DISCOVER THE TRAVEL PROGRAM

Day 1: City of origin – Dublin. FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS, BEGIN THE ADVENTURE.

The flight to Dublin brings an exciting adventure that for 13 days and 12 nights invites you to enjoy Ireland, at your own pace. When you arrive at the airport in the Irish capital, collect your car at the rental agency. Remember that in Ireland they drive on the left (be careful of roundabouts) and the car controls are also on the opposite side. Head to the hotel, but do not unpack. You have one night to discover wonderful Dublin and, the next day, you will begin this exciting journey.

Days: 2, 3 and 4 (22, 23 and 24 August). DISCOVER THE VIBRANT CAPITAL OF IRELAND AND PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES

From 22 to 24 August, you will be able to attend the Pastoral Congress for the World Meeting of Families on the theme “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World” chosen by the Holy Father. The Congress will include an enriching program for adults with important speakers, workshops, lectures, testimonies and debates; a motivating and engaging program for young people, and fun activities for children. There will also be a daily celebration of the Eucharist, prayer activities, cultural events and music concerts.

In addition, during these days you can visit Dublin, the lively capital of Ireland. We recommend you to visit some of its most famous attractions such as the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university and where you can visit its magnificent library, Town Hall, National Gallery of Ireland, Phoenix Park or the Dublinia exhibition. And if you’re a beer lover, you cannot miss the genuine Guinness Storehouse, where you can try one of the most famous beers in the world.

Day: 5 (August 25). DISCOVER DUBLIN’S CHARMS FROM THE RIVER LIFFEY AND ENJOY THE GREAT FAMILY FESTIVAL

Today you have all morning free. We suggest you discover Dublin’s charms from the River Liffey. Join one of the exciting riverside excursions that run daily on the River Liffey! From a boat equipped with all the comforts and thanks to an expert guide, you will be able to find out about the important historical stages of the city, from the arrival of the vikings a millennium ago, to the important development that the city experienced in the nineteenth century and the significant work of rehabilitation of the docks. During your boat trip, you will be able to recall outstanding legends and photograph outstanding tourist attractions of the city. During the river tour you will cross famous sites such as the Ha ‘Penny bridge or the Grand Canal. And if you prefer to explore Dublin by land you can get on some of the colorful tour buses that run through the city and stop in the most significant places.

In the afternoon, the Grand Festival of Families will take place, one of the most beautiful and significant events of the World Meeting of Families. It is a celebration of family life around the world with music and dance shows, as well as the testimony of faith of five families chosen from different parts of the world. You’ll love it.

Day: 6 (August 26). END OF CONGRESS AND UNFORGETTABLE EXCURSIONS

Today the World Meeting of Families concludes with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration which will bring together people and families from all over the world in communion and thanksgiving.

Afterwards, we recommend traveling to the small fishing village of Howth, just 20 minutes by train from Dublin. This ancient fishing peninnsula is visited by numerous tourists attracted by its interesting bird observatory. Also, marine mammals, such as seals, often come to the port to be fed by visitors. In Howth, the castle of the same name, owned by the Gaisford St. Lawrence family, resides there. Although you can not visit its interior, it can be enjoyable to visit its elegant gardens. Near Howth, you will find Ireland’s eye where the ecclesiastical remains of an ancient monastery are preserved and from where a great variety of birds can be observed. The Ireland’s Eye can be visited exclusively in summer, so you’re very lucky. Do not miss it!

Back in Dublin, we encourage you to leisurely wander the mythical Ha’Penny Bridge to the picturesque streets of the Temple Bar area that will catch you for its constant lively nightlife that focuses on its historic pubs where you can enjoy with the cozy dublin chords of traditional music and refreshing pints. Here’s to a good night!

Day 7 (27 August): Dublin – Wicklow – Waterford. WELCOME TO THE GARDEN OF IRELAND

Get your strength from a good breakfast and head towards County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland. In Wicklow you will love getting lost in landscapes full of flora and fauna worth seeing. Set amongst the lush hills of Wicklow, south of Dublin, you will enjoy walking among beautiful glens, beautiful waterfalls and transparent lakes. In addition to its spectacular scenery, hidden villages and stretches of pristine beaches, Wicklow is a historic place with elegant mansions and gardens.

Do not miss Glendalough, a monastic site founded in the 6th century which, despite the constant Viking sieges, continued its activity for another ten centuries. Once you have made the stops you are interested in, get back on the road to the south and head towards  Waterford.

Day 8 (28 August): Waterford – Cork – Killarney. A THOUSAND AND ONE CHOICES

On the eighth day, we propose a day filled with options to dedicate time to what interests you most. After having breakfast in Waterford, we invite you to visit the renowned glass factory, where you will observe closely how they work to cut the glass into incredible pieces of art. The next destination is in Midleton where lovers of good whiskey will be in their element. Once again, move on to a new destination to discover the historic city of Cork, which, thanks to its small size, invites you to explore its walking its streets and to mingle with its inhabitants in the traditional pubs and markets. To finish off an intense day, your accommodation awaits you in Killarney.

Day 9 (29 August): Killarney – Cliffs of Moher – Galway. THE CLIFFS OF MOHER, THE WONDER OF IRELAND

A new day begins and it’s time to leave for Galway. Along the way, you will pass by the pretty village of Adare and the medieval town of Limerick, until you reach Bunratty and discover its castle, which is an example of Norman architecture, fruit of the invasions and viking settlements. You can not miss the local Folk Park, where you will learn about the rural life in Ireland in the late 19th century. It has a wide range of domestic architecture, from simple cabins to elegant Georgian mansions. Continuing on the route in the direction of Ennis, you will arrive at one of the most impressive wonders in all   of Ireland: the impressive Cliffs of Moher. Follow your route to Galway, known as the city of the 14 originally settled tribes, where you stay the night. A small and cozy city that, in the fifteenth and sixteenth century, played host to ships from Spain to trade. That is why, even today, monuments like the “Spanish arch” recall the good relationship between the two groups of people.

Day 10 (30 August): Galway – Dublin – City of Origin. THE END OF AN UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY

Last day. Surely you feel a mixture of sadness, for leaving Ireland behind, and emotion, for having had the precious opportunity to experience it. Get back in the car, this time, heading to the airport. Once there, make arrangements to return it to the rental agency and wait for your flight to take you home. Safe home!

EXPERIENCES

GET TOGETHER WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
The World Meeting of Families 2018
The event will be held in Dublin from 21 to 26 August next year

Head to Ireland and take part in the World Meeting of Families to be held in Dublin from 21 to 26 August 2018. A unique opportunity to experience, together with your loved ones, an unforgettable journey that will transform your lives forever. Can you think of a better way to spend your summer vacation?

WELCOME TO THE EMERALD ISLE!

 

Take a spiritual journey in which you will also get to know Dublin, a cosmopolitan and welcoming city and discover an important historical and cultural legacy, a lively and fun atmosphere, delicious cuisine and the beautiful landscapes that have given so much to this European country.

Come together with your family and Friends to have a unique experience in which you can live your faith together with Pope Francis, feel the strength of spiritual communion and share experiences with families and young people from all corners of the world. Do not miss it!

 

 

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USEFUL INFORMATION

“The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World” is the title of the next World Meeting of Families to be held in the cosmopolitan and vibrant city of Dublin from 21 to 26 August 2018. In this multitudinous catholic citation will be reflected on the ideas that Pope Francis wrote in his latest document, Amoris Laetitia, where marriage and family are treated from a human perspective based on “three key words: permission, thanks and forgiveness.”

VISITING ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD
Discover the lively student atmosphere of Trinity College Dublin
Personalities such as Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde

Did you know that Trinity College Dublin is the oldest university in Ireland and one of the most prestigious in the world? Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, international personalities such as Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett passed through their classrooms.

Its rich library condenses the cultural wealth of the city, whose crown jewel is the “Book of Kells”. Trinity also owns the largest collection of manuscripts and printed books in Ireland. Since 1801, it has received a copy of all the works published in Ireland and Great Britain, thanks to which it currently has almost three million books distributed in eight buildings.

TRADITIONAL AND MODERN FEATURES IN AN ATTRACTIVE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENT

During your visit we recommend that you get lost in all its corners, relax in its small parks, admire its elegant buildings of the XVIII and XIX centuries that contrast with contemporary sculptures such as Henry Moore and soak up the university atmosphere.

As soon as you enter the main door you will find the bell tower, about 30 meters long, designed by Edward Lanyon and erected in 1853 at the place believed to be the center of the old monastery. On the north side of the square stands the chapel, designed by William Chambers and finished in 1799. You can only see its interior by previously arranging a guided tour.

The Dining Hall, the Library Square, the Douglas Hyde Gallery, the Science Gallery and the Samuel Beckett Theater are just some of the attractions on this campus which offers the visitor a traditional and modern experience.

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USEFUL INFORMATION

  • The visit to Trinity College is a must-see during your trip to Dublin. It is wonderful to walk around the campus admiring the buildings, as well as revisiting the past with the books of the Old Library, or to see the magnificent work of art of the Book of Kells.
  • The price of entry for the Old Library and Book of Kells is approximately 11 euros.

RELAX IN THE CITY’S BEAUTIFUL GREEN SPACE
Walk the Phoenix Park or go by bike
Get to know  the largest urban park in Europe

With more than 700 hectares of extension, the Phoenix Park is the largest urban park in Europe. Created in 1662 as a deer reserve, in 1745 it was remodeled and opened to the public. Located just a few miles from Dublin city centre, the Phoenix Park is an important green space for the city, as well as a pleasant place to bike.

We recommend you visit the following points:

  1. Phoenix Monument. It is a small column crowned by a sculpture of the mythical bird, a Phoenix, that gives name to the park
  2. Dublin Zoo. Visiting the zoo, one of the oldest in the world, is always a good option to enjoy nature in the middle of the city. Frequented by locals and tourists from all over the world, it was inaugurated in 1830 with a single resident: a wild boar.
  3. Papal Cross. Discover this cross located in the place where in 1979 the Pope celebrated a mass before a million followers.
  4. Wellington Monument. Take a picture of yourself in front of this obelisk which is 63 meters in height, erected in honor to the Duke of Wellington. It took more than 40 years to build.
  5. Áras an Uachtaráin. The official residence of the President of Ireland.
  6. People’s Garden is the only gardened and cultivated part of the park. You will find it next to the Park Gate entrance
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USEFUL INFORMATION

The park is open all day. You will need between three and four hours to visit it.

GET TO KNOW ALL THE DETAILS OF HIS HISTORY AND PRODUCTION
Visit the iconic Guinness Storehouse
From the Gravity Bar you can savour Dublin while tasting one of the best beers in the world

If you are a beer lover, you can not leave Dublin without visiting the Guinness Storehouse, one of the most authentic places in the city. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to find out informaiton about the history and production of the most favoured drink in these lands. Its reddish color, its characteristic smell and its intense flavor have made of the pint one of the preferred pleasures of Dubliners. The visit to the Guinness Storehouse begins on the ground floor of the main building, which you will recognise for its curious form of enormous pint of beer. Here you can see the copy of the brewery lease signed by Arthur Guinness in 1759 for 9,000 years and an interesting exhibition where you will know all the secrets surrounding the four ingredients that make up the beer: water, hops, barley and yeast.

On the first floor, the process of brewing is explained. A large room contains the old machinery used in the factory: a mill, a toaster, a alembic and giant wooden barrels. For its part, the second floor offers the visitor an interesting tour through the history of this emblematic beer that you will know thanks to the advertising campaigns developed by Guinness throughout history. On the third floor visitors are offered the possibility to test their knowledge about alcohol through different interactive games. On the fourth floor an exhibition tells the history of the building, from 1904 until its conversion in 2000 into a visitor center.

At end of this excursion on the fifth floor, visitors are offered the chance to pull their own pint, giving them a diploma that credits their skills. The tour finishes on the roof of the building, known as Gravity Bar, a pleasant place from which you can admire the views of the city while tasting a pint on the house. A unique experience.

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USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (July and August from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.).
  • Admission costs € 20.

ENJOY ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING SCENES IN IRELAND
Discover all the secrets of Dublin aboard a boat
River excursions along the River Liffey, a new and fun way to see the sights

Embark on a leisurely cruise and discover all the secrets of the River Liffey and the charming city of Dublin. While you enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, you will learn from an expert guide the history of this city, since the arrival of the Vikings, 1000 years ago, the apogee and development of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the rehabilitation of the Dublin quays and the many attractions that have turned this city into one of the main European capitals. During the crossing, you will cross the symbolic Ha’penny Bridge, the majestic Custom House, the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal, as well as discovering that much of modern Dublin sits on land reclaimed from the sea, which includes Trinity College and The Spire on O’Connell Street.

 

 

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USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Approximately 45 minutes.
  • The ship has the capacity to accommodate 48 passengers and offers all the facilities and services that guarantee a comfortable and safe voyage. The boat is ready for rain.

A TRIP TO  THE MIDDLE AGES
Visit the famous monastic complex of Glendalough
The Glendalough Valley, between two lakes

Half an hour from Dublin lies Glendalough, a monastic complex created more than fourteen centuries ago, which is located in a unique enclave, possibly one of the most beautiful in Ireland and attracts a large number of visitors.

The site, one of the most celebrated on the island, was founded in the sixth century by the monk St. Kevin, descendant of the royal family of Leinster, hermit and saint. It is an impressive display of Ireland’s religious heritage which, during its history, suffered constant Viking raids. However, it continued with its activity ten centuries after its construction. Nowadays, the group stands out because it conserves more than twelve monastic buildings of century X, XI and XII.

Let yourself fall in love with the incredible natural setting that surrounds Glendalough, between the Wicklow mountains, in the valley of the two lakes. Look at the beautiful shades in the reflection of the water and watch as the image is lost among the mountains.

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USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Duration of the visit: one and a half hours.
  • Access price: 3 euros.
  • Audio guides available in Spanish.

DISCOVER BUNRATTY CASTLE, THE MOST COMPLETE IN IRELAND
Welcome to the scene of a thousand battles
Indulge in the Folk Park of rural life in the nineteenth century

The history of Bunratty Castle is the story of a fortification, which has been rebuilt again and again on its foundations and has witnessed clashes between different peoples.
If the walls could talk, they would only tell part of the story. It is the grounds of Bunratty (which means at the bottom of the Ratty River) that have witnessed the clashes which have ended up collapsing the walls of the castle on three occasions. Normans, Irish and English fought in the area and destroyed the defensive building many times, resulting in the building which stands today. It is the most complete, authentically restored and furnished castle in Ireland. We invite you to come on in!

In the vicinity of the castle, the Folk Park will amaze you with the recreation of what rural life was like in Ireland in the 19th century . Do not miss it!

 

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USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Approximate duration: 2 hours.
  • The tour includes the castle, Folk Park, the gardens and the collection of pieces
  • The price is approximately 10 euros.
  • We recommend you attend one of the medieval banquets that are held in the hall every day.

DISCOVER THE CLIFFS
Get to know one of the wonders of the world
Surprise yourself with a movie show

The Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s major tourist attractions, located on the west coast of Ireland, about 260 kilometers from Dublin. It consists of an area of cliffs that are situated on the Atlantic Coast and extends for eight kilometers. They reach an impressive height of up to 214 meters at its highest point, to the north at O’Brien’s Tower. From the tower, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Twelve Pins mountain in the north, Loop Head in the south and the Aran Islands in Galway Bay. A wonderful view!

They are an impressive natural landscape – they have been nominated to be part of the 7 New Wonders of Nature – and is also a natural area for many species of birds.
The Interpretation Center “Cliffs of Moher Experience” is a point of reference for discovering all the information on the cliffs. It is a space that uses renewable energy and whose design is in harmony with the environment. It awakens all your senses and a natural spectacle.

 

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USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Duration of the visit: 3 hours.
  • Price per adult: approx. 4 euros.
  • If you want to be even closer to the cliffs, you can visit them from the sea. You can take a boat that leaves from the town of Doolin. Once you have enjoyed the views from the top, this option will allow you to get to know the most interesting areas, such as the Great Raven rock, and see the thousands of birds that nest in the area.
  • Some scenes from the movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Princess Prometheus were shot on the cliffs of Moher.

DISCOVER THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF CONNEMARA
Experience a unique experience in contact with nature
Much more than a park, get to know the past of Connemara

Connemara National Park is one of six national parks in Ireland and main tourist attractions of the country, situated in the west of Ireland, in County Galway. Within the park you can climb Diamond Hill, from where you will behold one of the best views, including the only Irish fjord, Killary.

It has an area of almost 3,000 hectares of mountains, peatlands, heathlands, grasses and forests. You can also find great diversity of birds, as numerous singing birds that nest in the trees. If you visit in winter, you will have the opportunity to see a greater number of species that migrate here from other parts of Europe. Although most of the mammals of the park usually hide in the presence of humans, you will be kept busy trying to find the traces and signs that indicate their presence. Be patient and you can meet them on your way.

In addition to flora and fauna, you will also discover remains of human civilization in the park, such as megalithic tombs which are 4,000 years old. Much of the land was in the past part of the site of Kylemore Abbey, which is located within walking distance of the park and is also highly recommended.

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USEFUL INFORMATION

  • Duration of the visit: 1 day.
  • Diamond Hill hike: 3 hours.
  • Access to the Park is free
  • The entrance to the Park is located at the end of Clifden, in Letterfrack (N59).
  • It is open all year, although the Information Center opens exclusively from March to October. In the centre there are exhibitions in 3D about the landscape uses, flora and fauna of Connemara. If you do not have time to visit it all, do not forget to visit the exhibitions to get to know the areas you are most interested in. If you prefer, you can visit the Park by bicycle to cover more ground.

Address

Our Address:

Dublin, Wicklow, Glendalough, Waterford, Cork, Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway

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