Pilgrims depart US for Dublin.

Pilgrims should make their own arrangements for transfer from Dublin airport to the Hyatt Centric, The Liberties in Dublin city center. The pilgrimage officially begins at 1:00pm local time, with an introduction and reception at the Hyatt. Leaving from the hotel on foot, we’ll tour the historic center of Dublin with our guide Padraigin Clancy, a native Dubliner whose background includes Irish history and Celtic spirituality. Padraigin will introduce the group to both the history of Dublin and the major themes of the Celtic spiritual traditions as we weave our way through Dublin’s historic core.

We conclude the evening with a celebratory dinner filled with Celtic music and storytelling.

Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the “Monastic City”. Most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries. Despite attacks by Vikings over the years, Glendalough thrived as one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical foundations and schools of learning until the Normans destroyed the monastery in 1214 A.D. and the dioceses of Glendalough and Dublin were united. The visit includes a guided pilgrimage walk with ample time for prayer and reflection. Lunch is included.

Returning to Dublin in the late afternoon, we will visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. The 9th century book is a richly decorated copy of the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. It is one of only a few such manuscripts that survived Viking raids. The group will also visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Construction on the current cathedral began around 1250 on a site associated with St. Patrick since the fifth century. Those who choose can close their day with choral evensong in the cathedral. Dinner tonight is on your own.

Departing Dublin, we will stop at the early Christian settlement of Monasterboice. It was founded in the late 5th century by Saint Buithe and was an important center of religion and learning. The site houses two churches built in the 14th century or later and an earlier round tower, but it is most famous for its 10th century high crosses.

We arrive in Armagh for an conversation on Celtic Spirituality with Rev. Grace Clunie of the Celtic Spirituality Center. At the same location is Navan Fort, one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary Emain Macha. Legends say that Macha, the ancient goddess of war and fertility, scored the earth with her brooch pin and traced the famous outline of this sacred stronghold of the hero Cu Chulainn, home of the famous Red Branch Knights and Ulster Cycle of tales.

After lunch (included) we will visit the two St. Patrick’s Cathedrals of Armagh – one Roman Catholic and one Church of Ireland to better understand ecumenical relations in this city that was once the Christian heart of Ireland and remains and important site of worship and church leadership. Overnight accommodations at Armagh City Hotel.

The morning provides time for a leisurely visit to the natural wonders at Giant’s Causeway. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, he unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns and the associated folklore never fails to intrigue and inspire visitors. Those who desire may participate in a hike along the coastline.

We then arrive at the Corrymeela Community, an ecumenical peacemaking community where we will reflect on Celtic Spirituality at their scenic center. Dinner (included) and overnight accommodations at Corrymeela.

Please note, Corrymeela is an intentional community and retreat center, not a typical hotel. Rooms are simple but comfortable and include en suite bath. However, toiletries and other “extras” are not available.

We will spend time today learning more about “The Troubles” that plagued Northern Ireland from the 1960s through 1998. With guides representing both Unionist and Republican ideals, you will receive a through introduction to the conflict and its historic origins. We will visit both Unionist and Republican neighborhoods including Falls and Shankill Roads and the peace murals. 

After lunch at Bia Culturlann, an Irish Cultural Center, we’ll visit HM Prison Crumlin Road, also know as Crumlin Road Gaol, or the Crum. Crumlin Road was the first stop for many political prisoners, including Eamon de Valera, Bobby Sands, Martin McGuinness, and others.

From Crumlin Road, we’ll depart Belfast International Airport for Glasgow. We’ll arrive in time for dinner and overnight accommodations at the Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport.

Today is filled with travel, as we make our journey from Glasgow to the Isle of Iona in the Inner Hebrides. We will travel from Glasgow to Oban by private coach through the region of Loch Lomond. From Oban, we will take the ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. From there we will continue by coach to the westernmost point on Mull for a short ferry ride to Iona. Dinner (included) and accommodations at St. Columba Hotel on Iona.

Travelers will need to move their luggage several times on this trip between the coaches and ferries. We strongly recommend that you travel light and do not bring more luggage than you can handle on your own

The group will begin the day with morning worship at the Iona Abbey Church. After worship we will tour the abbey and other ruins on the island as a group. After lunch, you will be set free to explore on your own, or take time to meditate and pray in the beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. Those who enjoy hiking might plan to explore the many footpaths that wind through and around the island. Dinner is included at St. Columba Hotel.

We depart Iona this morning for another round of ferry and coach travel. We will arrive in Oban just before lunch and will have some free time to explore the city. We have scheduled tours at the Oban Distillery. If a distillery tour is not your thing, you will have free time in Oban before we depart in the early afternoon.

We’ll arrive in Edinburgh with a bit of free time to explore the city before dinner (on your own). The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a yearly event at the Castle and tickets are available.

Overnight accommodations in Edinburgh’s historic center.

Enjoy a guided tour of Edinburgh where you will learn about the history of the Church of Scotland and its schism from the Church of England at sites like Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirk, and John Knox home. Enjoy free time or rest in the late afternoon before gathering for a celebratory closing dinner (included). Overnight accommodations in central Edinburgh.

You’ll make your way from the hotel to the airport in time for your departure. There are numerous bus and light rail options, or you can arrange a taxi for about £25-28.