Pictures from Ireland

Exploring our Celtic Spirituality

A Pilgrimage to Ireland

Led by:

The Rev. Jeff Bunke
St. Anne Episcopal Church
West Chester, OH

June 14 – 22, 2012

Trip map

DAY 1, Thursday, June 14, 2012 - Depart from Dayton for our trans-Atlantic flight into Dublin. M

DAY 2: Friday, June 15, 2012 - Our pilgrimage to Ireland begins:  Upon arrival in Dublin, we clear immigration and depart for Newgrange with a stop along the way at the Hill of Slane where disputes between clans were settled; new laws were passed; and eventually Christianity was proclaimed from the summit by St. Patrick.  We continue on to Monasterboice which was founded by Saint Buite, who died in 521 AD.  This site contains two of the finest High Crosses in Ireland; both of these crosses are made of sandstone and date to around the 9th century.  The site also has a round tower which is in excellent condition.  We continue to Brú na Bóinne, the cradle of Irish civilization.  The most significant Neolithic monument here is Newgrange, one of the three passage graves.  Later we visit Mellifont Abbey, founded in 1142 and the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland.  We return to Dublin for dinner and overnight Emmaus Retreat Center, Dublin. MLD

DAY 3: Saturday, June 16, 2012 - Today we spend a day in the capital of Ireland, Dublin, where we visit Trinity College to see the magnificent Old Library and the 1200 year old Book of Kells, the beautifully illuminated version of the Gospels, designed by monks in the 9th century.  We continue on to the National Museum, housing a rich collection of Irish antiquities from the prehistoric times to the end of the medieval period. This afternoon we will be free for shopping and personal exploration in Dublin.  We join back together at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, for a tour of the cathedral and Evensong.  Dinner and overnight Emmaus Retreat Centre, Dublin. BD

DAY 4: Sunday, June 17, 2012 - This morning we travel into Northern Ireland to Armagh, the City of St. Patrick and the spiritual capital of Ireland.  We worship at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded by St. Patrick on the hill of Armagh in 445 AD.  The Cathedral contains an 11th century Celtic Cross, a number of sculptures from the Iron Age to the 20th century and the grave of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland.  After worship, we visit The Centre for Christian Celtic Spirituality, an interchurch project based at the old Episcopal Cathedral.  The Centre’s aims are to share ancient heritage of Celtic Spirituality with the rest of the world; to inspire others of all faiths and on their spiritual journey through the power of Celtic Spirituality; and to bring together Christian churches in a spirit of peace, respect and understanding.  We have an introduction of inspiring aspects of Celtic Spirituality followed by a tour of the Church of Ireland Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral.  We return to Dublin for dinner and overnight Emmaus Retreat Center, Dublin. BD

DAY 5: Monday, June 18, 2012 - Today we visit Glendalough, a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.  We visit the Heritage Centre and Museum where we see a video entitled “Ireland of the Monasteries”.  We meet Fr. Michael Rodgers who returned to Ireland after twenty years missionary service to serve on his congregation’s leadership team.  During this time he began to explore his own roots, a journey that led him to Glendalough.  He will lead us on the pilgrim’s walk through St. Kevin’s Monastic City, St. Kevin’s Church, Kevin’s Cross, The Cathedral, The Round Tower and St. Mary’s Church.  We return to Dublin where for dinner and overnight Emmaus Retreat Center, Dublin. BD

DAY 6: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 - Today we travel to Galway.  We visit the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship.  There will be a little free time in Galway Centre before we board the Corrib Princess for a 90 minute cruise along the famous Steamers Line, which is the lake’s traditional trade route.  The journey takes us along the majestic River Corrib and onto Lough Corrib providing unsurpassed views of the many historic monuments and natural amenities that make this the most spectacular waterway in Ireland.  Dinner and overnight The Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway. BD

DAY 7: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 - Our journey continues as we travel to Croagh Patrick, Patrick’s sacred mountain.  The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption.  It was on the summit of this mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation ever since.  We will climb the mountain under the direction of an experienced local guide.  Dinner and overnight The Connemara Coast Hotel, Galway. BD

Croagh Patrick will take about 6 hours to climb to the top and back down.  Please note that this is a difficult climb and you may not be able to complete it.  You must have appropriate attire including climbing boots with ankle support, rain jacket, layers of light clothing which can be put on and removed as required, backpack, plenty of water and snacks.

DAY 8: Thursday, June 21, 2012 - Today we visit Clonmacnoise, an early Christian site founded by Saint Ciaran in the 6th century.  This site includes the ruins of a cathedral, eight churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of early Christian grave slabs.  We continue to Dublin for dinner and overnight Clarion Hotel Dublin Airport. BD

DAY 9: Friday, June 22, 2012 - After breakfast we transfer to the Dublin Airport for our return flight home. BM

Price: $3,119.00  Price is based on double occupancy without airline taxes and fuel surcharges.  Roundtrip air from Dayton, OH.  Air transportation available from other cities.  Single Supplement:  $199.00

* Excludes airline taxes and surcharges that will be added to your final payment invoice. Estimated taxes as of July 28, 2011 $422.10 per person.

**The price is not guaranteed and may change due to the fluctuation of the Euro and the US dollar. We make every effort to avoid any increase and will only do so if the value of the dollar falls against the Euro. Your pricing was based on the exchange rate of $1.44 to the Euro.**

Due to limited space and seat allotment on the airline in and out of Dayton the last 6 pilgrims to register (up to 25 pilgrims) cost will be an additional $50.00 per person supplement.

$300.00 per person deposit due with registration and copy of passport.

Final payment due March 15, 2012.

Cancellation Penalties
◊ Until March 14, 2012: $125.00 plus any unrecoverable fees.
◊ March 15 – April 27, 2012: $225.00 plus any unrecoverable fees.
◊ April 28, 2012:  NO REFUND

Meals: B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner, M Meals on Aircraft

The itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions or at the discretion and direction of the leader or guide.