Welcome to Origins Uncovered: Faith of Our Mothers and Fathers.
Every congregation has a story. Every story has a beginning. Origins Uncovered is an invitation to journey back to those beginnings, exploring the places across England, Scotland and Ireland where remarkable women and men first responded to God's call and laid the foundations for ministries that would eventually flourish in Australia.
This carefully crafted signature pilgrimage offers far more than sightseeing. It is an opportunity to step into the landscapes, villages, cities and sacred places that shaped the lives of religious founders whose vision continues to inspire generations. As you visit historic churches, convents, monasteries and places of significance, you will discover not only where these stories unfolded but also the values, courage and faith that continue to influence Catholic education, health care, pastoral ministry and community life throughout Australia.
Along the way you will experience the warmth and hospitality of these beautiful countries, rich in history, culture and breathtaking scenery. From vibrant cities to peaceful countryside, from ancient cathedrals to quiet places of prayer, every destination has been chosen to deepen your understanding of the people whose lives transformed the Church and whose legacy continues to shape our own.
Whether you are a sister, brother, priest or someone with a deep appreciation for the contribution of religious life, this pilgrimage offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with your heritage, celebrate the faith of those who have gone before us and reflect on the mission entrusted to our generation. There will be time for prayer, conversation, celebration and renewal, as well as opportunities to build friendships with fellow pilgrims who share a love for the rich traditions of religious life.
We hope this itinerary offers a glimpse of an experience that is both inspiring and deeply enriching. If you are seeking a journey that combines faith, history, culture and community, Origins Uncovered promises memories that will last a lifetime and insights that will continue to shape your own story long after you return home.
We look forward to welcoming you on this unforgettable pilgrimage as together we uncover the faith of our mothers and fathers and celebrate the extraordinary legacy they have entrusted to us.
Go gently,
Susan Daily CJ OAM & Paul Skippen
Pilgrimage Leaders
Testimonials from Ireland Pilgrimage 2025
"Recently, I was fortunate to have been part of a spiritual pilgrimage in Ireland. Our spiritual director, Paul Skippen, centred us each day in prayer, intentionally inviting us as pilgrims to journey differently. In Paul's words, "A pilgrimage is about an encounter, not simply of a place, but an encounter of the heartbeat within it.” Throughout my travels, Paul immersed pilgrims in the rich history of sacred places and the stories of religious orders who travelled in mission from Ireland. "
Matthew Harrison
South Australian pilgrim.
|
14 Jul 2027 |
day 0 |
The Midland Manchester | Manchester |
1 night |
B&B |
14 Jul 2027 |
|
15 Jul 2027 |
day 1 |
Middletons Hotel | York |
2 nights |
B&B |
15 Jul 2027 |
|
17 Jul 2027 |
day 3 |
The White Swan Hotel | Alnwick |
1 night |
B&B |
17 Jul 2027 |
|
18 Jul 2027 |
day 4 |
Apex Grassmarket Hotel | Edinburgh |
2 nights |
B&B |
18 Jul 2027 |
|
20 Jul 2027 |
day 6 |
The Kingsley | Cork |
2 nights |
B&B |
20 Jul 2027 |
|
22 Jul 2027 |
day 8 |
Kilkenny River Court Hotel | Kilkenny |
3 nights |
B&B |
22 Jul 2027 |
|
25 Jul 2027 |
day 11 |
The Glendalough Hotel | Glendalough |
1 night |
D,B&B |
25 Jul 2027 |
|
26 Jul 2027 |
day 12 |
Sheraton Athlone Hotel | Athlone |
1 night |
D,B&B |
26 Jul 2027 |
|
27 Jul 2027 |
day 13 |
The Ardilaun Hotel Galway | Galway |
1 night |
B&B |
27 Jul 2027 |
|
28 Jul 2027 |
day 14 |
Aran Islands Hotel | Aran Islands |
1 night |
B&B |
28 Jul 2027 |
|
29 Jul 2027 |
day 15 |
The Hardiman | Galway |
3 nights |
B&B |
29 Jul 2027 |
|
1 Aug 2027 |
day 18 |
The George Hotel Limerick | Limerick |
1 night |
D,B&B |
1 Aug 2027 |
|
2 Aug 2027 |
day 19 |
Lawlor's of Naas | County Kildare |
1 night |
D,B&B |
2 Aug 2027 |
|
3 Aug 2027 |
day 20 |
Iveagh Garden Hotel | County Dublin |
3 nights |
B&B |
3 Aug 2027 |
|
B&B: Bed and Breakfast |
D,B&B: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast |
24 Days / 23 Nights
Group Package Price (to be finalized when all rates and numbers are confirmed)
Share Twin prices from
Twin Share: AUD $15,000 - $16,700 per person
Single Room prices from
Single Room: AUD $18,800 - $19,800
Preliminary pricing only, as services are still yet to be confirmed for 2027. Group numbers also will affect the costing.
Deposit of AUD$2,000 to secure position
(refundable until confirmed prices are released and then non-refundable)
Second deposit AUD$2,000 due 23 Feb 2027
Final payment due 26 Apr 2027
Includes:
Prices are based on per person twin share accommodation (or single occupancy where applicable) and include all services as detailed in the itinerary.
Your tour package includes:
23 nights quality accommodation
Meals: 23 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 12 dinners, including Welcome and Farewell Dinners
First-class touring coach transportation and professional tour guides
Tips for touring coach drivers
Tourist taxes included (payable by the tour leader directly to the hotels where required)
Services of a dedicated Tour Escort and Religious Graphic artist as detailed in the itinerary
Services of a private Touring Coach throughout the tour
All airport and touring transfers as per itinerary
Return ferry travel between Rossaveel Harbour and Inishmore (Aran Islands)
Flight from Edinburgh to Cork
Entrance Fees & Experiences Included
Manchester
York
Alnwick
Edinburgh – Guided city tour including Catholic heritage sites
Stirling – Guided touring including Stirling Castle and historic sites
Cork – Nano Nagle Place
Cobh – Guided tour of St Colman’s Cathedral
Cobh – Cobh Heritage Centre: The Queenstown Story
Glendalough – Guided tour of the Monastic Site & Visitor Centre
Clonmacnoise – Clonmacnoise Monastery
Kildare – Workshop at Solas Bhride Centre with the Brigidine Sisters
Aran Islands - Deirdre Ni Chinneide music, stories and Celtic spiritual retreat
Kylemore – Kylemore Abbey including History Tour
Croagh Patrick – Visitor Centre & pilgrimage experience
Cliffs of Moher – Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience & Atlantic Exhibition including O’Brien’s Tower
Dublin – Trinity College Library & Book of Kells Exhibition
Dublin – St Patrick’s Cathedral
Excludes:
- No international airfares included unless stated in itinerary.
- No Domestic airfares unless stated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature
Porterage - this is not included in the tour price
Insurance
- Passports and Visas if required
- Optional Extra tours
- Tipping is not included except for coach driver
- Tipping advice:
The usual minimum amounts recommended (provided the group wish to and the services have been provided in a pleasant and well-meaning way) are detailed below; this is only a guideline; it is not compulsory to give tips.
Touring coach driver – EUR 3.50 / GBP 3.50 per person per day (included)
Tour manager – EUR 4.50 / GBP 4.50 per person per day
Local coach transfer or half day – EUR 20.00 / GBP 20.00 per service
Local coach full day – EUR 30.00 / GBP 30.00 per service
- Local assistant or guide transfer or half day – EUR 20.00 / GBP 20.00 per service
- Local guide full day – EUR 35.00 / GBP 35.00 per service
- It is not mandatory (but always appreciated) to tip in restaurants used for groups – even GBP/EUR1.00-2.00 per person would be appreciated
