Celtic Pilgrimage: A Sacred Journey Through Ireland
Ireland’s windswept landscapes and ancient paths still echo with the prayers of saints and seekers, inviting the modern pilgrim into a journey both outward and deeply inward. This is not simply a tour of sacred sites, but an intentional pilgrimage shaped by two rich spiritual traditions: the Celtic reverence for God in creation and all that is, and the Ignatian call to find God in all things.
From the vibrant heart of Dublin to the stillness of Glendalough’s monastic valley, from the living flame of St. Brigid in Kildare to the ancient light of Newgrange, each place becomes more than a destination—it becomes a doorway or passage. Along the rugged Causeway Coast and within the quiet beauty of the Celtic Prayer Garden, we learn to see differently: to recognize the sacred not only in holy places, but in landscape, story, and the movements of our own hearts.
Guided by Rev. Liz Nau and Fr. Hugo Gómez-Sevilla, S.J., this pilgrimage gently weaves together the outward journey through Ireland’s most storied landscapes with the inward journey of the Spiritual Exercises, and the Celtic understanding/wisdom of the oneness of the sacred and the everyday/mundane. Through prayer, reflection, and shared experience, we are invited to notice—where we feel drawn, where we feel resistance, where grace is quietly unfolding.
Tracing the footsteps of St. Patrick, St. Brigid, St. Kevin, and St. Columba, we encounter lives shaped by courage, contemplation, and deep trust in God’s presence. Their stories become mirrors for our own, reminding us that pilgrimage is not about escape, but about awakening.
Special Features
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Private visit to the Book of Kells at Trinity College, where Gospel and artistry meet, followed by time at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, grounding our journey in Ireland’s living faith tradition
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Immersive pilgrimage through Glendalough’s monastic valley, including a contemplative lakeside walk amid one of Ireland’s most sacred landscapes
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Visit to St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Fire Temple, and Holy Well in Kildare, exploring her legacy of hospitality, creativity, and enduring spiritual flame
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Journey to Newgrange, a 5,000-year-old sacred site, offering a profound encounter with ancient light, followed by visits to Kells and the Hill of Tara, where early Christian and pre-Christian Ireland converge
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A retreat day at the IOSAS Centre & Celtic Prayer Garden, a uniquely designed space for reflection, prayer, and encounter with Ireland’s “Island of Saints and Scholars” heritage
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Walking in the footsteps of St. Patrick at Saul Church, Struell Wells, and Down Cathedral, tracing the story of his life, mission, and enduring influence
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Exploration of Derry/Londonderry, including its historic walls and a reflection on the legacy of St. Columba and the ongoing journey of reconciliation
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Visits to Clonard Monastery and East Belfast Mission, powerful witnesses to faith lived out in the context of healing and peacebuilding
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Scenic drive along the Causeway Coastal Route, with time at the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway, followed by a visit to Bushmills Distillery, connecting Ireland’s natural beauty with its living traditions
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Each day offers guided prayer, encounters with Celtic spirituality, Ignatian reflection, and meaningful spiritual conversation, all woven naturally into the rhythm of the pilgrimage.
Tour Package Includes
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10 nights’ accommodations in carefully selected 3–4 star hotels, chosen for comfort, location, and hospitality (final hotel names to be confirmed)
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All Irish and UK hotel taxes, service charges, and fees
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Airport transfers included for travelers arriving and departing with the group on designated flight dates
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16 meals: 10 breakfasts and 8 dinners, including a welcome dinner and farewell celebration
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All sightseeing and excursions as outlined, via modern, comfortable motor coach (or mini-coach where appropriate)
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Spiritual leadership from Rev. Liz Nau and Fr. Hugo Gómez-Sevill, S.J., integrating Celtic spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
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Services of a dedicated English-speaking tour manager throughout the pilgrimage
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Expert local guides providing historical, cultural, and spiritual insight at key sites
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All entrance fees and scheduled excursions included
Pricing Details
Cleveland Departure
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Tour Cost: $4,999
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Early Bird Special: $4,799 (available through April 30, 2026)
Includes round-trip economy airfare from Cleveland, one checked bag, and one carry-on. -
Pricing is based on double occupancy.
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Single Room Supplement: +$700
Land-Only Package
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Tour Cost: $3,999 (airfare not included)
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Early Bird Special: $3,799 (available through April 30, 2026)
Pricing is based on double occupancy. -
Single Room Supplement: +$700
The Early Bird Special will be applied to the Final Payment.
Please Note:
Maximum group size is limited to 30 participants. We encourage early registration as tours are likely to sell out.
Payment deadlines:
1. Deposit due at time of registration
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$1000 / add $500 if joining one of our group flights
2. Installment Payment
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$2000 due by Friday, June 26, 2026
3. Final Balance
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Due by Friday, July 24, 2026
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An individual invoice will be provided based on your selected options and preferences, showing your final balance due.
Grants for those Involved in Ministry and Religious & Theological Studies:
We’re pleased to offer a $200 grant toward the cost of the pilgrimage for:
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Clergy and religious
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Graduate students in theology
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Individuals involved in ministry (e.g., Eucharistic Ministers, Deacons, Pastoral Ministers, DREs, Christian educators, etc.)
This grant is made possible through the generosity of an angel donor and reflects our commitment to supporting those engaged in faith and service.
To apply the discount:
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Use code A.M.D.G.25 during online registration
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Provide brief details about your role, parish/church involvement, or educational program
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The grant will be applied to your final payment
What is included?
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Group transfers and all ground transportation
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10 nights' accommodation at 3-4 star hotels in double rooms
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18 meals: 10 breakfasts & 8 dinners
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Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
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Services of local guides
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All Irish and UK city hotel taxes, fees & service charges
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All Entrance Fees & Excursion Fees
What's not included?
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Airfare in Land Only Package; but guaranteed pricing on group flights from select us gateways
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Lunches and 2 independent dinners
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Drinks beyond water, coffee, and tea
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Tip for bus drivers and local guides
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Single room supplement
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Travelers are responsible for obtaining their own Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the UK online prior to departure.
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Travel Insurance or Trip Protection (Click Here for More Information)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Saturday, September 5, 2026
Depart for Dublin – A Pilgrimage Begins
With hearts open and expectant, we set out for Ireland—a land where the veil between heaven and earth feels remarkably thin. This is more than a journey across the Atlantic; it is a movement inward. Guided by Rev. Liz Nau and Fr. Hugo Gómez-Sevilla, we begin a pilgrimage shaped by two rich spiritual traditions: the Celtic awareness of God in creation and the Ignatian invitation to find God in all things. As we depart, we carry not only our luggage, but also our questions, hopes, and quiet longings—trusting that this journey will meet us exactly where we are.
Day 2 – Sunday, September 6, 2026
Dublin – A City of Saints & Scholars
Arriving in Dublin, we step into a city where faith and intellect have long walked together, shaping a culture both vibrant and deeply rooted. A panoramic introduction reveals the rhythm of the capital—from the expansive calm of Phoenix Park to the historic arteries of O’Connell Street and the enduring presence of Christ Church Cathedral. Along the way, we begin to notice—not just the landmarks, but the subtle invitations of the Spirit in the details of place and encounter. Pilgrims may choose to attend Sunday Mass at St. Teresa’s Church, grounding the journey in shared prayer from the very beginning. As evening falls, we gather for a welcome dinner, where conversation begins to weave us into a community of fellow seekers, each bringing a unique story into the shared path ahead. (D)
Day 3 – Monday, September 7, 2026
Dublin to Athy – Word, Stone & Sacred Imagination
The morning unfolds at a gentle pace, allowing space for rest, wandering, or quiet reflection. Before departing Dublin, we enter Trinity College to encounter the Book of Kells—an illuminated Gospel that transforms scripture into art, and art into prayer. Its intricate beauty reflects a distinctly Celtic vision: that creation itself reveals the glory of God, and that devotion can take form in color, pattern, and patient craftsmanship. We continue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where the story of Ireland’s patron saint becomes tangible—his life a reminder that grace often begins in unexpected places. As we leave the city behind, the landscape softens into the rolling hills of Wicklow, drawing us into a slower rhythm. That evening, we gather for our first intentional reflection, guided by Ignatian prayer and the Celtic practice of attentiveness, beginning to notice how God is already at work within and among us. (B, D)
Day 4 – Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Glendalough – The Monastic Heart of Ireland
Today we enter Glendalough, a valley where silence is not empty but alive with presence. Founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, this monastic settlement invites us into a way of being shaped by solitude, simplicity, and deep communion with the natural world. Walking among the ancient stone ruins and beside the still waters of the Upper and Lower Lakes, we are invited to slow down—to listen, to breathe, to become aware. Here, the wisdom of Celtic spirituality meets the Ignatian call to contemplation: to find God not in abstraction, but in the immediacy of this place, this moment. The round tower stands as a quiet sentinel of centuries past, while the landscape itself becomes a teacher. An optional Mass may be celebrated in this sacred setting, deepening our sense of connection to the communion of saints who once prayed here. (B, D)
Day 5 – Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Kildare – The Fire of St. Brigid
In Kildare, we encounter the enduring presence of St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s most beloved saints, whose legacy bridges the sacred and the everyday. Her spirituality is one of hospitality, creativity, and fierce compassion—qualities that feel both ancient and urgently relevant. At her cathedral and sacred well, we pause not only to learn, but to participate: to pray, to reflect, to listen for the quiet movements of grace. The story of Brigid’s perpetual flame becomes a powerful image—an outward sign of an inward fire that each of us carries. In the spirit of the Spiritual Exercises, we are invited to consider where that flame is being tended in our own lives, and where it may need to be rekindled. (B, D)
Day 6 – Thursday, September 10, 2026
The Mystical North – Newgrange
Our journey stretches back beyond recorded history as we visit Newgrange, a Neolithic passage tomb aligned with the rising sun of the winter solstice. Standing within its ancient chamber, we experience a profound moment of continuity—human beings across millennia seeking light, meaning, and transcendence. When the sun enters and illuminates the inner passage, it offers a striking metaphor for the spiritual life: light breaking into darkness, revelation emerging from stillness. In Ignatian language, we might recognize this as consolation—the quiet assurance of God’s presence, often arriving when we least expect it. (B, D)
Day 7 – Friday, September 11, 2026
Kells, Tara & Derry – Kings, Monks & Mission
The story continues in Kells, where monastic scribes once preserved the Gospel with devotion and artistry, safeguarding not only words, but a way of seeing the world infused with divine presence. At the Hill of Tara, we stand where Ireland’s High Kings once ruled, a place where power and sacred tradition intersect. Here, we reflect on vocation and leadership—not as dominance, but as service. Crossing into Northern Ireland, we arrive in Derry/Londonderry, a city whose walls have witnessed centuries of conflict and resilience. Walking these historic streets, we are invited into a deeper reflection on reconciliation, forgiveness, and the ongoing work of healing—both in the world and within ourselves. (B, D)
Day 8 – Saturday, September 12, 2026
IOSAS Centre – A Retreat Within the Pilgrimage
Today offers a pause—a retreat within the journey itself. At the IOSAS Centre and Celtic Prayer Garden, we step into a landscape intentionally designed for encounter. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of natural bogland, we are guided through a day of reflection, teaching, and prayer led by Rev. Liz and Fr. Hugo. Drawing from both Celtic spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises, this day invites us inward—to notice the movements of the heart, to listen for God’s voice, and to rest in a deeper awareness of presence. It is a day less about seeing and more about being, less about activity and more about attentiveness. (B, ID)
Day 9 – Sunday, September 13, 2026
The Causeway Coast – Wonder & Awe
As we travel along the Causeway Coastal Route, the landscape itself becomes a revelation. Cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, waves crash with ancient rhythm, and the horizon stretches endlessly outward. At the Giant’s Causeway, we encounter one of nature’s most extraordinary formations—columns of stone that seem almost sculpted by divine imagination. Here, awe becomes prayer. Later, at Bushmills Distillery, we encounter a different kind of transformation—water patiently refined into something rich and complex. It becomes a fitting image for pilgrimage itself: a process of slow change, shaped over time, yielding something deeper within us. (B, D)
Day 10 – Monday, September 14, 2026
Belfast – Faith & Reconciliation
In Belfast, the story shifts toward modern history, yet the spiritual themes remain deeply resonant. Visiting Clonard Monastery and the East Belfast Mission, we encounter communities where faith has been lived out in the midst of division, offering witness to the power of reconciliation. These spaces invite us to consider our own call to healing—where forgiveness is needed, where bridges might be built. The afternoon opens into personal time, an opportunity to follow the gentle promptings of the Spirit—whether through quiet reflection, conversation, or simply walking the city’s streets with new awareness. (B, ID)
Day 11 – Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Downpatrick – In the Footsteps of St. Patrick
Today we trace the path of St. Patrick, whose journey from captivity to mission continues to inspire. At the St. Patrick’s Centre, Saul Church, and the ancient Struell Wells, we encounter a story of transformation rooted in trust and surrender. Standing at Down Cathedral, where Patrick is laid to rest, we are invited to consider our own calling—how God continues to work through our lives in ways both seen and unseen. This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner, sharing stories, laughter, and gratitude for the journey we have made together. Beneath it all is a quiet recognition: something within us has shifted. (B, D)
Day 12 – Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Return Home – Carrying the Pilgrimage Within
As we depart Ireland, we carry more than memories of sacred sites and breathtaking landscapes. We carry a new way of seeing—formed by days of prayer, reflection, and shared experience. In the spirit of Ignatius, the pilgrimage does not end here. It continues in the everyday moments of our lives, where we are invited again and again to find God in all things, and to live with deeper awareness, gratitude, and freedom. (B)
Dining Codes:
B = Breakfast
D = Dinner
ID = Independent Dinner
Flight Information
Airfare is not included in the land package, as prices fluctuate daily. For most travelers, airfare typically ranges between $1,000 and $1,500, depending on your departure city in the United States.
We offer flight options for travelers departing from Chicago (ORD), Fort Myers (RSW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Orlando (MCO), Omaha (OMA), and San Luis Obispo (SLQ). If booked by May 30, 2025, we guarantee that your flight cost for the main travel program will not exceed the amounts listed below.
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Chicago (ORD): $1100
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Fort Myers (RSW): $1100
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Los Angeles (LAX): $1000
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Miami (MIA): $1000
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Newark (EWR): $1000
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Orlando (MCO): $1100
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San Luis Obispo (SBP): $1300
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Washington DC (IAD): $1000
Groups departing from these cities are guaranteed flight prices between $800 and $900 when booked through us. The cost may be less, but will not be more than the guaranteed maximum price. We work with major carriers like United, American, and Delta, as well as reputable international airlines such as Aer Lingus (Ireland's flagship carrier). All tickets include one checked bag (up to 50 pounds) and one carry-on item.
Flights are booked separately from the land package. For those choosing to join one of the group flights, an additional $500 deposit is required. Please note that once a flight is ticketed, it is non-refundable and subject to the airline's Terms & Conditions. If you would like to add travel insurance to your ticket for an additional cost, please contact us within 24 hours of booking your trip. Keep in mind that flights are not covered by the Trip Protection Plan.
We can also create travel groups from other cities upon request. Travelers departing from cities not listed above will be booked on major carriers in economy class, with one checked bag (up to 50 pounds). We ensure that your flight schedule aligns with the main travel group’s itinerary. To secure the best possible pricing, we pass on the actual cost of airfare and work diligently to find the best deals for you. Additionally, we can assist with booking Business or First Class options upon request.
You are also welcome to book your own flights. To estimate your flight costs, we recommend using Google Flights. This powerful flight search tool allows you to find and compare flights across various airlines, offering features like flexible date searches, price tracking, and filters for stops, baggage, and airline preferences. Unlike third-party booking sites, Google Flights directs you to purchase tickets directly from the carrier, providing the best protection for your booking and reliable customer service.
We will share the group flight information to help you coordinate your arrival time with the travel groups. For those traveling independently, it is ultimately your responsibility to connect with the group.
Optional Post-Pilgrimage Extension: Scotland (Iona & Glasgow)
Dates TBD | Offered Based on Interest
For those who feel called to continue the journey, we are exploring a limited, optional extension to Scotland—a natural and deeply contemplative continuation of our Celtic pilgrimage.
This extension centers on the sacred island of Iona, long revered as one of the birthplaces of Celtic Christianity. Due to the extremely limited accommodations on the island, this experience will be offered only if we are able to secure space based on participant interest.
If confirmed, the extension would include approximately 3–4 additional nights in Scotland, designed as a quieter, more spacious conclusion to the pilgrimage—where the rhythm slows, and the invitation to prayer deepens.
Pilgrims would travel from Belfast to Scotland by air, continuing westward through the dramatic Highland landscapes toward the coast. From there, we journey by ferry to Iona, where St. Columba established a monastic community that would shape Christianity across Scotland and beyond.
Time on Iona is intentionally unhurried—allowing space for prayer, reflection, and simple presence. Whether walking along the island’s windswept shores, visiting the ancient abbey, or sitting in silence within this sacred place, pilgrims are invited to rest in the awareness of God’s presence that has drawn seekers here for centuries.
The extension concludes in Glasgow, a vibrant and welcoming city that offers a gentle re-entry into daily life. Here, we will enjoy time together for a final shared meal, reflection, and rest before departing for home.
Spiritual leadership for the extension is anticipated to continue with Rev. Liz Nau and Fr. Hugo Gómez-Sevilla, ensuring a seamless integration with the themes of the main pilgrimage.
Estimated Cost:
$2,000–$2,500 per person (based on double occupancy)
Final pricing will depend on group size, airfare, and accommodation availability
What to Expect (if confirmed):
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Round-trip airfare from Belfast to Scotland
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Private ground transportation, including ferry access to Iona
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3–4 nights accommodations in carefully selected hotels or guesthouses
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Daily breakfast and select group dinners
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Time on the island of Iona for prayer, reflection, and exploration
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Continued spiritual guidance and optional group reflections
This extension is especially suited for those who wish to linger in the spirit of the pilgrimage, allowing its graces to settle more deeply in one of the most sacred and peaceful landscapes of the Celtic world.
Indicate Your Interest:
At registration, you will have the opportunity to express interest in this extension. Once we have a sense of numbers, we will move forward with securing space and sharing full details.
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 pilgrimage focuses on Ireland’s sacred sites and spiritual heritage, so time in Dublin is intentionally limited. However, if you’d like extra time to explore, shop, or simply rest before the pilgrimage begins, you’re welcome to arrive one or two days early.
We’ll arrange accommodations at the same hotel used for the pilgrimage for your convenience. If you're interested in arriving early, please indicate this on your registration form. We’ll follow up with a personalized quote based on your preferences.
Travel Insurance & Protection
Travel is one of life’s great gifts—but it also carries the unexpected. From flight disruptions to last-minute changes, and most importantly, unforeseen medical needs abroad, having the right protection in place allows you to travel with true peace of mind. While no one anticipates needing it, travel insurance—especially international medical coverage—is one of the most important investments you can make before departure. Most U.S. health insurance plans provide little to no coverage overseas, and even a minor medical issue abroad can become costly without proper protection.
For this reason, we strongly encourage all travelers to carefully review their options and consider coverage that protects both their financial investment and their well-being while abroad. You can explore our recommended options, including Trip Protection, Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR), and International Medical Insurance, here:
👉 Travel Insurance or Trip Protection (Click Here for More Information)
What Our Travelers Say
Our pilgrimages are designed to be more than travel—they are experiences that stay with you long after you return home. Here’s what past participants have shared about our previous Celtic Pilgrimage programs:
A Transformative Experience
“Words cannot adequately express how deeply blessed I feel from this pilgrimage experience… I am profoundly grateful.”
“It strengthened my faith and sense of belonging.”
“I’ve thought about the journey almost daily since returning home.”
Many travelers describe their pilgrimage as deeply meaningful, spiritually enriching, and life-giving—an experience that continues to shape their faith and perspective long after the journey ends.
Carefully Curated & Well Organized
“It was obvious these spots were carefully chosen… we benefited from not moving every night.”
“Excellent hotel accommodations… I would happily return.”
From thoughtfully selected accommodations to meaningful sites and local experiences, our travelers consistently recognize the intentional design and care behind each journey.
Meaningful Community & Fellowship
“The conversations and opportunities to get to know our companions were truly rich and wonderful.”
“I created new friendships and deepened long-term relationships.”
Beyond the destinations, many highlight the community that forms along the way—shared meals, conversations, and moments of reflection that become just as meaningful as the sites themselves.
A Journey That Stays With You
“It has increased my prayer life and my contemplative walking.”
“I will carry its spirit with me.”
“It provided perspective and opportunities for deeper reflection.”
“I very strongly recommend this type of pilgrimage to others—friends and family alike.”
For many, the pilgrimage becomes not just a trip, but a turning point—an invitation into deeper reflection, prayer, and renewal.
Rev. Liz Nau
Rev. Liz Nau is a retired United Methodist pastor, contemplative spiritual director, retreat leader, and teacher known for her warm, inviting presence. With certificates in Spiritual Direction from the Ignatian Spirituality Institute at John Carroll University and in Formational Prayer/Inner Healing Prayer from the Institute of Formational Counseling at ATS, Liz blends deep spirituality with a joyful approach.
Her passion for pilgrimage has led her to walk the Camino de Santiago, explore Celtic pilgrimage sites in Scotland and Ireland, and journey through sacred lands in Greece, Israel/Palestine, Germany, and beyond. She teaches classes in Celtic Christian Spirituality and Pilgrimage at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Parma, Ohio, and has guided pilgrims on transformative journeys to Iona and through Spain. Liz is also a Veriditas-certified labyrinth facilitator and enjoys integrating body prayer, art, and the Spiritual Exercises into spiritual practices. With a heart for guiding others, she directs silent retreats and provides spiritual direction, always with a spirit of fun and discovery.
Fr. Hugo
Fr. Hugo Nelson Gómez Sevilla, SJ is a Colombian Jesuit and the current President of San Pedro Claver School in Bucaramanga, Colombia. He previously served as President of the Jesuit School Network in Colombia (ACODESI) and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois. His academic work centers on innovation and leadership within Jesuit education.
Fr. Hugo holds degrees in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, Philosophy, and Theology, along with a Doctorate in Education from Loyola University Chicago. He also earned a Licentiate in Theology from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá.
Fluent in both Spanish and English, Fr. Hugo brings a dynamic presence, a warm sense of humor, and a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Having spent years living and working across Europe, he has led numerous groups through some of the continent’s most meaningful cultural and spiritual landscapes.
For this Celtic pilgrimage in Ireland, Fr. Hugo offers a unique perspective shaped by his deep interest in the connections between Celtic and Ignatian spirituality—two traditions that share a profound attentiveness to God’s presence in creation, community, and daily life. His leadership invites pilgrims not only to visit sacred places, but to truly encounter them, making each journey both enriching and deeply personal.
