GPBS - Step into Ireland...Origins uncovered 2026 Pilgrimage

Arrive Amsterdam airport and transfer to hotel

Private coach for transfer from Amsterdam Airport to Hotel

Afternoon free at leisure

Free Afternoon

Free Evening own arrangements (Oliver Plunkett Street)

Welcome dinner

Breakfast at the hotel

Full day city tour on foot

English speaking guide for full day tour

View the main sights - Oude Kerk, Our Lord in the Attic Museum, Anne Frank’s House (no internal visit), Jewish Quarter, Jordaan neighbourhood

Admission to Amsterdam Canal Cruise - 100 Highlights

Dinner not included

Breakfast at the hotel

Check-out Hotel Moevenpick Amsterdam City Centre 

Morning free at leisure

Transfer to Amsterdam airport

Private coach for transfer from hotel to Amsterdam airport
 

Arrival Amsterdam Airport Flight ETD 15:50

Flight to Cork 

Arrive Cork  16:40 and transfer to hotel

Check-in your hotel

Dinner not included

Full day guided tour of Cork and Blarney Castle

Admission to Nano Nagle Place and a visit to the Blessed Edmund Rice Garden at Mardyke House.

Nano Nagle Place, Cork

Nano Nagle Place is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Cork City, honouring the inspiring legacy of Nano Nagle (1718–1784)—a visionary educator and founder of the Presentation Order. Before her death, Nano had opened seven schools for impoverished children and established an almshouse for poor women, shaping a mission of education, compassion, and social inclusion that continues today.

The site features an award-winning museum, beautifully restored heritage buildings, tranquil walled gardens, and a design and book shop, along with the popular Good Day Deli. These regenerated convent spaces now support a range of community education projects, ensuring Nano’s spirit of service lives on in a modern and meaningful way.

The Blessed Edmund Rice Garden

The garden is thoughtfully designed to guide visitors through two interconnected journeys.

Journey One follows a spiral path from the Edmund Rice Icon, symbolically linking the visitor to his life. Along the way, seven images honour seven influential women whose presence shaped and guided Edmund Rice, revealing his story through a fresh perspective that highlights how each played a part in God’s plan for his mission.

Journey Two begins at the centre, where flowing water represents Christ’s constant presence. This gentle stream leads visitors into the wider two-hundred-year Presentation story, reminding them that Christ accompanies every step of this ongoing mission and heritage.

Free time for quick lunch (own arrangement).

Transfer to Blarney

Admission to Blarney Castle.

Blarney Castle & Gardens, Ireland
Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold dating back to the 15th century, built by the powerful MacCarthy clan, one of Ireland’s most influential families. Steeped in legend and folklore, it is best known for the Blarney Stone, believed to grant eloquence to those brave enough to kiss it from the castle’s battlements. The castle’s atmospheric ruins, tower house, and winding stone staircases offer a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s feudal past.

Surrounding the castle are over 60 acres of historic parklands, including formal gardens, ancient woodlands, and unique features such as the Poison Garden. The estate blends natural beauty with centuries of heritage, making it an evocative and memorable highlight of any visit to Ireland.

Transfer  back to Cork

Dinner at local Irish pub 

Transfer to Cobh to attend 10:00 am Mass at St. Colman’s Cathedral. Following Mass, we will have a guided tour of St Colman's Cathedral. Entrance to the Cobh Heritage Centre is included. After some free time for lunch and sightseeing, transfer to Kilkenny and check-in to the hotel.

The Cathedral of St. Colman

The Cathedral Church of St. Colman, usually known as Cobh Cathedral, or previously Queenstown Cathedral, is a single-spire cathedral in Cobh. The Cathedral was completed in 1919. Built on Cathedral Place, it overlooks Cork harbour from a prominent position, and is dedicated to Colman of Cloyne, patron saint of the Diocese of Cloyne. It serves as the cathedral church of the diocese.

Construction began in 1868 and was not completed until over half a century later due to increases in costs and revisions of the original plans. With the steeple being 91.4 metres tall (300 ft), the cathedral is the tallest church in Ireland. It was considered to be the second-tallest, behind St John’s Cathedral in Limerick which was believed to be 94 metres tall; never measurements have shown that the St. John’s spire is in fact 81 metres tall and therefore only the fourth tallest church in Ireland. St Colman’s Cathedral is frequently cited as one of Ireland’s most beautiful church buildings.

Cobh Heritage Centre (Entrance Included)

Cobh Heritage Centre is a must-visit for anyone interested in Ireland’s emigration, naval, and maritime history. Set within the beautifully restored Victorian railway station, the centre offers an engaging and often moving insight into the experiences of the more than three million Irish emigrants who passed through Cobh—many fleeing the Great Famine or seeking a new beginning across the world.

The exhibits trace the area’s rich heritage from the 1600s to the 1950s, exploring the fortification of Cork Harbour and its historic islands, as well as the personal stories of those who departed from this remarkable natural harbour. It’s an informative and evocative stop that brings Ireland’s past vividly to life.

Transfer to Kilkenny and check-in to hotel.

Edmund Rice Day – Christian Brothers

Edmund Rice Heritage Centre – Callan, Westcourt

Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers and Presentation Brothers, was born to Robert and Margaret Rice, prosperous tenant farmers, at Westcourt, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, on 1st June 1762. He was the fourth of seven brothers, and had two stepsisters, Joan and Jane Murphy, from his mother’s first marriage.

The Penal Laws against Catholics were still in force in Ireland. County Kilkenny fared better than many places because of the tolerance of John Butler, the Protestant Duke of Ormonde who resided in Kilkenny Castle. As a result, enterprising Catholics, such as Robert Rice, were enabled to rent farmland from tolerant Protestant landlords at reasonable rates. So Edmund was fortunate in a land where the majority of Catholics were “hewers of wood and drawers of water.”

The thatched house “Westcourt” in which Edmund was born is almost 300 years old. The six roomed house consists of a kitchen, parlour, breakfast room and three bedrooms. Of particular interest is the bedroom in which Edmund Rice was born.

Also on site is the Edmund Rice Memorial Chapel and visitors’ centre.

Lunch break at local pub in Callan before driving to Waterford (own expense).

Edmund Rice International Centre – Waterford

The Edmund Rice International Centre in Waterford, is the resting place of Blessed Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers. It is also the site of an impressive visitor centre, thriving community centre and beautiful chapel.

The Edmund Rice Chapel with its circular shape sits dramatically on the hill of Mount Sion. Inside is the tomb of Blessed Edmund Rice with his name etched in Ogham, the ancient Irish alphabet. Visitors are welcome to pray and reflect. They can also just sit and admire the wonderful panoramic views of Waterford city below. The chapel plays host to various denominations. There are also regular Taize prayer services, when, with the help of the Waterford Peace Choir, the chapel comes alive with music and singing.

Just outside, between the chapel and monastery, is the Peace Garden, a small oasis with seasonal flowers, bench seating, cosmic walk and Stations of the Cross. It’s a quiet space where people can take time out of their busy lives to sit and be still.

Kilkenny

A Kilkenny walking tour will bring to life the stories and characters of Kilkenny’s medieval history which established Kilkenny as one of Ireland’s most successful Medieval Norman inland cities in Ireland. The walking tour will make you go away and read more about Medieval Kilkenny. What will you see and hear about! Kilkenny witch, Dame Alice Kyteler and Shee Alms House. Meander through the famous Slip ways, Tholsel Story of Kilkenny Cats, Oliver Cromwell City Walls, and Gate Ghost Stories Churches, Kilkenny characters of times past. You will discover much more about Kilkenny on the walking tour.

Free afternoon.

Transfer to Glendalough for a guided tour of the site and explore the Visitor Centre. Lunch included at a local restaurant before travelling to Dublin. Afternoon visit to the Jesuits in Dublin.  

Glendalough

Hidden amongst the luscious greenery of the Wicklow Mountains National Park is one of the crown jewels of Ireland’s Ancient East. This is Glendalough, the monastery founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century that became one of the great centres of learning in early Christian Ireland. Carved by grinding glaciers during the last Ice Age, the valley of Glendalough is a sweeping expanse that combines unbelievable natural beauty with utter serenity. As you climb inward into the Wicklow Mountains, clouds pouring over the lip of the valley and the sound of crystal-clear glacial streams bubbling across the rocks, an atmosphere of total tranquillity will take over.

The name Glendalough gives a clue as to what you’ll find there – in Irish, it translates to “valley of the two lakes.” The Upper and Lower lakes are beloved by visitors and provide ample opportunity to explore, or even a chance to dip your toes in the cool waters. A plethora of walking trails pass through Glendalough, including the Wicklow Way and St. Kevin’s Way.

Fun fact: St. Laurence O’Toole, Dublin’s patron saint, was a former abbot at Glendalough, and returned every Lent for a 40-day retreat in a cave known as St. Kevin’s Bed.

A city in the hills. Surrounded by all its beauty, it’s easy to see why St. Kevin would choose to establish a monastic settlement here. From its humble origins in the 6th century, Glendalough became a beacon of piety and learning. A veritable city in its time, it had farms, a cathedral and the 30-metre round tower that still stands proud today.

This afternoon, Check-in to The Glendalough hotel.  Afternoon free at leisure.

A special evening walk/reflection in the spirit of St. Kevin.

Your coach today will transfer to Kildare, where you have a workshop with the Brigidine Sisters (Solas Bhride Centre).  Following some free time in the afternoon to explore Kildare before being transferred to Athlone to check-in to your hotel. Dinner included at the hotel.

Solas Bhride Centre – Brigidine Sisters, Kildare

Solas Bhride is a Christian spirituality centre dedicated to St Brigid of Kildare, embracing the early Celtic Christian tradition where God’s presence is recognised in all people and in all creation. Rooted in prayer, ritual, and reflection, the centre offers a space of welcome, peace, and spiritual renewal, inviting pilgrims to explore St Brigid’s enduring legacy and its meaning for today’s world.

Inspired by the words of Jeremiah 6:16—“Stand at the crossroads and look… ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it.”—Solas Bhride encourages visitors to walk in Brigid’s footsteps with openness and contemplation.

Irish missionaries and migrants carried Brigid’s name and spirit across the world, and pilgrims now travel to Kildare seeking a deeper encounter with her life and witness. Her timeless values continue to resonate strongly in the 21st century:

• Woman of the Land

• Friend of the Poor

• Woman of Hospitality

• Peacemaker

• Model of Equality

Today, Solas Bhride supports a renewed appreciation of Brigid’s traditions, offering a meaningful place for Catholic groups to reflect on her faith, compassion, and leadership—qualities that continue to inspire Christian discipleship and community across the globe.

Continue to Athlone for check-in to your hotel.

Free Time in Athlone, followed by Transfer to Clonmacnoise

Enjoy some relaxed free time in Athlone, a lively Midlands town set along the River Shannon. Pilgrims may like to wander through the charming old streets, visit Athlone Castle, browse local shops, or simply enjoy a coffee overlooking the river. Athlone is known for its welcoming atmosphere, heritage sites, and easy riverside strolls, making it an ideal place to unwind before your next spiritual stop.

After your break, transfer to the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise, founded by St Ciarán in the 6th century. On arrival, join a guided walking tour to explore its remarkable round towers, high crosses, cathedral ruins, and riverside setting—one of Ireland’s most sacred early Christian centres. Following the tour, you will have additional free time to reflect quietly, take photographs, or wander the grounds at your own pace before continuing your journey.

Arrive Galway.  Evening Concert with Ian Callanan.

Reflection & Walking Day from Galway

Morning Departure from Galway
Begin the day with a peaceful drive from Galway to Glaspatrick, the traditional starting point for those undertaking the pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick. Along the way, take in the stunning landscapes of Connemara and Clew Bay, a setting perfect for quiet reflection.

Visit  Croagh Patrick
Upon arrival, see the pilgrimage walk up Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain. This sacred site, associated with St. Patrick’s 40-day fast, offers both a spiritual journey and breathtaking views over Clew Bay. The climb, though challenging, provides moments of reflection and personal contemplation. 

Option to walk part of the climb or just explore t the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre and visit the National Famine Monument nearby.

Kylemore Abbey – Benedictine Sisters

Located just over one hour from Galway City, Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions. Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, and liberal politician. Inspired by his love for his wife Margaret, and his hopes for his beloved Ireland, Mitchell created am estate boasting ‘all the innovations of the modern age.’ An enlightened landlord and vocal advocate for the Irish people, Mitchell poured his life’s energy into creating an estate that would showcase what could be achieved in the remote wilds of Connemara. Today Kylemore Abbey is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence since 1920.

At Kylemore Abbey you can enjoy the new visitor experience, ‘From Generation to Generation’ ... the story of Kylemore Abbey.  Discover woodland and lakeshore walks, magnificent buildings and Ireland’s Walled Garden. Enjoy wholesome food and delicious home-baking in the café and Garden Tea House. History talks take place three times a day in the Abbey and tours of the Walled Garden take place throughout the summer. Browse the Craft and Design Shop, including Kylemore Abbey Pottery and award-winning chocolates handmade by the Benedictine nuns. Discover the beauty, history and romance of Ireland’s most intriguing estate in the heart of Connemara countryside.

Transfer to Clifden
Descend and rejoin the touring coach for a transfer to Clifden, the charming capital of Connemara. Enjoy a relaxed visit, taking time for coffee or tea at a local café while soaking in the scenic surroundings.

Return to Galway
Conclude the day with a scenic drive back to Galway, reflecting on the experiences of the journey 

Dinner at the hotel tonight.

Free Day in Galway, with Coach at Your Disposal
Concluding with 6:00 pm Mass at Galway Cathedral

Today is a free day in Galway, giving the group the flexibility to enjoy this vibrant harbour city at their own pace.

Galway offers a wonderful mix of culture, music, food, and coastal scenery, allowing each person to tailor the day to their own interests. Whether you prefer sightseeing, shopping, photography, or simply relaxing by Galway Bay, the day is entirely yours to enjoy.

In the late afternoon, the coach will return the group to the city centre in time to conclude the day with the 6:00 pm Mass at Galway Cathedral. One of Ireland’s most impressive modern cathedrals, this striking building provides a peaceful and reverent setting to gather as a group and reflect on the day before continuing your pilgrimage journey.

Dinner at the local Pub tonight. 

Early morning Ferry to Aran Islands

Transfer to Rosaveel port to board ferry to Inis Mor.  Group to meet a local spiritual director on the island .

Aran Islands – Deirdre Ni Chinnéide

Deirdre Ni Chinnéide is a composer, singer, psychotherapist, spiritual director and workshop facilitator presenting throughout Ireland, the United States, Australia and Europe, including Bosnia and Kosovo. The Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland with its unique history, culture and natural beauty provides a special setting for her retreat work and is the place of inspiration for her music. She has two collections of music Celtic Passage, a journey of the heart, which on release in the United States won Celtic Album of the year. She recently recorded her second collection, I Will Sing for You, “songs to soothe the soul.”

Over the past ten years Deirdre has developed extensive experience working with a variety of groups around the world. She has opened Sli Aonghusa, a retreat centre on the island of Inis Mor, off the west coast of Ireland.

Drawing on ancient Celtic culture, rooted in the Aran Islands, allow Deirdre’s wisdom and music to soothe your soul, as we enter into this day open to the Spirit. Allow your time on Aran to guide and speak to you at this particular threshold in your life. Wherever you are in your life, know that a warm welcome awaits you. You will be renewed and refreshed before you travel back over the waters, bringing the gift of your time here safely anchored in the harbour of your own heart.

Overnight Inis Mor

Deirdre's sessions also today.

Late Afternoon transfer by ferry from Rossaveel to Inishmore

Return to Athenry/Galway
Conclude the day with a scenic drive back to Galway, reflecting on the experiences of the journey and arriving back in time for for dinner at your hotel

Dinner at the Hotel

Morning Departure from Galway/Athenry
Depart from Galway and enjoy a scenic drive through the rugged Burren landscape enroute to the Cliffs of Moher.

Visit the Cliffs of Moher (tickets included)
Arrive at Ireland’s most famous natural landmark, the Cliffs of Moher. Take time to walk along the cliffside paths, soak in the breathtaking views over the Atlantic, and visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre to learn more about the geology, wildlife, and history of this iconic site.

Free time for lunch (own arrangement).

Transfer to Adare and Limerick
Often called Ireland’s prettiest village. Stroll through its charming streets lined with thatched cottages, medieval ruins, and the beautiful Adare Manor. Enjoy a relaxing coffee break while taking in the town’s historic atmosphere. Continue to Limerick for an afternoon guided drive and some time to explore this bustling city with medieval roots.

Arrival in Killaloe/County Tipperary
 Killaloe is a picturesque, historic Irish town, and The Lakeside Hotel is an amenity-rich, riverside hub, ideal for exploring the area,

The day concludes in here, where you will check in to your accommodation and have dinner together.

Transfer to Moroe to visit Glenstal Abbey and School. 

Glenstal Abbey & Glenstal School (Benedictines)

Glenstal Abbey is home to a community to Benedictine monks in County Limerick, and is a place of prayer, work, education and hospitality. The monastery sits alongside a popular guesthouse and a boarding school for boys, housed within a 19th century Normanesque castle amidst five hundred magnificent acres of farmland, forest, lakes and streams.

Glenstal is a monastery in the Benedictine tradition, living the Christian life together under an Abbot and the guidance of the Rule of Saint Benedict. The monastery day is centred around prayer and the monks meet for worship in the early morning, at midday, in the early evening and at the close of the day. Monks then devote significant portions of their day to private prayer and study, in addition to various works across the Abbey.

Since those pioneering monks first planted the monastic life at Glenstal in those frugal early days, the place has grown to become a large community of monks with a recently renovated Abbey Church, a well-resourced library, magnificent gardens, a successful farm and a vibrant boarding school.

As a Benedictine School, Glenstal Abbey School challenges every student to use his God-given talents to the full, enabling him to find and become his true self, through the pursuit of study and skill development. Glenstal Abbey School is a place of welcome to students from all over Ireland, different parts of Europe and around the world. Internationalism and diversity are hall marks of the school, but it is the Benedictine community spirit which sets the school apart.

Renowned for high academic achievement, sporting prowess and musical excellence, a Glenstal education is holistic and challenging. The alumni leave as well qualified, well rounded young men, and study in universities in Ireland and around the globe.

Transfer to  Leixlip and check-in to hotel. Dinner included.

Tour of St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth 

St. Patrick’s College opened its doors as an educational institution in 1795 as the National Seminary, becoming a Pontifical University in 1896. In the intervening two centuries, it has established for itself an impressive reputation for scholarship and learning. The Pontifical University and National Seminary are often referred to as Maynooth College. Today, as a Pontifical University, St. Patrick’s specialises in the study of theology and philosophy and related areas, in one of the most beautiful campuses in Ireland.

St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church, built in the 19th century, is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture. It serves as a significant place of worship and a connection to St. Patrick’s College, Ireland’s national seminary.

The church is known for its stunning stained-glass windows, which depict biblical scenes in rich colors. Its intricate stonework and soaring arches create a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.

A visit to St. Mary’s Church offers both a spiritual and historical experience, highlighting Maynooth’s deep religious heritage.

Afternoon transfer to Dublin.  

Sisters of Mercy – Catherine’s House – Mercy International Centre

Welcome to Catherine’s House, the first house of Mercy built by Catherine McAuley in response to the needs of the poor in Dublin. It is home to the Mercy family from all over the world.

Catherine’s House is a Centre of Hospitality, Heritage, Pilgrimage and Renewal for those who want to spend time and touch into the spirit of Catherine. Her chapel, room and grace are special places of pilgrimage. It is a Heritage Centre and holds many precious memorabilia belonging to Catherine. It is a Wellspring of inspiration for those who come to continue Catherine’s mission with new life.

“May the blessing of this house - A house imagined in unlikeliness, dreamt with daring, built with love, founded on Mercy - Speak to your spirit in whatever room in the world you are reading, in whatever place you are called to Mercy.” (Mary Wickham rsm)

As well as representing the origins of the Sisters of Mercy and its links with the past, the Centre calls and challenges the Mercy family of today to hear the cries of the poor that have assumed global proportions and to use their resources to respond to issues of global poverty and thus “to keep alive the founding spirit of Catherine among peoples of the world most in need of God’s compassion and mercy.” (MIA Vision Statement)

Free time in Dublin this morning.

Free time for Lunch and to explore  The Museum of Literature - MoLi.

Whether you are new to Irish literature or an expert, you will be inspired and surprised at MoLI – The Museum of Literature Ireland. Located at 86 St. Stephens Green in the historic UCD Newman House, where James Joyce once studied, MoLI is an interactive celebration of Irish poets, playwrights and novelists. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Irish literature. The Commons Café and MoLi Shop are free to visit.

The Museum of Literature Ireland features immersive multimedia exhibitions and priceless literary artefacts, including ‘copy number one’ of Ulysses. You can download a free audio guide and immerse yourself in the sounds of Irish storytelling across the centuries and trace the footsteps of James Joyce.

The Commons Café overlooks the garden and is quickly becoming a favourite among locals. It was part of the University when Joyce was there. Come dine on a fine selection of Irish dishes inspired by literature. Next to the Café, the MoLI shop is a book lover’s dream and includes a children's section. 

Afternoon scheduled Dublin Highlights Walking Tour

Begin the tour with a scenic walk through St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin’s beloved city park. Surrounded by elegant Georgian buildings, the park is filled with lush gardens, historic statues, and a serene lake. Hear stories of its role in the 1916 Easter Rising before ending the tour near Grafton Street, where your guide can recommend cafés, shops, or further sites to explore. 

Continue to Trinity College, Dublin’s historic university, and explore its beautiful courtyards before entering the iconic Long Room Library. Inside, marvel at the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript renowned for its intricate artwork and historical significance. Wander through the Long Room, lined with thousands of ancient books, and soak in the scholarly atmosphere.

From Trinity, stroll past the grand exterior of Dublin Castle, once the center of British rule in Ireland. Your guide will share stories of its Viking origins, medieval fortifications, and its role in Irish independence. 

Continue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest and most famous church. Step inside to admire its soaring Gothic architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and impressive memorials. Learn about its connection to Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels, who served as the cathedral’s dean. Take a moment to enjoy the peaceful gardens outside, a perfect place for reflection.

Own arrangements dinner - suggest Temple Bar 

Morning Mass (11.00) St Mary’s Pro Cathedral 

Free Day in Dublin
Optional Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Little Museum of Dublin Entry

Begin the morning with the option to attend 11:00 am Mass at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, a beautiful and historic place of worship in the heart of Dublin.

After Mass, enjoy a relaxed day exploring the city with the Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. With individual tickets, you can discover Dublin’s top attractions at your own pace—hopping off to visit museums, historic sites, parks, galleries, and riverside districts as you choose. Your ticket also includes entry to the charming Little Museum of Dublin, located on St Stephen’s Green, offering a fun and insightful look into the city’s heritage through engaging exhibits and personal stories.

Whether exploring independently or with your new friends, the day offers plenty of freedom to enjoy Dublin in your own way.

Farewell Dinner at Hotel

Check-out hotel  and Transfers to Dublin airport for flights home.