**The itinerary above is a sample program. Please visit the "Dates" page for this year's program. Dates, itinerary and prices subject to change. Programs that include "air portion" depart from Panama City, Republic of Panama. For further information please contact us at info@trinitytravelpty.com or to our telephone number +507.6612.5060
PILGRIMAGE TO IRELAND
Although it is a relatively small island, Ireland has caused great impact in the history of Christianity and the presence of Catholicism in the United States. It was in Ireland where Christianity was preserved in monasteries during the "Dark Ages" and it was from here where one million people emigrated to the United States while maintaining their faith. From the shores of Moher to the old peaks of Croagh Patrick and the city of Dublin, Ireland offers both natural beauty and hospitality of its residents. It was here in Ireland where in 2012 the 50th International Eucharistic Congress was held. This trip will give us an extraordinary opportunity to learn as pilgrims Catholic roots of this fascinating island.
Day 1
Dublin: Arrival at Dublin´s Airport. Upon arrival to the "Emerald Isle" will be greeted by our guide to begin our journey. We will make a brief tour of the city and then transfer to the hotel for dinner and lodging.
Day 2
Dublin: Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will visit the most important sights of the city of Dublin. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3
Dublin - Galway: Breakfast in the hotel. In the morning we will continue our visit to the city and participate in the Mass in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, witness of many miracles. Then visit the Carmelite Church Street Whitefriar wherein lies the reliquary containing the remains of St. Valentine, a Roman priest who during third century Rome was martyred for marrying couples under the Christian ritual hidden from the Romans. Then we will drive to Grafton Street where we will have free time for lunch. In the afternoon we will proceed to Galway, city of Irish Renaissance. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4
Galway - Cong - Westport: Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we will visit Claddagh, located on the banks of the River Corrib near the center of the city of Galway. We will celebrate Mass in a picturesque Catholic Church in Claddagh and then visit the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, where is said that Christopher Columbus assisted mass before leaving to the New World in 1492. After lunch we will drive to the picturesque village of Cong to visit the Abbey. At the end of the afternoon we will proceed to Westport, a cheerful village known for its traditional Irish music and charming atmosphere. Afternoon free for shopping. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5
Westport - Ballintubber - Croagh Patrick - Westport: After breakfast we will drive to Ballintubber Abbey which dates back over 780 years. Mass in the Abbey. Then travel to the village of Murrisk near the majestic mountain of Croagh Patrick, where St. Patrick fasted for 40 days. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6
Westport - Knock - Westport: (Celebration of the Apparition of Our Lady of Knock) After breakfast we will travel to Knock to visit the Sanctuary, where in 1879 Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared on the altar of the Church. We will participate Mass, the Stations of the Cross and the Procession of the Rosary. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7
Westport - Ballina - Strokestown - Dublin: After our breakfast we will drive to Ballina and the Memorial of Father Patrick Peyton CSC. Father Peyton was a priest of the Holy Cross, famous for initiating the Crusades of the Rosary in the 50's and 60's which attracted millions of people. He is known for coining the phrase, "The family that prays together stays together." Currently he has been granted the status of "Servant of God", the first step toward canonization. Then we will drive to Strokestown to visit the Museum of the Great Irish Famine, one of the largest museums in Ireland. Then drive to our hotel in Dublin for dinner and overnight.
Day 8
Return home: Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Dublin Airport to take our flight home. End of travel.