Celtic Christianity Pilgrimage
Ireland, Scotland & Northern England
October 12–24, 2026
Full Itinerary
Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group
Day 1: Departure from US (Oct. 12)
Today we embark on our journey to the land of the ancient Celts to discover the arrival and spread of the roots of early Christianity in these lands. Get some sleep on the plane … because our pilgrimage begins as soon as we land in Ireland.
Day 2: Glendalough, Dublin & St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Oct. 13)
Upon arriving into Dublin airport, we meet our guide and coach driver before traveling into the Glendalough valley to visit one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and from this humble beginning developed the “Monastic City.” Most of the buildings that survive today date from the 10th through 12th centuries. Despite several attacks by Vikings over the years, Glendalough thrived as one of Ireland’s great ecclesiastical foundations and schools of learning. We travel back to Dublin for a panoramic city tour, ending at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This magnificent Anglican cathedral houses Jonathan Swift’s remains, a former dean of the cathedral and author of Gulliver’s Travels. It is the only remaining cathedral in Ireland with daily sung services, so of course we will stay for Evensong. Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 3: Trinity College & Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse (Oct. 14)
The Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College Dublin offers a multi-sensory journey, with an immersive digital exhibition. The tour includes the historic Old Library, The Book of Kells 360, The Long Room Reimagined, and the Secret Life of the Collections. Afterwards, we visit the Guinness Storehouse. The Guinness Storehouse contains seven unforgettable floors of sights, sounds and sensations in a building where beer has been brewed for over 250 years. This interactive and entertaining experience takes you on an immersive journey from grain to glass. On the top floor, a complimentary pint awaits you as you enjoy the best views of Dublin and the surrounding hills. Free time for lunch and shopping before traveling west to County Mayo. Dinner and evening prayer at the hotel.
Day 4: Ballintubber Abbey & Enniskillen Castle (Oct. 15)
Founded in 1216 by Cathal Crovderg O’Connor and still an active faith community, Ballintubber Abbey is an important sacred Irish historical site which celebrated its 800-year anniversary in 2016. The Abbey sits along the ancient pilgrimage route to Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s sacred mountain dedicated to St. Patrick and still a destination for pilgrims. Following lunch in a local pub/restaurant, we continue on to the 600-year-old Enniskillen Castle, located next to a narrow crossing on the River Erne. Guarding one of the few passes into Ulster, it has remained strategically important throughout its long history. Visiting the site allows you to trace centuries of diverse histories through a Medieval Stronghold, Plantation Castle, Garrison Fort, to the present day. Dinner and evening prayer.
Day 5: Belfast, St. Anne’s Cathedral & St. Patrick’s Centre (Oct. 16)
Meet early this morning with a local guide for a morning tour of Belfast, with a special emphasis on the city’s commitment to peace and reconciliation after “the Troubles” that rocked Northern Ireland throughout much of the 20th century. Step off Belfast’s busy streets and into a timeless place of prayer to explore its history and enjoy quiet moments of reflection in beautiful St. Anne’s, Belfast Cathedral, the “Cathedral at the Heart of the City, with the City at Our Heart.” Following lunch, we travel to Downpatrick. St. Patrick’s Visitor Centre, the only permanent exhibition in the world devoted to Ireland’s Patron Saint. The history of Ireland begins here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through a multimedia exhibition of the saint’s life. Complete the visit with a trip to Patrick’s grave and Saul Church, the site of Patrick’s first Irish church. Dinner and evening prayer.
Day 6: Travel to Scotland, Glasgow & Oban (Oct. 17)
Early morning departure from hotel to Belfast ferry terminal to embark for the ferry crossing to Cairnryan, Scotland, where we meet local coach driver and travel to Glasgow and meet our Scottish guide. Glasgow is a city founded by St. Mungo in the 6th century. Visit the cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Glasgow or St. Mungo’s Cathedral, including the St. Mungo Museum of World Religion located within the cathedral precinct. Transfer to the coastal town of Oban. Dinner and evening prayer at the hotel.
Day 7: The Islands of Mull & Iona (Oct. 18)
Early morning ferry from Oban to Mull, and then on to Iona. The monastery at Iona was to become the heart of Celtic Christianity in Scotland when St. Columba and his followers landed in the year 563 and established a new monastic community. Trace the story of the spread of Celtic Christianity here, which prospered until relentless Viking raids forced the monks to flee the island. Iona Abbey is one of the oldest Christian religious centers in Western Europe. The Abbey was a focal point for the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland and marks the foundation of a monastic community by St. Columba, when Iona was part of the Kingdom of Dal Riata. St. Aidan served as a monk at Iona before leaving and helping to reestablish Christianity in Northumberland in northern England, on the island of Lindisfarne. Return by ferry to Oban for dinner and evening prayer.
Day 8: Travel to Edinburgh, Holyroodhouse (Oct. 19)
Travel through the lovely Scottish countryside, making a stop for lunch. Upon arriving in Edinburgh, we visit Holyroodhouse. Set at the foot of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence of the British royal family. The complex grew from a 12th century abbey into a full-fledged Baroque palace, complete with elaborate plasterwork, sumptuous furnishings and a number of irreplaceable medieval tapestries. The palace is perhaps most famous for having hosted the unfortunate Mary, Queen of Scots, whose beloved secretary was slaughtered here. Dinner and evening prayer at our hotel.
Day 9: Edinburgh (Oct. 20)
Begin the morning with a panoramic and walking tour of the Scottish capital, including the Old Town, Cannongate and the Royal Mile. Located at the head of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the very heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city, it is the site of much of Scottish history and is sure to capture your imagination. Discover the highlights of the Castle: the Royal Palace, the Honours of Scotland, Mons Meg and the Scottish National War Memorial. Afternoon at leisure to explore Edinburgh on your own before dinner and evening prayer.
Day 10: Lindisfarne & Bamburgh (Oct. 21)
Discover the heritage of the Holy Island. The Lindisfarne Centre is the ideal starting point for our visit to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Holy Island’s historical significance is portrayed in a series of exhibitions. We then cross the dramatic causeway to reach the island of Lindisfarne, following in the footsteps of the ancient monks who built their priory here nearly 1400 years ago. Explore the wild coastal beauty of Holy Island. Visit the museum to learn the story of violent Viking raids, the miracles of St. Cuthbert, and the beautiful medieval Lindisfarne Gospels. We depart Lindisfarne, stopping in the picturesque village of Bamburgh which lies in the shadow of the imposing Bamburgh Castle. We then continue on to Durham for dinner and evening prayer at the hotel.
Day 11: Durham (Oct. 22)
Following a walking tour of Durham, we visit beautiful Durham Cathedral, the Anglican cathedral church of the Diocese of Durham. It is the shrine of beloved St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede, the seat of the Bishop of Durham, and a centuries-old focus of pilgrimage and spirituality in Northeast England. Depending on the cathedral schedule, we may attend a daily service. Remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner in a local pub/restaurant before returning to the hotel for dinner and evening prayer.
Day 12: Whitby Abbey (Oct. 23)
Whitby Abbey has been welcoming pilgrims and inspiring visitors for nearly 1500 years. It was here that the historic Council of Whitby occurred in the year 664, sounding the death knell for the Celtic strain of Christianity in favor of the Roman model. Discover stories of saints, poets and Dracula as you explore soaring Gothic ruins and take in the breath-taking sea vistas. Free time for lunch and exploring the quaint village of Whitby before traveling to our Manchester hotel. Dinner and evening prayer.
Day 13: Departure home (Oct. 24)
Transfer to Manchester Airport for our return flight home to Philadelphia, filled with inspiration and wonderful memories.
FAQs
LODGING
Location: Hotel – # of Nights:
Dublin: Grand Canal Hotel – 1 night
County Mayo: Breaffy House Resort – 1 night
Belfast: Clayton Hotel Belfast – 2 nights
Oban: Columba Hotel Oban – 2 nights
Edinburgh: Delta Marriott Edinburgh – 2 nights
Durham: Delta Hotels Durham Royal County – 2 nights
Manchester: Best Western Pinewood Manchester Airport-Wimslow Hotel – 1 night
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
Lunches
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs
Travel Insurance – while travel insurance is optional, it is highly recommended! Be sure to check that you are covered for overseas medical expenses
PRICE INCLUDES ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
Roundtrip airfare utilizing Philadelphia International Airport
11 nights lodging in 4-star hotels
Breakfast and dinner daily
Full-time tour guides
Local site guides
Tips to guides and drivers
Services of long-distance deluxe touring motorcoach
Ferry tickets
All entrances for sites listed on the itinerary
Government Sustainable Development Fee at each port
Pricing
$7,450.00 per person, double occupancy
$8,350.00 per person, single occupancy
*Single supplement ($900.00) applies for limited number of single rooms available.
To reserve your spot, please complete form and send with $1,000 deposit and copy of passport photo/information page:
Spirited Pilgrimages, 600 York Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that all travelers obtain travel insurance and overseas medical insurance before beginning the trip.
Pilgrim Reservation Form
DEPOSIT: $1,000.00 deposit reserves your space – DEADLINE: JANUARY 30, 2026
Spaces reserved on ‘first received, first reserved’ basis. With only 25 spaces available for the pilgrimage, it is advisable to submit your deposit as early as possible.
At the present time, Spirited Pilgrimages is unable to process credit card payments. We are working to accommodate credit card payments in the near future. In the meantime, please submit deposit payments by check, made payable to ‘Spirited Pilgrimages’.
Mail with completed pilgrimage reservation form to: 600 York Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446.
FINAL BALANCE: DUE MAY 30, 2026
CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY:
Before January 30, 2026: deposit returned, less $100.00 service fee lost
Before June 30, 2026: deposit amount lost
After July 1, 2026: 100% of tour cost lost
AIR TERMS & CONDITIONS:
In order to keep the price affordable, Spirited Pilgrimages utilizes group airline ticket pricing. Group air tickets are priced in economy. Seat upgrades may be requested but cannot be guaranteed. Additional cost will be charged to traveler.
Spirited Pilgrimages does not have the ability to guarantee assigned seating when making group air arrangements. Air carriers are responsible for seat assignments, and most group air contracts assign seats at the airport check-in on day of departure.
Mileage credit for individuals on group air contracts is not guaranteed and is subject to the rules of each airline under contract.
Passengers wishing to cancel or change their air reservation may be subject to cancellation penalties.
Air schedules may be subject to change at the discretion of the airline.