Day 1

Arrive Dublin Airport

Transfer to hotel for check in. Afternoon city tour of Dublin. Among the many sights are St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Christchurch Cathedral and the Shrine of St. Valentine, after whom the February 14th holiday is named. See the Georgian Squares, Leinster House (now the seat of Parliament), Phoenix Park which is the largest enclosed park in Europe, O'Connell Bridge and the Four Courts.

Dinner and overnight in your Dublin Hotel.

Day 2

Depart Dublin.  Travel via the 6th century monastic settlement at Glendalough which was founded by St. Kevin. See the many churches, round towers and cathedrals in the "Valley of the Two Lakes". Onwards to the medieval city of Kilkenny to see the majestic Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral. Those who wish may climb to the top of the Tower attached to the Cathedral to get the best view of this marvellous city.

Dinner and overnight in Kilkenny.

Day 3

After a Full Irish Breakfast, you will head southwards to Thomastown and to Jerpoint Abbey, an outstanding Cistercian Abbey founded in the latter half of the 12th century, with unique cloister carvings. Then travel to the famous Rock of Cashel which is one of Ireland's great historical sites - a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century castle and the restored Hall of Vicars Choral.

From here you will continue to cross the Irish countryside before reaching Limerick.

Dinner & overnight in Limerick

Day 4

Today you will explore the counties of Clare and Limerick. Travelling westwards, you will pass through some of Ireland's prettiest countryside. Visit the ancient abbey at Quinn and the Franciscan Friary in Ennis before crossing the beautiful Burren region to see the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen. You will also be treated to a visit of the Cliffs of Moher where on a clear day, you can see to the Aran Islands. Arrive in Galway - the City of the Tribes.

Dinner & overnight in the Galway region

Day 5

Morning City Tour and then travel through the rugged and barren region of Connemara to visit the home of the Benedictine Nuns - Kylemore Abbey. Visit the picturesque Abbey and enjoy a stroll to the beautifully restored Gothic Church; browse in the craft shop and sample the home cooked food in the restaurant. See the rugged landscape of mountains and lakes before travelling back to Galway for your second dinner and overnight.

Day 6

Today you will depart Galway and travel northwards to Knock. Celebrate Mass in the magnificent Basilica of Knock, next to the original church where Our Blessed Mother appeared in 1879 and where Pope John Paul visited one century later in 1979. In the afternoon visit Ballintubber Abbey, which was founded by the King of Connaught in the 5th century and dedicated to St. Patrick. Mass has been said here for the past 750 years.

Dinner and overnight in Knock.

Day 7

Pilgrimage to the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick where St. Patrick spent 40 days of Lent in 441 AD fasting and praying. Remainder of the day at your disposal.

Second dinner and overnight in Knock.

Day 8

Today you will return to Dublin. En-route, visit the ancient Christian settlement at Clonmacnoise, which was founded by St. Ciaran in the 6th century on the banks of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs. The original high crosses and grave slabs are on display in the Visitor Centre.

Onwards to Dublin for your dinner and overnight.

Day 9

Transfer to Dublin Airport