flight into Dublin. M

DAY 2: Thursday, July 11, 2013 - Upon arrival in Dublin, we clear immigration and spend the day in the capital of Ireland, Dublin.  We visit Trinity College to see the magnificent Old Library and the 1200 year old Book of Kells.  This beautifully illuminated version of the Gospels was designed by monks in the 9th century.  The rest of the day will be free for shopping and personal exploration in Dublin.  We attend Evensong at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and enjoy a traditional Fish and Chips dinner and then continue on to Newgrange Lodge Hostel, Newgrange for overnight. D

DAY 3: Friday, July 12, 2013 - We depart for Brú na Bóinne, the cradle of Irish civilization, stopping along the way at the Hill of Slane where disputes between clans were settled; new laws were passed; and eventually Christianity was proclaimed from the summit by St. Patrick.  We continue on to Monasterboice which was founded by Saint Buite who died in 521 AD.  This site contains two of the finest High Crosses in Ireland; both of these Crosses date to around the 9th century.  We visit one of the Neolithic passage graves at Brú na Bóinne.  We visit Causey Farm to participate in some farm activities and a Ceili Dance lesson.  We return to Newgrange Lodge Hostel for dinner and overnight. BLD

DAY 4: Saturday, July 13, 2013 - This morning we depart for Glendalough.  We visit the Heritage Centre and Museum where we see a video entitled “Ireland of the Monasteries”.  We meet our local guide Fr. Michael Rodgers who will lead us on a spiritual journey along the Pilgrims’ Walk through St. Kevin’s Monastic City and then take the Pilgrims’ Way to the upper lake and visit the remains of St. Kevin’s Cell and the Reefert Church, gaze across the lake to see St. Kevin’s Bed and the ruins of Tempall na Skellig “Church of the Rock”.  Dinner and overnight Glendalough International Hostel, Co. Wicklow. BLD

DAY 5: Sunday, July 14, 2013 - We will join morning services at St. John’s Church Glendalough before we meet with Fr. Michael again and help a local heritage group map out the old graveyard and Monastic City of Glendalough.  This afternoon we continue to Galway for dinner and overnight at Park Lodge Self-Catering Cottages, Spiddal. BLD

DAY 6: Monday, July 15, 2013 - Our journey continues as we travel to Croagh Patrick, Patrick’s sacred mountain.  The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption.  It was on the summit of this mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation ever since.  We will climb the mountain under the direction of an experienced local guide.  Dinner and overnight Park Lodge Self-Catering Cottages, Spiddal. BLD

Croagh Patrick will take about 6 hours to climb to the top and back down.  Please note that this is a difficult climb and you may not be able to complete it.  You must have appropriate attire including climbing boots with ankle support, rain jacket, layers of light clothing which can be put on and removed as required, backpack, plenty of water and snacks.

DAY 7: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 - This morning we enjoy a ferry ride to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands.  Weather permitting we will ride bicycles for our exploration of Inis Mór beginning with the impressive Bronze Age fortress of Dún Aengus, an 8th century BC fort overlooking a sheer 300 foot drop to the Atlantic.  We meet with Padraigin Clancy, a fascinating woman who has led retreats throughout Ireland.  We will reflect on the pre-Christian tradition as well as the monastic heritage on Aran.  We visit the monastery of St. Brecan at the “Seven Churches”.  We see a clochán or beehive cell built with dry wall corbelling.  This evening we return to the mainland returning to Park Lodge Cottages, Spiddal for dinner and overnight. BLD

DAY 8: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 - Our journey continues to Galway City for a guided walking tour of the city.  We visit St. Nicholas Church, the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship and Galway City Museum.  We have some free time to shop or wander the medieval streets of Galway before departing for Tyrone in Northern Ireland.  Dinner and overnight Servite Priory, Tyrone. BLD

DAY 9: Thursday, July 18, 2013 - This morning we travel to Armagh, the City of St. Patrick and the spiritual capital of Ireland.  We meet with The Rev. Grace Clunie, Director of The Centre for Christian Celtic Spirituality, an interchurch project based at the old Episcopal Cathedral.  The Centre’s aim is to share ancient heritage of Celtic Spirituality with the rest of the world; to inspire others of all faiths and on their spiritual journey through the power of Celtic Spirituality; and to bring together Christian churches in a spirit of peace, respect and understanding.  We have an introduction of inspiring aspects of Celtic Spirituality followed by a tour of St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral.  We continue to Downpatrick, the county town of Down with a rich history and strong connection to Saint Patrick.  We visit Saul Church, built in 1932, to commemorate Saint Patrick's first church in Ireland, Down Cathedral, close to where it is believed that the mortal remains of Patrick lie buried, and St. Patrick’s Grave.  Dinner and overnight at the Clarion Hotel, Dublin Airport. BLD

DAY 10: Friday, July 19, 2013 - After breakfast we transfer to the Dublin Airport and board our flight for our departure to New York, JFK. BM

Price:  $2,749.00*.  Price is based on a minimum 17 Pilgrims, double occupancy without airline taxes and fuel surcharges.  Roundtrip air from New York's JFK Airport.  Air transportation available from other cities.  Single Supplement:  $319.00

* Excludes airline taxes and fuel surcharges that will be added to your final payment invoice and tips for the driver and guide that are payable upon completion of services.  Estimated taxes and fuel surcharges as June 6, 2012 are $338.77 per person.

*Price is subject to change until the air space is confirmed.  *Price includes Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

* The price is not guaranteed and may change due to the fluctuation of the Euro and the US dollar.  We make every effort to avoid any increase and will only do so if the value of the dollar falls against the Euro.  Your pricing was based on the exchange rate of $1.25 to the Euro.

$200.00 per person deposit due with registration and copy of passport.

Final Payment due by April 5, 2013.

Cancellation Penalties
◊ Until April 4, 2013:  $100.00 plus any unrecoverable fees.
◊ April 5 - May 24, 2013:  $200.00 plus any unrecoverable fees.
◊ After May 25, 2012:  NO REFUND

Meals: B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner, M Meals on Aircraft

The itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions or at the discretion and direction of the leader or guide.