PILGRIMAGE to IRELAND
Saints, Shrines & Sacred Landscapes (9 Days)
Walk in the footsteps of your ancestors!
DAY-DAY, MONTH 2026-2027
Hosted + Guided by locals...
Experience Ireland’s Ancient Past with one of Ireland's Leading historians
Journey through the Land of Saints and Scholars
This 9-day guided pilgrimage invites you to walk in the footsteps of St. Patrick and the early Celtic saints, exploring ancient monasteries, holy mountains, and revered shrines set amid Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes. From the sacred heights of Croagh Patrick to the world-famous Knock Shrine, this journey weaves together prayer, reflection, history, and Irish culture. Along the way, you will visit early Christian sites, medieval cathedrals, and UNESCO-recognised monastic ruins, while also enjoying Ireland’s rich storytelling traditions, music, and warm hospitality.
Daily Mass opportunities, spiritual talks, and guided reflections enhance this meaningful journey, balanced with time for rest, fellowship, and sightseeing in Ireland’s most beautiful regions.
on an exclusive journey through Ireland, This immersive experience offers insight into iconic sites like Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, and rare access to lesser-known hidden gems scattered across the Irish landscape. Gain firsthand insight into prehistoric tombs, Celtic mythology, and early Christian history. bringsing ancient Ireland vividly to life through factual storytelling, and deep cultural knowledge. Perfect for anyone seeking a deeper connection with Ireland’s rich and mysterious past.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
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Private coach with professional driver
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Dedicated local archeologist / historian / guide
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8 nights accommodation
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Full Irish breakfast each morning and 6 group dinners
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Archeological lectures
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Archeological site visits
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Entrance fees into historic sites
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Entrance fees into scheduled events
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ADDITIONAL NIGHTS IN DUBLIN CAN BE ARRANGED BEFORE OR AFTER THE TOUR - ask us about special deals!
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Visit the beautiful + spiritual historic sites of Ireland!
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Spend close-up time with fellow like-minded guests in a most unique setting, in one of the most beautiful and friendly countries in the world!
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Sample Irish music and experience traditional Irish sessions in quaint Irish listening venues!
MEET JOE - our resident Historian + Tour Guide!
Joe is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s most respected archaeologists, bringing a depth of knowledge and passion that few can match. With a lifelong dedication to archaeology and Irish history, he offers guests an understanding of the region that goes far beyond what’s found in guidebooks or typical tour experiences.
What makes time with Joe truly unforgettable is his ability to bring Ireland’s past to life. He shares stories shaped by years of hands-on work, research, and exploration—often in places well off the traditional tourism path. These lesser-known sites are rich with cultural significance, hidden history, and authentic glimpses into Irish life across the centuries.Joe’s commitment to preservation is central to his work. He is deeply involved in protecting and revitalizing historical monuments for future generations, and he actively supports community engagement with sites of archaeological and historical importance.One of his most meaningful current projects is the restoration of the medieval Killilagh Church in the Doolin area. His long-term efforts focus on stabilizing the structure, preventing further deterioration, and honoring the heritage of this remarkable site. Alongside this, he is conducting a comprehensive graveyard survey at Killilagh and strives to strengthen the connection between Doolin and the Irish diaspora in the United States.Guests who tour with Joe not only see historic Ireland—they experience it through the eyes of someone who has dedicated his life to understanding and preserving it. It’s an opportunity to explore Ireland with a guide whose expertise, passion, and perspective create a journey you simply won’t find anywhere else.
FAQs:
DO I HAVE TO BE AN ARCHEOLOGIST TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS TOUR?
Absolutely not! All are welcome - spouses, partners, friends, travel enthusiasts etc! This is an enjoyable tour of Ireland, visiting many historical sites. The tour will include time for sightseeing, shopping, attending history talks, sampling archeological digs and many other activities!
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS ARCHEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION?
LALALALA. and LA.
Students and avid explorers will be given extra challenges!
WILL THERE BE IRISH MUSIC SESSIONS?
Yes!
You'll have opportunities to attend (and participate if you wish) in Irish music sessions along the way.
WHAT IF I WANT TO EXTEND MY TRIP IN IRELAND?
We are happy to arrange additional nights in Dublin (or elsewhere in the country) for you, for before or after the tour! Just ask us for further details.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No. Since many people these days prefer to select their chosen airline / flight routing, and also choose to add extra days in Ireland before or after the tour, this is a land-only package. We're happy to refer you to an American based agency who can assist you with the flights if you require.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
(subject to change)
8 nights / 9 days in Ireland
Depart from your chosen location (if coming from North America, this will require an overnight flight)!
Next day, arrive in Ireland
DAY1 OF TOUR:
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Arrive in Dublin Airport – Meet and greet your archeological guide, board our coach and head northwest to the Boyne Valley,stopping along the way to view some historic sites.
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We will visit Trim Castle - the largest and best preserved Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Few places in Ireland contain more medieval buildings than this heritage town. Trim gets its name from the Irish, ‘Baile Atha Troim’, which means ‘Town of the Ford of the Elder Trees’, indicating that this was an important fording point on the River Boyne.
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Before re-boarding the bus, there’s time to shop at Trim’s local craft shop.
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Check into our hotel (stay 3 nights) and relax before dinner. Tonight, after dinner, we will be briefed on the local history.
DAY2 (xxxxx)
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After breakfast, we explore the Boyne Valley Region.
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Subject to scheduling + availability, we will visit Newgrange - a prehistoric monument located on a rise overlooking the River Boyne, It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the Neolithic Period, around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids!
DAY3 (xxxxx)
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After breakfast, ..... TBC by Joe.
DAY4 (xxxxx)
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After a well-prepared breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head ..... TBC by Joe
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Accommodation: TBC (2 or 3 nights)
DAY5 (xxxxx)
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TBC by Joe...
DAY6 (xxxxx)
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TBC by Joe.....
DAY 7 (xxxxx)
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TBC by Joe...
DAY8 (xxxxx)
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Last night.....TBC by Joe...
DAY9 (xxxxx)
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Final morning to start the day with a full Irish breakfast , then check out of the hotel and we say goodbye until next time….!
CUSTOMARY GRATUITIES FOR TOUR GUIDE AND DRIVER NOT INCLUDED.
FURTHER DETAILS TO FOLLOW!
THIS IS A LAND PACKAGE ONLY.
FLIGHTS/ AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED.
TOUR BEGINS AND ENDS IN DUBLIN <coach picks up on first morning of tour at arrivals hall in Dublin Airport and finishes up in Dublin at end of tour>
Price quoted in Euros. Due to currency fluctuation, the dollar amount is not guaranteed and is subject to change until time of final payment.
Deposits are non-refundable. Final payments will be non-refundable within 120 days of start of programme.. It is advisable for participants to secure their own travel/health insurance in the event of illness or cancellation. IATW reserves the right to alter or change any and all details of this trip as necessary. /
Further information at
IrelandAlongTheWay@gmail.com PH: 615-955-4575
