Ireland's Spiritual Heritage

DAYS 1-2: WELCOME TO IRELAND!

Experience the spiritual heart of Dublin as you enjoy a panoramic city tour of Ireland’s historic capital, passing elegant Georgian architecture, historic landmarks, and lively streets along the River Liffey. Visit magnificent St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest cathedral, where centuries of faith, history, and sacred tradition come to life. Admire its soaring Gothic architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and peaceful atmosphere honoring Ireland’s beloved patron saint. Discover the rich spiritual heritage that has inspired pilgrims and visitors for generations. Meals in Flight, D

DAY 3: GLENDALOUGH

Travel into the heart of picturesque County Wicklow and discover Glendalough, a peaceful monastic settlement founded by Saint Kevin in the 6th century. Set amid the scenic beauty of the Wicklow Mountains, this sacred site became one of early Christian Ireland’s most important centers of worship and learning. Explore the remains of the Monastic City, including the ancient round tower and historic stone churches, while learning the fascinating story of St. Kevin’s Bed, the legendary cliffside cave associated with this revered saint. B, D

DAY 4: ROCK OF CASHEL

Discover the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most sacred and historic spiritual landmarks, featuring a remarkable collection of medieval buildings, including a Gothic cathedral, ancient round tower, abbey, and Cormac’s Chapel. Stand where Saint Patrick is believed to have converted King Aenghus to Christianity while uncovering centuries of faith, worship, and pilgrimage. Continue to Cork for an overnight stay. B, D

DAY 5: GOUGANE BARRA

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Cork as you discover the charm, history, and spiritual heritage of Ireland’s vibrant southern city. Continue to peaceful Gougane Barra, where rolling hills surround a tranquil lake and the iconic St. Finbarr’s Oratory rests on its own small island. Learn about the 6th- century monastic settlement founded by St. Finbarr and the centuries of prayer, pilgrimage, and worship that have made this sacred valley an important spiritual destination. Admire the beautiful stained-glass windows, ancient prayer sites, and serene setting that continue to inspire pilgrims and visitors alike. B, D

DAY 6: DINGLE PENINSULA, GALLARUS ORATORY

Journey along the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, where winding coastal roads, colorful villages, and sweeping ocean vistas showcase the charm of Ireland’s southwest coast. Later, visit Gallarus Oratory, a remarkable stone structure dating back more than a thousand years and considered one of Ireland’s finest examples of early Christian architecture. Discover the stories, traditions, and enduring character that make this region a beloved part of Ireland’s heritage. B, D

DAY 7: CLIFFS OF MOHER, BURREN

Admire the dramatic beauty of Ireland’s west coast as you visit the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, soaring high above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Take in spectacular views along the Wild Atlantic Way while viewing one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks. Continue through the remarkable Burren region, known for its unique limestone landscape, ancient stone walls, and rich history. Appreciate the rugged beauty, timeless scenery, and deep cultural heritage that make this area one of Ireland’s most unforgettable destinations. B, D

DAY 8: KNOCK MUSEUM

Visit the Knock Museum and uncover the powerful story of Knock Shrine, a place of faith and pilgrimage for more than 140 years, shaped by the miraculous apparition witnessed on 21st August, 1879. Each year, over one million pilgrims travel here in search of prayer, reflection, and renewal. Join in the celebration of Mass at this sacred site, taking part in its enduring tradition of worship. Explore exhibits that preserve the history, devotion, and personal stories of those who have visited since 1879, and discover how faith at Our Lady of Knock continues to inspire visitors from around the world. B, D

DAY 9: RETURN HOME

Depart for your flight home with cherished memories of Ireland’s sacred sites, inspiring faith traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. B, Meals in Flight

ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1: Overnight Flight
Nights 2-3: Green Isle Hotel, Clondalkin, Dublin
Night 4: Vienna Woods Hotel, Cork
Nights 5-6: Brehon Hotel, Killarney
Night 7: Westport Plaza Hotel, Westport, County Mayo
Night 8: City North Hotel, Gormanstown, County Meath

Departure Cities:

• St. Louis
• Kansas City
• Springfield, MO

Depart: August 7, 2027
Return: August 15, 2027

Price per person:

• DB $5,299
• SG $6,399

Passport required.

Roundtrip airfare included from STL, MCI, SGF. Please call for other gateway cities.

Mobility Note
Guests should be comfortable with considerable walking and standing at cathedrals, monastic ruins, museums and outdoor heritage sites. Glendalough, the Rock of Cashel, Gougane Barra, and the Burren may include uneven stone, gravel, grass, inclines and steps. At the Cliffs of Moher, some viewpoints require uphill walking and exposure to wind. Comfortable shoes with good traction are especially important.

Average Temps
Daytime: 62–68°F
Overnight: 50–55°F

August weather is generally mild, but rain and wind are possible throughout the tour, especially along the Atlantic coast.

Currency
Euro (€)

Required Documentation
A valid passport is required. Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area, so ETIAS does not apply to entry into Ireland itself. Current entry requirements should still be reconfirmed before the 2027 departure.

Electrical Adapter
Ireland uses Type G outlets with three rectangular pins and 230-volt power. Guests should bring a UK/Ireland-style adapter and confirm that personal appliances are dual voltage before use.

Packing Tips
Pack comfortable waterproof walking shoes, removable layers and a waterproof jacket with a hood. A compact umbrella can be useful in towns, although strong coastal winds may make a hooded rain jacket more practical at the Cliffs of Moher and on the Dingle Peninsula.

Guests may also wish to pack church-appropriate clothing for Mass and visits to cathedrals, shrines, and sacred sites.

Hotel Note
Cork’s Vienna Woods Hotel is a historic country-house property originally built in 1756 as a summer lodge for Lord Barrymore. Surrounded by woodland along the Glashaboy River, it provides a more atmospheric Irish stay than a standard city hotel.

The Brehon Hotel & Spa is a luxury four-star hotel overlooking Killarney National Park. Guests stay here for two nights, with Killarney town center approximately a 15-minute walk away. The hotel also features the adults-only Anú Spa.

Notes on Highlights
Glendalough’s monastic settlement dates to the 6th century and became one of Ireland’s most important early Christian centers. The surviving round tower rises about 100 feet and originally served as a landmark, bell tower and place of refuge for the monastic community.

The Rock of Cashel is unusual because one relatively compact site contains several major layers of Irish religious history, including a round tower, Romanesque chapel, and Gothic cathedral. Before becoming an important Christian center, the limestone outcrop was associated with the kings of Munster.

Gougane Barra feels especially remote because St. Finbarr’s Oratory stands on a tiny island in a mountain lake. The setting is closely associated with St. Finbarr, who is traditionally believed to have founded a monastery there before establishing Cork’s religious community.

Gallarus Oratory was constructed using precisely fitted stone without mortar. Its distinctive corbelled design has survived the harsh Atlantic climate for centuries and remains one of Ireland’s best-preserved early Christian stone buildings.

Knock differs from many European pilgrimage sites because the reported 1879 apparition was silent. Fifteen witnesses described seeing Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, and an altar with a lamb, but no spoken message was reported. Today, more than one million pilgrims visit the shrine annually.

Identification
A valid passport is required to travel.

Other General Information
Tour Communications: You will receive three key communications leading up to your tour:

• Get Ready: Your email confirmation and initial tour information, sent after you register.

• Get Set: An email with additional tour details, sent approximately two months before departure.

• Go: Your final trip documents, mailed via USPS approximately three to four weeks before departure. This packet will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags, and final departure information.

Travel Protection: Travel Protection is optional but highly recommended and may be purchased until the day before departure. Sunrise Tours offers plans through battleface. Additional information will be included with your Get Ready email and can also be found HERE.

Inclusions: Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes:

• A professional Sunrise Tour Director

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary

• Local step-on guides, including gratuities

• International tour guide gratuities when specified for the individual tour

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation with an onboard restroom

• Admission to activities and events as indicated

• Airfare from designated airports

• Transportation to and from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*

• Luggage handling at hotels when available

Gratuities: We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver is $6 to $10 per person, per day of the tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers also appreciate gratuities for excellent service, with a suggested amount of $5 per person. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or distribute gratuity envelopes.

Refreshments: We are happy to provide refreshments on most motorcoach travel days. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to help you stay hydrated throughout your tour.

Pickup Points: If fewer than four travelers request a particular pickup point, we may ask those guests to select another available pickup location. Travelers are also welcome to join a tour from a city that is not listed as a departure point. Please contact our friendly reservations team to discuss available arrangements. For departure cities not listed, airfare is typically $100 more than the published fare for domestic tours and $200 more for international tours.

TSA: PreCheck and Airline Rewards Numbers: TSA PreCheck, Known Traveler Numbers, and airline rewards numbers must be provided to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure. Numbers received after this deadline may not be applied to your reservation.

Airline Seating: Preferred seating may not be available with group airfare. In some cases, seats are not assigned until travelers arrive at the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy-class seat but does not include advance seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available for an additional cost.

Motorcoach Capacity and Seating: To provide one of the most comfortable motorcoach experiences in the industry, Sunrise Tours generally limits motorcoaches to 80% capacity. This allows for a maximum of 44 passengers on a motorcoach designed to accommodate 55. Sunrise Tours reserves the right to amend this practice. Your Tour Director will rotate motorcoach seating each day of the tour. Payment of a single-occupancy fare does not guarantee two motorcoach seats, and you may be seated beside another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.

Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.