August 16 – 27, 2018

Join the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, at the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, Ireland! “Dublin, Ireland, has been chosen by Pope Francis to host the next World Meeting of Families from 21-26 August 2018, guided by the theme ‘The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World’. Held every three years, this major international event brings together families from across the world to celebrate, pray and reflect upon the central importance of marriage and the family as the cornerstone of our lives, of society and of the Church.” (World Meeting of Families website)

Click Here to Download the Registration Form

Contact Maggie at maggie@CatholicFaithJourneys.com or 419-290-8782 for more information or to join!

WMOF Ireland Itinerary*

*Subject to change

Day 1 – Thursday, August 16
Depart USA for overnight flight to Shannon, Ireland.

Day 2 – Friday, August 17
Arrive Shannon Airport where we meet our Irish Guide. Our first stop will be Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries and works of art which capture the mood of the times. Enjoy lunch, included, at Durty Nelly’s, one of Irelands most famous pubs. End the day at Falls Hotel & Spa, Ennistymon, for dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 3 – Saturday, August 18
After breakfast we being with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland’s most visited natural attraction. They cliffs stretch for 8km (5 miles), as the crow flies, along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland and reach 214m (702 feet) at their highest point at Knockardakin. We continue on to Galway City for a free afternoon of exploring, shopping, and experiencing the Irish culture. Return to Ennistymon for overnight. (B)

Day 4 – Sunday, August 19
This morning we take leave of County Clare for the beautiful Connemara, region of County Galway. We will visit the Kylemore Abbey, an iconic attraction, famous around the world. From its beginnings as a romantic gift in the 1860s to becoming home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of tragedy, romance, royal visits, spirituality and education. The Benedictine community welcome visitors to experience the Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the abbey and Neo- Gothic Church. We continue to Westport, Castlecourt Hotel, for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 5 – Monday, August 20
Knock. The story of Knock began on the 21st August, 1879 when 15 people from the village of Knock witnessed an Apparition of Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. John the Evangelist, a Lamb and cross on an altar at the gable wall of the Parish Church. The Shrine is one of Ireland’s most sacred sites. In 1979 Pope John Paul II made a personal pilgrimage to Knock and Mother Teresa visited in 1993. Mass in the Apparition Chapel, pending confirmation. After Mass we will have a tour of the Shrine Grounds. Enjoy lunch in the area before heading back to Westport. Remainder of the day free to enjoy Westport. Experience dinner at one of the many local establishments. (B)

Day 6 – Tuesday, August 21
After breakfast we leave Westport and head East to Dublin. On the way, make some comfort stops and then onto Silverstream Priory, pending confirmation. As Benedictines of Perpetual Adoration, they aspire to assure ceaseless prayer before the Eucharistic Face of Christ in a spirit of reparation. Praying and working in the enclosure of the monastery, the monks of Silverstream offer their life for the sanctification of priests labouring in the vineyard of the Lord. Continue onto Dublin for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 7, 8, 9 – August 22-24 – World Meeting of Family Conferences
Dinner included on Day 7. Enjoy Dublin’s restaurants on Days 8 & 9 on your own. (Transfers to/from conferences and 2 one-day, hop-on/hop-off Dublin bus passes per person included.)

Day 10 – Saturday, August 25
Today you are free to explore Dublin on your own. Perhaps use your hop on hop off bus pass. This evening we will head to the Festival of Families to join families from around the world for a celebration of faith, family and friends. (B)

Day 11 – Sunday, August 26
Today we head to the closing Mass location (TBD). Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 12 – Monday, August 27
After breakfast transfer to Dublin airport for our return flight home. (B)

NOTES: While no changes are anticipated, there may be occasions when certain alterations become necessary to this itinerary due to changes beyond our control. All Masses are subject to final confirmation.

[Click to download Travel Itinerary, Registration Form, and Terms & Conditions]

Pilgrims may leave from ANY AIRPORT with additional cost of airfare, please contact Maggie if you are interested in this option. 

For additional information or to join us contact us at 419-290-8782 or maggie@CatholicFaithJourneys.com

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