Where Mercy Took Root: A Journey Through Mayo & Beyond
This journey is inspired by the life and legacy of Sr. Ignatia Gavin, a woman whose County Mayo roots shaped a compassion that would later transform lives across the world. Born in rural Mayo and carried by faith to Cleveland, Sr. Ignatia became a pioneer in treating alcoholism with dignity—seeing those who struggled not as failures, but as people worthy of care, hope, and healing. Her work helped lay the foundation for Alcoholics Anonymous and forever changed the way recovery is understood.
As we journey through the landscapes that formed her—Mayo’s villages, sacred mountains, and Atlantic shores—we are invited to reflect on how place shapes purpose. This tour is not only about honoring Sr. Ignatia’s story, but about listening for how her spirit of mercy continues to call us today: to walk gently with others, to hold suffering with compassion, and to believe that quiet acts of love can ripple far beyond what we ever imagine.
Special Features
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Begin in Dublin, discovering Ireland’s story through a panoramic city introduction and a visit to the Book of Kells, one of Christianity’s greatest artistic treasures
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Walk alongside a global story of hope with meaningful encounters with Alcoholics Anonymous in Dublin and Mayo, linking Ireland to a worldwide movement of recovery and grace
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Step into Ireland’s sacred past at Clonmacnoise, where riverside ruins, high crosses, and monastic silence speak across centuries
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Journey west into County Mayo, homeland of Sr. Ignatia Gavin, tracing the roots of a life shaped by compassion and service
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Stand at the foot of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s most storied pilgrimage mountain, with the option to experience a partial ascent
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Encounter the legacy of Sr. Ignatia in Shanvally and Castlebar, including a reflective talk at the Museum of Country Life
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Enter the stillness of Knock Shrine, one of Europe’s most beloved places of prayer and healing
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Cross to Achill Island, where Atlantic cliffs, open skies, and Keem Beach create space for reflection at the edge of the world
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Celebrate Sunday Mass on Achill Island at St. Patrick’s Church, with its unique Cleveland connection
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Return east through Ballintubber Abbey and St. Patrick’s Path, pausing in Galway before a music-filled farewell dinner in Dublin
Tour Package Includes
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6 nights’ accommodations in carefully selected, comfortable 3–4 star hotels
(final hotel names to be confirmed) -
Irish hotel taxes, fees, and service charges
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All group ground transportation per itinerary in a modern motor coach
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Airport transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days
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Meals included:
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7 breakfasts
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6 group dinners
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All sightseeing and excursions as outlined in the itinerary
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All entrance fees to included sites and attractions
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Services of an experienced, English-speaking driver guide throughout
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Services of expert local guides
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Spiritual accompaniment throughout the journey
Pricing Details
Land-Only Package
• Tour Cost: $2,599 per person (airfare not included)
• Pricing is based on double occupancy
• Single Room Supplement: +$300
What About Flights?
Airfare is not included in the land package. Full details are available in the Flight Information tab. A recommended group flight on Aer Lingus is available, with an estimated cost of approximately $1,100 round-trip, including checked baggage. If you would like us to handle your flight booking, we are happy to assist and will do our best to accommodate seating preferences such as aisle or window.
• Additional deposit if we book your flight: +$500
Group Size & Availability
• Maximum group size is 28 participants
• Early registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and tours may sell out
Payment Schedule
Deposit (Due at Time of Registration)
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$1,000 deposit
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Add $500 if you want us to assist booking your flight
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Add $450 if you choose the Trip Protection Plan
Final Balance
• Your final invoice will be sent by Friday, May 8, 2026; due within 10 days of recipt
• You will receive an individual invoice reflecting your selected options and preferences
• For most double-occupancy travelers booking their own flights, the final balance will be $1,599
What’s Included
• Group airport transfers and all ground transportation
• 6 nights’ accommodation in comfortable 3–4 star hotels, double occupancy
• 13 meals total: 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners; 1 welcome reception
• Services of an English-speaking tour driver/guide while touring
• Services of local expert guides at select locations
• All Irish city hotel taxes, fees, and service charges
• All admissions, entrance fees, and sightseeing costs for sites and activities listed in the itinerary
What this saves you:
By including admissions, entrance fees, guided visits, and group transportation, this package eliminates many out-of-pocket expenses you would otherwise pay individually—often saving several hundred dollars over the course of the trip and allowing you to travel with confidence and no surprise costs.
What’s Not Included
• Airfare
• Lunches
• Beverages other than water, tea, or coffee
• Tips for bus drivers and local guides
• $300 single room supplement (if applicable)
• Travel insurance or Trip Protection (click here for more information)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Depart for Ireland – A Journey Takes Flight
As evening falls, we depart Cleveland for Ireland, crossing the Atlantic overnight.
Day 2: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Dublin – A City of Memory, Faith & Welcome
Morning light greets us in Dublin, where Ireland’s layered history unfolds in streets shaped by scholars, saints, and storytellers. After breakfast, we begin to explore Dublin with a panoramic bus tour of the cities major sites. we enjoy a panoramic bus tour of Dublin, offering a broader sense of the capital’s neighborhoods, landmarks, and story.
Time is then set aside for lunch and wandering near St. Stephen’s Green and Temple Bar, allowing space to experience the rhythm of the city. Following lunch, begin our day with a visit to Trinity College to encounter the Book of Kells, an illuminated masterpiece where faith and artistry meet.
The afternoon brings a meaningful visit with the Dublin Alcoholics Anonymous offices—linking this journey to a global movement born of humility, courage, and grace. We settle into our hotel before gathering for a welcome dinner, sharing stories and intentions as the pilgrimage community begins to take shape. Overnight in Dublin. (D)
Day 3: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Across the Heart of Ireland – From Ancient Monks to Modern Mercy
Leaving Dublin behind, we journey westward across Ireland’s pastoral heartland. Along the banks of the River Shannon, we pause at Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most revered monastic sites. Among high crosses and ancient ruins, we reflect on lives once devoted to prayer, learning, and hospitality—values that echo throughout this journey.
Continuing into County Mayo, we connect with the living legacy of recovery through a visit with the AA Mayo offices. By mid-afternoon, we arrive in Westport, a town known for elegance, warmth, and deep community roots. A welcome reception brings together local leaders and neighbors, followed by a relaxed evening where music and conversation spill into the streets. Overnight in Westport. (B, D)
Day 4: Friday, June 26, 2026
County Mayo – The Roots of Compassion
The day begins at the foot of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s most storied pilgrimage mountain, where landscape and devotion have shaped one another for centuries. After visiting the visitor center to ground ourselves in the mountain’s history and spiritual significance, pilgrims may choose to walk partway toward the iconic statue of St. Patrick, offering a tangible experience of pilgrimage without the full ascent. We then travel to Shanvally, birthplace of Sr. Ignatia Gavin, for a reflective talk on her life at the Museum of Country Life, a setting that situates her story within the cultural and social world that formed her vocation, followed by visits to key local sites connected to her early years. The day continues at Knock Shrine, where the pace naturally slows and silence, prayer, and presence take precedence, allowing each pilgrim space for personal encounter. We return to Westport for dinner and a free evening, where traditional music, warm hospitality, and unhurried time provide a gentle close to a day rich in depth and meaning. Overnight in Westport. (B, D)
Day 5: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Westport to Achill Island – Where Land Meets Sea
After a late breakfast, we depart Westport and follow the coastline westward toward Achill Island, crossing the bridge where mainland Ireland gives way to a landscape shaped by Atlantic wind, open sky, and sea. The transition is immediate and striking—wide horizons, rugged headlands, and a sense of remoteness that has long drawn those seeking clarity and perspective. A scenic drive introduces us to the island’s raw beauty before we check in to our hotel and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at our own pace. This is time set apart: coastal walks, ever-changing sea views, and the quiet power of place invite rest and reflection. We gather in the evening for dinner, savoring local fare and the slower rhythm of island life. Overnight on or near Achill Island. (B, D)
Day 6: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Achill Island – Faith, Community & the Edge of the World
Sunday unfolds gently on Achill. Late morning Mass at St. Patrick’s Church anchors the day in shared prayer, marked by its unique Cleveland connection. The afternoon explores the Sr. Ignatia Center and Achill Aquarium before continuing to the haunting Deserted Village and the breathtaking sweep of Keem Beach—where mountains descend into turquoise Atlantic waters. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner celebrating friendship, story, and the quiet transformation pilgrimage brings. Live music closes the night. Overnight on or near Achill Island. (B, D)
Day 7: Monday, June 29, 2026
Return East – Legacy, Learning & Farewell
Departing Achill Island, we begin our journey back toward Dublin. Along the way, we visit the ATU Nursing School in Castlebar, honoring the medical and caregiving legacy so central to Sr. Ignatia’s life. We then continue to Ballintubber Abbey and walk St. Patrick’s Path, where faith and landscape once again intertwine. Free time for lunch in Galway offers a final taste of the west—its colorful streets, lively cafés, and enduring artistic spirit capturing the energy and warmth of Ireland’s Atlantic edge. By evening, we arrive in Dublin, where a traditional farewell dinner with music and storytelling provides a fitting close to our time together. Overnight in Dublin. (B, D)
Day 8: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Return Home – Carrying the Journey Forward
The morning is free for final walks, reflection, or a quiet coffee before transferring to the airport this afternoon for your direct flight to Cleveland. As we return home, we carry more than memories—holding instead a deeper understanding of compassion, community, and the enduring power of a life lived in service. (B)
Dining Codes:
B = Breakfast
D = Dinner
ID = Independent Dinner
In the Footsteps of Compassion: A Country Mayo Journey Honoring Sr. Ignatia Gavin, CSA
From the wild Atlantic coastline of County Mayo to the neighborhoods of Cleveland, Ohio, this journey invites pilgrims to walk in the footsteps of a woman whose quiet courage changed the world. Rooted in the landscape, faith, and resilient spirit of western Ireland, this tour honors the life and legacy of Sr. Ignatia Gavin, known around the world as the “Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous.”
Born in rural Mayo in 1889, Sr. Ignatia carried the values of her homeland—deep faith, fierce compassion, and steadfast perseverance—across the Atlantic as a young immigrant. Those same values would later guide her groundbreaking work alongside the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, helping transform the way addiction is understood and treated, not as a moral failure, but as an illness deserving dignity, care, and hope.
This pilgrimage is not only about history; it is about place. As we travel through Mayo’s villages, coastline, and sacred spaces, we reflect on how landscapes shape souls. The rugged beauty of this land, its strong communities, and its enduring spiritual traditions offer insight into the heart that formed Sr. Ignatia’s life of service. Here, where hardship and hospitality have long coexisted, we glimpse the roots of her radical compassion.
Along the way, we will pause for storytelling, reflection, and prayer—connecting Ireland’s spiritual heritage with themes of healing, mercy, and transformation. This is a journey for those drawn to pilgrimage, recovery ministry, Irish heritage, healthcare, or simply the power of one life lived faithfully for others.
As we honor Sr. Ignatia’s legacy, we also listen for the ways her story continues to speak today—calling us to see suffering with new eyes, to respond with courage, and to believe that compassion, quietly lived, can change the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages typically travel in the group?
Our groups are diverse, with participants ranging from young adults to seniors. As long as you are healthy and able to meet the physical demands of the tour, you’ll enjoy the experience.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This tour requires participants to be physically active. You can expect 3-4 hours of walking daily, including standing for extended periods. The terrain may include uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets, steep steps, and slopes. To prepare, we recommend walking daily. Before you depart on the tour you should be comfortable walking 3-4 miles over the course of a day.
Is this tour suitable for everyone?
This tour is not recommended for individuals who have difficulty walking or require mobility aids. Participants should be in good health and ready for the physical demands of the trip, including walking on uneven terrain, navigating steep steps, and exploring cobblestone streets. The tour involves pedestrianized areas around historic sites and museums, requiring a good level of mobility and stamina. We welcome travelers of all ages who are prepared for these physical requirements.
What is included in the tour cost?
The tour cost includes accommodations, transportation during the trip, guided experiences, and most meals. Unless chosen, airfare is not included, as participants may travel from various locations. If you’re departing from a city outside the group departure points, we recommend using Google Flights to estimate airfare costs.
Will you book my flights, or do I need to arrange them myself?
We’re happy to book your flights for you! We can provide estimates for airfare from group departure cities and assist with booking flights from other locations as well. If you prefer to book your own flights, that’s perfectly fine—just coordinate with us in advance to get the group flight details.
How can I estimate the cost of airfare?
Since airfare fluctuates frequently, we recommend checking Google Flights to get a general idea of prices. Keep in mind that the lowest fares often don’t include baggage fees, so factor those costs into your estimate.
Can I bring my university student on this trip?
Yes! Healthy travelers aged 18 and older are welcome to travel.
Are single accommodations available?
Yes, single rooms are available for an additional cost, ideal for travelers who prefer private accommodations.
What do I need to know before the trip?
A comprehensive predeparture webpage will be shared six weeks before departure. This will include updated information on group flights, hotels, and any itinerary modifications (e.g., changes due to unforeseen events like the Notre Dame fire). You’ll also find a packing list and helpful links to prepare for your journey.
Can I register if I don’t have a passport yet?
Yes! You can register using your legal name as it appears on your birth certificate. Make sure the name you use matches the one that will appear on your passport when issued.
Do I need a visa?
Since you are traveling to Europe, you will need a travel authorization. Please visit our webpage on New European Travel Regulations for more details.
What should I know about meals and dining?
While many meals are included, some will be independent to give you the opportunity to explore local dining options. Special dinners with wine pairings are a highlight of the tour, offering a delightful taste of the region’s cuisine.
What if I want to come earlier or stay later?
Would you like to extend your stay, arriving earlier or departing later? Let us know during registration if you’d like to adjust your travel dates, and, pending availability, we can modify your airline reservations. Please note that additional fees will apply.
Ready to Join Us?
Thank you for choosing to embark on this unforgettable journey with us! Before proceeding to registration, please take a moment to review our Terms and Conditions. These outline important details about your trip, cancellation policies and traveler responsibilities.
Quick Tips for Registration:
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The process typically takes about 7-10 minutes to complete.
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You can use any device, but many find it easier on a Smartphone or Tablet/iPad.
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Be sure to enter your legal name exactly as it appears (or will appear) on your passport. If you don’t yet have a passport, please use the name on your birth certificate or the name that will appear on your passport when issued.
Payment Options:
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After completing your registration, you’ll be taken to a confirmation page.
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You have the option to pay by check or credit card.
When you’re ready, click the button below to begin your registration. We can’t wait to travel with you!
Begin Your Journey Early: Extra Days in Dublin
Our tour is designed to highlight Ireland’s historic and cultural sites beyond Dublin, so time in the city is intentionally limited. However, if you’d like additional time to explore Dublin, enjoy shopping, or simply rest before the tour begins, you’re welcome to arrive one or two days early.
We can arrange accommodations at the same hotel used for the tour for your convenience. If you’re interested in arriving early or staying longer, please indicate this on your registration form. We’ll follow up with a personalized quote based on your preferences.
Flight Information
Airfare is not included in the land package, as flight prices fluctuate daily. For most travelers, round-trip airfare to Ireland typically ranges between $900–$1,300, depending on the airline, routing, and booking date.
Recommended Group Flight
The group organizer, Colleen Corrigan Day, strongly recommends that travelers book the direct Aer Lingus flight from Cleveland (CLE) to Dublin (DUB). This nonstop flight is convenient, comfortable, and keeps the group traveling together from the start. All scheduled transfers and tours are automatically included when traveling on this flight option.
Airline: Aer Lingus
Route: Cleveland (CLE) ↔ Dublin (DUB)
Aircraft: Airbus A321neo | Economy Class
Outbound — Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Depart: 8:10 PM – Cleveland (CLE)
Arrive: 8:15 AM (+1 day) – Dublin (DUB)
Flight: Aer Lingus EI 86 (nonstop, overnight)
Return — Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Depart: 3:40 PM – Dublin (DUB)
Arrive: 6:40 PM – Cleveland (CLE)
Flight: Aer Lingus EI 87 (nonstop)
Airport Transfers
Regardless of which flight you book, a private group transfer from Dublin Airport to the hotel on arrival day is included at no additional cost. For travelers who book flights independently, a private departure transfer from the hotel in Dublin to Dublin Airport can be arranged for an additional $50.
Please note:
• Travelers on the recommended Aer Lingus flight will arrive together and follow the full group schedule.
• Travelers on other flights may arrive at different times and may join the group later in the day at the hotel, depending on their arrival time.
Need Help Booking Your Flight?
We are happy to assist with flight booking if you would like support.
If we book your flight for you:
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You pay the actual cost of airfare (no markup)
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A $40 booking fee applies
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An $500 additional deposit is required
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Tickets are non-refundable once issued and subject to the airline’s Terms & Conditions
We book flights on major carriers, in economy class, with one checked bag (up to 50 lbs) included. We ensure your flight schedule aligns as closely as possible with the group itinerary. Business or First Class options are available upon request, and group departures from other cities can be arranged if needed. We can book on the recommended flight or another of your choosing.
Booking Your Own Flight
You are also welcome to book your own airfare. To estimate or book flights, we recommend using Google Flights, which allows you to compare airlines and routes, track prices, search flexible dates, and book directly with the airline for the best protection and customer service.
Final Reminder
Again, the organizer strongly recommends the direct Aer Lingus Cleveland–Dublin flight for the smoothest and most unified group experience. If you have any questions or would like assistance, we’re happy to help.
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