Daily Itinerary for the 09 May 2023

Day 1 – Tuesday - May 9th
Check-in at Jacksonville for overnight flight to Dublin
Day 2 – Wednesday - May 10th
Early morning arrival in Dublin and enjoy a full Irish breakfast. Drive across the country to Knock Attymass, where we visit the home Fr Patrick Peyton, the Rosary Priest and enjoy a cup of tea with homemade scones. After our visit we will continue on to Knock and check into the Knock House hotel or similar for 2 nights. After some rest and relaxation we will have dinner in the hotel. b,d
Day 3 – Thursday - May 11th
This morning we spend in Knock, where, on 21st August 1879, Our Blessed Lady appeared along with St Joseph, St John, and Jesus in the form of the Lamb of God, at the gable end of the small parish church. Celebrate Mass in the Apparition Chapel, followed by a tour of the shrine. This afternoon we visit the 13th century Cistercian Abbey at Ballintubber, then continue to Croagh Patrick, where St Patrick fasted for 40 days. Drive via Louisburgh (Gods Pocket) and across Connemara to visit John Wayne’s “Quiet Man” cottage in Cong. Return to hotel for dinner & overnight. b,d
Day 4 – Friday - May 12th
After breakfast depart for Galway. Visit the Cathedral and celebrate Mass. See the Salmon Weir, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square. Continue to “The Burren” – an area of 50 square miles of bare limestone rock with very little soil, but remarkable amounts of various flora. We next arrive at one of Ireland’s outstanding features – the Cliffs of Moher, towering 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Stroll along the cliffs to O’Brien’s Tower and visit the interesting visitor center. Travel via Lahinch to Bunratty and check into the Manor Hotel or similar in Bunratty. This evening we enjoy a Medieval Banquet with Irish entertainment in Bunratty Castle. b,d
Day 5 – Saturday - May 13th
Drive to Limerick city where we see King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone. Continue to Adare and admire the picturesque thatched cottages that line the Main street. Stop at the Parish Church in Newcastle West for Mass. Drive to Tralee – capital of “The Kingdom” where we remember Mary O’Connor, the original Rose of Tralee, hear the story, and visit her grave. Lunchtime arrival in Killarney, check into Parkavon Hotel or similar for 2 nights. b,d
Day 6 – Sunday - May 14th
Today we visit the Killarney National Park. We start with Holy Mass is Killarney Cathedral and then take a jaunting car through the woodlands and a boat trip on the lakes. On the edge of the park you can visit St. Mary Cathedral which is at the burial site of many locals who perished during the potato famine. There will be an opportunity to walk part of the Gap of Dunloe and continue up to Aghadoe Heights to view the magnificent Lakes of Killarney. b,d
Day 7 – Monday - May 15th
After Breakfast we will drive the breath-taking Ring of Kerry! The drive will include stops in some of the western - most towns in Europe. One of the many stops will be at the Ladies View, a popular place for professional photographers to capture the beauty of Kerry. We will continue on to Gougane Barra, a scenic valley and heritage site in the Shehy Mountains of County Cork, Ireland. Gougane Barra. St. Finbarr (the patron saint of Cork) founded his most important monastery at the island in the lake at Gougane Barra during the sixth century. He is said to have spent much time in isolation in this serene and peaceful place. We will continue onto Youghal, Co. Cork and check into our Hotel before we have dinner. b,d
Day 8 – Tuesday - May 16th
After breakfast we will take a tour around Youghal taking in Youghal’s very unique history and natural beauty. In the afternoon we will drive in Cork City, Ireland’s second largest city, and visit Nano Nagle Place a restored convent & gardens with museum displays on a 1700s nun (Sr. Nano Nagle) dedication to educating the poor. We will have some free time for some shopping before return back to Youghal for dinner. b,d
Day 9 – Wednesday - May 17th
After breakfast we will drive to Kilkenny for Mass in the Capucin Friary. Nearby, visit the Kilkenny Design Workshops, an exhibition of Irish Design, located in the old castle stables. After Mass we will visit the magnificent 13th century Kilkenny Castle, seat of the Butler family, Earls & Dukes of Ormonde. In the afternoon we will drive to Glendalough in the Wicklow mountains and the 6th century monastic city of St. Kevin the place where Christianity survived the dark ages. Drive across the Wicklow Gap, and on to check into our hotel. Evening arrival in Dublin, for 1 night. Dinner at hotel this evening. b,d
Day 10 – Thursday - May 18th
Transfer to Dublin airport for return flight to Jacksonville. Please note this itinerary is subject to change and should not be considered a contract of events or places to be supplied or visited. Although we make every effort to follow the itinerary as advertised, many factors may make it necessary to alter it as set out above.