Ireland, England, and Scotland
Book a TripSaints and Spirits: A Catholic Pilgrimage to Ireland with Select International
Verdant beauty, fine spirits, and a litany of Saints make Ireland, England, and Scotland the perfect destination for Catholic pilgrims. Our Lady of Knock and Kylemore Abbey will bring you reverence and peace. Then, Guinness and Jameson will warm your belly. Finally, the outrageous beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and Cobh will fill lift your spirit and make you wonder if you’ll ever return home.
Ireland is rich in beauty, fine spirits, and unique Catholic history.
Ireland is one of the only places in the world where Catholicism grew without Roman cultural influence, giving it a unique and holistic history. Christianity was first recorded in Ireland in the early fifth century, although it certainly was introduced here before that. St. Patrick arrived at the behest of Pope Celestine in 432 and found a largely pagan society. Still, within the span of his lifetime, the Catholic faith replaced paganism as the primary religion of Ireland.
Today, as you walk the roads and fields of Ireland, you can still imagine the scenes from the earliest days of Catholic influence and see beautiful reminders of its spread throughout the country over the following millennium. While the Catholic influence is easy to see, you can also take in the beautiful culture of the Irish and taste and see their social traditions and creations in art, architecture, and of course fine spirits.
Our Lady of Knock
The apparition of Our Lady of Knock, which occurred in 1879, is unique because it involved the presence of the Eucharistic Lamb surrounded by angels. Knock Shrine is now a popular destination for Catholic faithful with a devotion to the Blessed Mother.
Cliffs of Moher
Creating the western edge of the European frontier, the Cliffs of Moher rise dramatically from the Clare Coast of the Atlantic Ocean and provide a breathtaking scene. In the distance, the Aran Islands can be seen on clear days and Sunsets on the Wester, facing cliffside are outstanding.
Jameson Distillery
The Jameson Distillery in Dublin was established in 1780 and Irish whiskey aficionados have enjoyed their spirits ever since. While a distillery tour might not be expected on a pilgrimage, we find its important to sample local customs to truly understand a place and its people.
Kylemore Abbey
Romance, legends, and outstanding beauty make Kyelmore Abbey a must-visit destination on any trip to Ireland. Built in the late nineteenth century, the Abbey looks much older. Its story, however, is as old as time itself, but you’ll have to visit to learn more…
Why Choose Select International Tours for Your Catholic Pilgrimage to Ireland, England, and Scotland
Catholic sites are staples on pilgrimages to Ireland, but Select International Tours curates experiences that enrich your pilgrimage and strengthen your faith by connecting you to the culture and unique Catholic heritage of the UK. Our knowledgeable and faith-filled tour hosts act as more than just group leaders. They provide insightful commentary throughout the journey, leading prayer and fostering a deeper understanding of each site’s historical and spiritual significance. Our local guides ensure you understand exactly what you see and the history involved. Here are some reasons is the perfect choice:
Rich and Unique Itineraries: Our tours are carefully crafted to take you to the most significant Catholic sites in Ireland, England, and Scotland: places like Our Lady of Knock. You will also explore the rich cultural history of this unique Catholic destination. Your tour is customized to your group leader’s exact specifications, which means you get a trip that no one else has.
Excellent Group Leaders: Many of the most prominent Catholic Clergy, evangelists, speakers, authors, and media personalities travel with Select International Tours. Your Group Leader works with us to craft a unique trip for you. Then, while traveling, they work with the best Local Christian Guides to ensure that you learn the history of each site, get time to pray, and experience the religious and personal significance of visiting these places yourself.
Daily Mass and Time for Prayer: Confirmed Daily Mass at sacred sites throughout the journey is standard on a Select pilgrimage. We also build in time for prayer and veneration, to make sure that yours is a true pilgrimage. Every trip has a priest to ensure that you have spiritual guidance at every turn.
Experience the Culture and History: With Select International Tours, you have time to experience the local culture in unique ways while visiting Ireland, England, and Scotland. Your tour might include a whiskey tasting, or a stop to kiss the Blarney Stone. See the trip brochures for specifics.
Top Hotels and Luxury Coaches: Pilgrimage touring can be tiring, which is why we book the best centrally located hotels for your stay. You’ll also travel in comfort daily on modern private air-conditioned motor coaches.
Your Trip Supports Christians: A small portion of your pilgrimage fee with Select International Tours goes to the Select to Give Foundation, which ensures that Christian families can remain and thrive in the Holy Land.
SELECT PARTNERS WITH THE BEST CHRISTIAN GUIDES
Select International Tours only works with the best and most ethical guides in the business. Your guides will be experienced and compassionate. They are there to help you every step of the way.
We were most impressed by our tour guide and the bus driver. [Our Guide] was very knowledgeable, friendly, and truly concerned about our experience. [Our Driver] was a skilled driver through the narrow streets and busy highways.
Our guide for this trip was amazing as well. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. Guiding a group of 40+ people had to be so difficult, but I appreciated everything he did.
Our guide was amazing, so well informed and answered all our questions with excellent answers
Scheduled Ireland, England, and Scotland Trips
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We Are Always Adding New Trips
Finding exactly the right trip for you can seem challenging. It has to be the right duration, on the right dates, and it should be with a leader you trust. Lucky for you, Select constantly adds new trips to give you plenty of options. Click HERE to find a scheduled trip to join or to get notified as we add new trips. Or, better yet, give us a call at 1-800-842-4842, and we will help you find the perfect pilgrimage for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Everyone has questions before departing on a pilgrimage. Here are a few common questions that you might be asking.
What’s the Typical Duration of a Pilgrimage?
Our Catholic pilgrimages to Ireland typically range from 10 to 11 days, allowing ample time for spiritual reflection and exploring each site.
What’s the Best Time to Go?
Most people visit Ireland in the spring, summer, and fall when temperatures are generally mild during the day and cooler at night.
What Physical Fitness Level Is Required?
A moderate amount of walking will be involved, so a basic level of fitness is recommended. Please see the activity level on the trip you’re considering to understand the amount of walking involved.
What’s Included in the Pilgrimage Cost?
Select International Tours offers all-inclusive packages that cover your flights, accommodations, meals, transportation within Ireland, entrance fees to all sites on the itinerary, and the expertise of our guides. We also offer land-only packages and optional extensions. See the trip brochure for more information.
What Should I Pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing suitable for churches, a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle are essential. You may also want to pack a small Bible and any religious articles that hold personal significance. Be sure to watch some of our Two-Minute Travel Tips for more tips and tricks.
Are There Opportunities to Experience Irish Culture?
Absolutely! We incorporate visits to charming towns, historic landmarks, local markets, and many special experiences, allowing you to savor the rich tapestry of Irish culture.
Lead a Custom Pilgrimage for Your Group
Focus on Your People, We'll make the Arrangements
Do you have a group of ten or more people that want to travel together? Let's partner and plan a trip! It's easy to get started.
- Pick a destination.
- Decide when you want to travel.
- Select will arrange all the details.
- Focus on enjoying your trip!
Are you ready to get started? All it takes is a phone call.