The Emerald Isle is a land of great beauty and turbulent unrest, raucous laughter and bitter tears. Steeped in a rich Christian tradition, it was once known as the ‘Land of Saints and Scholars’. But today, Ireland is in the midst of a great collective change.
Wonder Voyage has been traveling to this radiant isle since 1996. We have gained a knowledgeable ability to move through this stunning landscape as privileged insiders. Whether it is a unique accommodation, like a pious monastery or an inn on the Aran Isles, or the smell of a peat fire in a quaint village, Ireland never disappoints. This once ‘edge of the world’ people always welcome us with open arms, a warm cup of tea, and a “Cead Mile Failte.” Join Wonder Voyage for pilgrimage or a missions trip to Ireland.
Overview
- Explore ancient churches that echo the land of saints and scholars.
- Live in a monastery and partake of the daily spiritual rhythm.
- Visit the Aran Islands and enjoy the most Irish of all Irish locations.
- Create an arts exchange where you can share music, theatre or stories with others.
- Take in an evening of foot-stomping Irish music or hear the yarns of storytellers.
Itinerary
Every Wonder Voyage itinerary (mission trip and/or pilgrimage) is personalized to the desires, direction and personality of each group. This itinerary is only a description of the kind of journey we can create for your unique team.
- Day 1 – A Hundred Thousand Welcomes
We will star our adventure by heading out to Mooghaun Fort, an ancient Celtic stronghold, or perhaps venture into an overgrown castle. From there we will pass through the beautiful Irish countryside to a monastery. We will settle in, have a hearty authentic meal and a brief time of reflection. - Day 2 – Houses Of Worship
The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland. Since its inception in 1320 it has been continuously used as a place of worship and the heart of Galway’s life. When we return to our home in the monastery, a priest will teach us about his community and leave each pilgrim to free explore. - Day 3 – Life of a Monk
After breakfast we will serve the priests and monks by doing several simple service projects. After lunch we will visit the medieval town of Athenry. The picturesque city contains Ireland’s finest surviving town walls, stone gate, thirteenth century castle, priory, churches and romantic graveyard ruins. - Day 4 – Beauty and Awe
On this daylong adventure we will hike from the city of Doolin taking in beautiful views and then descend upon the Cliffs of Moher. Ireland’s top visitor attraction is 214m high at the highest point, eight kilometers wide, and towers over the Atlantic Ocean. This place bespeaks the beauty and awesome scope of God’s creation. - Day 5 – Time Travel
Another day trip will take us to the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise. Our destination is situated at the crossroads of Ireland in County Offaly and dates back almost 1,500 years. This place is a wonderful way to travel back in time and learn how monastic communities functioned. - Day 6 – The Sacred Mountain
According to Christian tradition, St. Patrick went up the sacred mountain at festival time in 441 AD. After fasting at the summit for 40 days, he banished all the snakes and demons from Ireland. The site quickly became an important place of Christian pilgrimage. Today you will make that same journey. - Day 7 – Inis Oírr
We will travel by boat back in time to the island called Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran islands, characterized by its distinctive charm. The islet itself also has the true feel of a classical isolated fishing village. Inside the village you will find a strong local community still adhering to the traditional Irish way of life and language. - Day 8 – A Simple Life
After breakfast the team will enjoy morning worship at the sand bound church of St. Kevin before heading out to explore the island and discover its rustic beauty. You can sit on the stone ledge and look out at the Cliffs of Moher and gain a different breath taking view of this wonder. After a day full of wonder, we’ll settle in for a final Celebration dinner and a time of reflection. - Day 9 – A Community of Saints
After a final breakfast the team will depart early. Our pilgrims now return with stories to share and hopefully their real pilgrimage has just begun. Ireland will never be far from their minds.
Legacy Location
Legacy in Ireland
- *This is the base cost of the trip. Your cost may differ depending on housing, activities, etc.
