Planning information
for Ireland

Ireland is rich in history and religious significance, especially through the connections to Celtic spirituality and Christianity. Here you may discover how Celtic traditions influenced and shaped modern Christianity. You can trace six thousand years of human habitation and explore relics of civilizations that remain largely unknown to us even today. Modern events and politics come to life exploring “The Troubles” and the difficult and painful work of peacebuilding and reconciliation.

When should we go to Ireland?

The weather in Ireland is always a factor in choosing your dates. April through June, September, and October offer the best balance of favorable weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months. The weather is excellent, but many sites are crowded. November through February are cooler and rainer, but offer far fewer crowds.

Ireland can get up to 225 days of rain per year, so pilgrims should be prepared for all sorts of weather, regardless of the season. We rarely change our plans for rain unless there are torrential downpours or lightning storms.

What should we do in Ireland?

When you undertake a pilgrimage, there is always a delicate balance between trying to see everything and slowing down enough to savor the experience and connect with the people who live there.

In Ireland, you should expect to spend at least 5 days exploring Celtic Christian and pre-Christians sites, including locations important to St. Patrick’s ministry, Glendalough, Armagh, and similar locations. To explore The Troubles, you should spend at least two days in Belfast and two days in Derry, though you could visit one from the other, if you chose to have fewer hotel changes.

Another site of particular interest to our pilgrimage groups is Corrymeela, an dispersed Christian community located in Ballycastle, on the Antrim Coast of Ireland. Corrymeela has been deeply involved in the work of peace and reconciliation since The Troubles, and the campus is truly a “thin place”.

How much does it cost to go to Ireland?

While budget and luxury accommodations are available, most groups choose to stay in mid-range hotels or retreat centers. Our pricing is based accordingly. For a group of 12-19, expect a land cost of $375 per person per day, or about $3750, plus airfare, for a 10-day trip.

For a group of 20-29, land costs go down to about $350 per person per day, or $3500 for a 10-day trip. These are averages, and the final price is determined by the activities on your itinerary. Our prices are always transparent and inclusive of most meals and gratuities. There will be no hidden costs for your travelers.

It is difficult to estimate airfare since it can vary widely depending on your airport and departure date. Group airfare rates are generally not lower than what is available to individual travelers; however, group airfare allows a much higher level of flexibility. We can help you estimate your airfare during the planning process. Actual airfare prices cannot be quoted more than 11 months before your departure date.