Ireland Pilgrimage

May 19-28, 2026

Céad Míle Fáilte!

This Irish phrase meaning “a hundred thousand welcomes” is more than a greeting. It’s the soul of Ireland itself and runs deep in the hearts of the Irish people. Here, welcome is not just spoken, it’s lived, shared and felt.

You are warmly invited to join Dr. Tom & Leah Blake of Grafted and Matthew & Serah Rudolph of Gateways Beyond International for an inspiring and evocative adventure to Ireland, “the land of saints and scholars.” This pilgrimage promises not only beauty and history but also a deep spiritual stirring of the heart. You’ll encounter the rich legacy of the historic Church and deepen your understanding of what greater unity of the Body means. As you walk the sacred soil of the Emerald Isle, you’ll fall in love with its people, its culture and the fresh movement of the Spirit alive in Ireland today.

This is what the Lord says:

Stand by the roadways and look.
Ask about the ancient paths,
“Which is the way to what is good?”
Then take it and find rest for yourselves. Jeremiah 6:16 CSB

The future is ancient. Come with us as we embrace the deeply spiritual practice of pilgrimage. By definition, pilgrimage is an intentional journey with a sacred purpose and what better way to walk this holy path than with a group of like hearted fellow travelers. 

In journeying with God, we might not always fully know the destination. Our modern mind wants to focus on the destination but the invitation and the ancient path is to journey with God. As we give space in our heart, mind and spirit, we give God the opportunity to fill and to speak.

We will walk not only through sacred landscapes, but into deeper communion with the God who speaks and the Messiah who walks.

The same God who strolled through Eden.
The same Jesus who walked the hills of Galilee and whispered, “Come, follow me.”
There is incredible power in the intentional act of journeying with God.

Come, walk the ancient path. Let your heart be enlarged. And may you find rest for your soul.

• Experienced tour leaders
• 4 star Hotels: double occupancy accommodations
• Breakfast + Dinner Daily
• All entrance Fees and tour guides
• Ground transportation on premium tour bus
• Baggage handling
• Tips for meals, guides, porters and drivers 
• Taxes & Fees

What's not included:

Itinerary:

Day 1- Tuesday, May 19

Arrive in Dublin, Ireland, and check into our city center hotel. After settling in, we’ll do our best to stay awake with a guided walking tour of the city. Along the way, we’ll take in some of Dublin’s most iconic sights, including the Ha’penny Bridge, the River Liffey, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and enjoy live music in the lively Temple Bar district. After a memorable first day, we’ll get an early night in order to be ready for the next eight days of touring. We can’t wait to introduce you to some of our lovely Irish friends and to make plenty of new ones together along the way.

Overnight Dublin.

Day 2- Wednesday, May 20

We will journey to County Wicklow, known as the “Garden of Ireland.” Our first stop is Glendalough, the 6th-century monastic city founded by St. Kevin. Once a great center of learning in early Christian Ireland, Glendalough, meaning “valley of the two lakes”, offers breathtaking natural beauty and spiritual depth. As we walk among the ancient ruins and tranquil landscape, we’ll learn about a community whose legacy still speaks to our lives in powerful ways.

Following this meaningful visit, we’ll travel to the magnificent Powerscourt Estate, a 1,000-acre property ranked by National Geographic as home to the third most beautiful gardens in the world. After enjoying lunch at Avoca Café, you'll have time to explore the 47-acre formal gardens at your own pace. Surrounded by serene scenery, rich history and inspiring views, this full day will nourish both heart and soul.

Overnight Dublin.

Day 3-Thursday, May 21

After breakfast, we depart Dublin and begin our day at the Hill of Slane. According to tradition, it was here in 433 AD that St. Patrick lit the first Paschal fire, boldly defying the pagan High King Laoire’s command that no other flames be kindled during the festival at nearby Tara. This courageous act marked a turning point, Christianity’s arrival in Ireland. 

From there, we journey onwards to Northern Ireland, where we'll visit the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, the only permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to this beloved saint. Discover the extraordinary story of Patrick: once a captive, later a courageous missionary who changed the spiritual landscape of a nation. Learn how he used Irish symbols to explain the Gospel and how his mission led to the founding of countless churches, monasteries and schools across Ireland.

We’ll also visit the traditional burial site of St. Patrick and continue to Saul Church, known as the “Cradle of Christianity in Ireland.” It was here that Patrick established his first church, planting the seeds of a faith that would grow and flourish for centuries. 

Overnight Belfast.

Day 4-  Friday, May 22

In the morning, our pilgrimage takes us to Gracehill, a quiet village with deep spiritual roots. Founded by the Moravian community, Gracehill is a place shaped by a simple but powerful faith, centered on prayer, humility, and living in harmony. As we walk its peaceful paths, we will talk about the impact Moravians have made not just here, but across the entire world. From there, we continue to Slemish Mountain, a place that marked the beginning of St. Patrick’s journey of faith. It was on these slopes, as a teenage slave tending sheep, that Patrick began to pray. In the isolation and hardship, he encountered God in a way that would shape the rest of his life and change the course of civilization itself. In the afternoon, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Giant’s Causeway. Flanked by the wild Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant’s Causeway captures the imagination of all who see it.

Overnight Belfast.

Day 5- Saturday, May 23

Today, we journey to the ruins of Clonmacnoise monastery. St Ciarán founded his monastery on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6th Century. The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning, a university of its time with students from all over Europe. The ruins include a cathedral, two round towers, three high crosses, nine churches and over 700 early Christian grave slabs. Be inspired as you hear more about journeying with God and walk upon the ancient pilgrimage pathway. In the afternoon, we will head to the beautiful city of Galway, which is a vibrant coastal city known for its lively spirit, traditional music, cobblestone streets and year-round festivals. It’s a beautiful blend of the ancient and the modern, a perfect place to end our day.

Overnight Galway.

Day 6- Sunday, May 24

We will set sail by ferry from Galway Harbour to the breathtaking Aran Island of Inis Mór (Inishmore), a place often described as an open-air museum, with over 50 monuments representing pre-Christian, early Christian and Celtic heritage. Today, the island is home to a close-knit community of about 800 people, many of whom still speak Irish as their first language, preserving a rich cultural legacy. Celtic Christianity took root on the Aran Islands through the life and witness of St. Enda, a former warrior who was given land on Inis Mór by his brother-in-law, King Angus. Enda devoted his life to prayer, simplicity and teaching. His monastery became a cradle of Irish monasticism, attracting students who would become some of Ireland’s most notable saints including St. Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, St. Brendan the Navigator and St. Colmcille of Iona, among others. We will visit the ruins of what is believed to be Ireland’s first monastery, founded around 485 A.D., and take time to reflect on the legacy of faith that began in this rugged and holy place. As we explore the island, we’ll take in its dramatic cliffs, stone-walled fields and sweeping coastal views. Our final stop on the island is Dún Aonghasa, a massive stone fort perched on the edge of a 300-foot cliff, offering dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean. As we ferry back to the mainland, we’ll pass by the famous Cliffs of Moher, whose rugged beauty offers an unforgettable end to this day.

Overnight Galway.

Day 7- Monday, May 25

Another glorious day in Ireland as we drive from Galway towards Cashel. Our first stop will be the Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, it possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Once the seat of the Kings of Munster, it is famously linked to St. Patrick, who is said to have come here to baptize and convert King Aenghus to Christianity. In 1101, the site was gifted to the Church, and it quickly became one of Ireland’s most important centers of ecclesiastical power and influence. Standing among its ancient stone walls, we are reminded of the deep roots of faith that have shaped this island for centuries. We'll then head to the picturesque city of Kilkenny, where we'll be staying overnight. We'll enjoy the charm of this Irish town as we settle in for the night.

Overnight Kilkenny.

Day 8- Tuesday, May 26

In the morning, we'll tour the Kilkenny Castle, overlooking the Nore River and one of the most beautiful castles in the world and one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. After this, we will head back to Dublin with a short stop in the village of Kildare where St. Brigid, who lived there in the 5th century, is remembered as a powerful spiritual leader, abbess and peacemaker who founded a major monastery there that became a center of learning, faith and charity.

Upon arriving in Dublin, we will visit Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university. Here, we’ll encounter the legendary Book of Kells, an illuminated 8th-century manuscript of the Gospels, created by monks and often called a “work of angels” for its breathtaking detail and vibrant artistry. Marvel at the world famous Old Library and immerse yourself in incredible history.

Overnight Dublin.

Day 9- Wednesday, May 27

Enjoy a morning to do some personal shopping or wandering around the city at your leisure. We’ll meet after lunch, where you’ll have the choice of one of two adventures- the Guinness Storehouse tour where you’ll hear the inspiring tale of Arthur Guinness and savour the sights, sounds, tastes and aromas of Guinness or you can choose to visit EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum where you’ll discover how Irish emigrants built lives abroad, how Irish culture has influenced everything from country music to Riverdance and how Irish imagination continues to inspire breakthroughs in literature, science, and beyond. 

For our final night together, we’ll celebrate with a lively Hooley Show and dinner at Johnny Fox’s, Ireland’s highest pub. It’s the perfect place to relax, laugh and enjoy traditional Irish music and dance. It will be an evening full of joy, community and the warmth of Irish hospitality as we bring our pilgrimage to a meaningful close.

Overnight Dublin.

Day 10- Thursday, May 28

Depart Dublin for home.

“When we experience the Beautiful, there is a sense of homecoming.

Some of our most wonderful memories are of beautiful places where we felt immediately at home. 

We feel most alive in the presence of the Beautiful for it meets the needs of our soul.” John O’Donohue, Irish poet

ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Cancellation policy: