Pilgrimage to Ireland

With St. Stephen Catholic Community

October 11-20, 2025

About

Join Verso Ministries and St. Stephen Catholic Community on a journey of faith, history, and culture through Ireland. From Dublin to Knock, Galway to the Aran Islands, Kilkenny to Glendalough, you’ll marvel at medieval churches and breathtaking natural beauty. Discover the lives of Irish saints such as Patrick and Brigid and be inspired by the ways God has been, and continues to be, at work across the Emerald Isle. With daily Mass and time to pray, contemplate, and explore, this handcrafted pilgrimage offers an authentic encounter with the faith and charm of Ireland.

Trip Details

Group Type

Open to All, Hosted by St. Stephen Catholic Community

Length

10 days, 9 nights

Accommodations

Standard

Cost

As low as

$5,112

Deposit:

$500

What's Included

Verso Pilgrimage Director (groups of 30+ pilgrims get dedicated director)
Local, licensed tour guide(s)
Custom booklet for each pilgrim
Catholic Chaplain
Daily Mass
Private transportation on motor coach
All tickets and donations for included activities listed on itinerary
Simple accommodations
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
Audio headsets
Round-trip airfare from Nashville
Airport/hotel transfers

Itinerary

October 11
Depart U.S.
  • Depart the U.S. on your overnight flight to Dublin
October 12
Dublin
  • Arrive in Dublin and transfer to your hotel
  • Take a walking tour of downtown Dublin, highlights including the cathedrals of Christchurch and St. Patrick; the Victorian garden square of St Stephen’s Green, and Grafton Street with its live music and shops
  • Welcome Mass in a local church
  • Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant
  • Check-in to hotel
  • Overnight in Dublin
  • Accommodations: Trinity City Hotel
  • Meals included: Dinner
October 13
Dublin
  • Visit Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s oldest university with connections to Oxford and Cambridge, and see the Book of Kells
  • Mass in Dublin (potentially in the College’s Trinity Chapel)
  • Tour and tasting at Jameson Distillery on Bow Street
  • Free for the rest of the day to explore the city
  • Overnight in Dublin
  • Accommodations: Trinity City Hotel
  • Meals included: Breakfast
October 14
Knock
  • Drive from Dublin to Knock
  • Upon arriving at Knock, explore the Knock Shrine, Ireland’s International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine, and its five churches and gardens on a guided tour
  • Celebrate Mass, followed by time for personal prayer, lunch, and exploration
  • Transfer from Knock to Galway, enjoying dinner at the hotel upon arrival
  • Overnight in Galway
  • Accommodations: Park House Hotel
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
October 15
Cliffs of Moher
  • Morning visit to Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy views of the Atlantic and the Aran Islands as you walk along Ireland’s most famous cliffs on the coast of County Clare. Notable stops along the Cliffs include the main viewing area of Hag’s Head and O’Brien’s Tower, built in 1835
  • Drive back to Galway for lunch on your own
  • Mass in Galway
  • Enjoy a free evening in Galway. Head to Quay Street in the heart of the city and explore Galway’s food scene and pub culture. Stop at the sixteenth-century Spanish Arch on the Long Walk along the River Corrib, or escape for a seaside stroll on Salthill Promenade.
  • Overnight in Galway
  • Accommodations: Park House Hotel
  • Meals included: Breakfast
October 16
Aran Islands
  • Ferry from Rossaveel to the island of Inis Mor. Visit the medieval ruins of the Seven Churches
  • Enjoy a group lunch at a local pub
  • Mass in the Church of St Brigid and St Oliver Plunkett at the end of the excursion
  • Return for a free evening in Galway and dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Galway
  • Accommodations: Park House Hotel
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
October 17
Rock of Cashel
  • Drive from Galway to the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. Located in the Golden Vale, here you can find Cormac’s Chapel with its Romanesque frescoes, a Gothic cathedral, fifteenth-century Tower House, and an abbey. The original seat of the kings of Munster, this is where St Patrick is believed to have tried to convert the king to Christianity in the fifth century
  • Mass upon arrival at St John the Baptist Church (or other)
  • Free for lunch on your own
  • Continue on to Kilkenny, check-in to the hotel
  • Dinner at a local restaurant
  • Overnight in Kilkenny
  • Accommodations: Kilkenny River Court Hotel
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
October 18
Kilkenny
  • Mass in Kilkenny
  • Explore the medieval town’s castle, cathedrals, and abbeys as well as its craft and design workshops through a walking tour. Highlights include the sixth-century St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower, Kilkenny Castle, and the Kilkenny Design Workshops
  • Free time for lunch
  • Visit Kilkenny Castle
  • Free time for shopping at the Kilkenny Design Center, and dinner on your own
  • Overnight in Kilkenny
  • Accommodations: Kilkenny River Court Hotel
  • Meals included: Breakfast
October 19
Glendalough
  • Drive from Kilkenny to Glendalough. Located in a glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, follow in the footsteps of St. Kevin and visit the early medieval monastic settlement which he founded, the Round Tower, the ancient ruins of St. Kevin’s Church and the tomb of St. Kevin
  • Mass in Glendalough, followed by lunch on your own
  • Return to Dublin and check-in to hotel
  • Farewell Dinner and Show (including 1 drink/person) – The Merry Ploughboy
    • Widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin. A highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish music, song, and Irish dancing. The very best of fresh Irish food is served and offers a choice menu.
  • Overnight in Dublin
  • Accommodations: Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
October 20
Departure
  • Transfer to the airport and depart from Dublin on your journey home
  • Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing

As low as

$5,112

Package Cost (without savings)

$5,412

Trip Savings

Early Bird Savings - Register before April 14, 2025!
Save $300 / person
Land-Only Savings - No Group Flight Included
Save $980 / person

Optional Add-ons

Travel protection
Quote available upon registration*
Single room supplement (limited availability)
$1,559/person
Gratuities
$TBD / person

Pricing listed per person in double-occupancy rooms and includes airfare.

Land-only packages are available.

The number of available single-occupancy rooms is limited.

*Travel protection price is calculated based on a variety of factors and optional plans are provided by Travel Insured International.

Rates assume a minimum of 30 full-paying pilgrims.

  • Gratuities for pilgrimage director, guide(s), driver(s), hotel staff, and meals (optional add-on)
  • Round-trip airfare (if group flight package is not selected)
  • Passport, visa, or luggage fees
  • Any personal purchases
  • Any meals not indicated on itinerary, as well as beverages at meals
  • Any required COVID tests or vaccinations
  • Recommended travel protection with Cancel for Any Reason coverage
  • Anything else not explicitly mentioned as included

Group Flight Information 

  • October 11, 2025
    • American Airlines Flight AA1396
      • Departing Nashville (BNA) at 1:40 P.M.
      • Arriving Dallas (DFW) at 3:55 P.M.
    • American Airlines Flight AA132
      • Departing Dallas (DFW) at 7:05 P.M.
      • Arriving Dublin (DUB) at 9:45 A.M. (next day, October 12)
  • October 20, 2025
    • American Airlines Flight AA133
      • Departing Dublin (DUB) at 12:40 P.M.
      • Arriving Dallas (DFW) at 4:20 P.M.
    • American Airlines Flight AA1076
      • Departing Dallas (DFW) at 6:30 P.M.
      • Arriving Nashville (BNA) at 8:21 P.M.

Land Only Pilgrims should arrange their flights based on the information below.

  • Arrival information
    • Arrive by: October 12, 2025
    • Arrival time: Arrive by 9:45 A.M.
    • Arrival airport: Dublin International Airport (DUB)
    • Arrival transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred from the airport in one group.
  • Departure information
    • Depart on: October 20, 2025
    • Departure time: Depart at or after 8:00 A.M.
    • Departure airport: Dublin International Airport (DUB)
    • Departure transfer: Pilgrims will be transferred to the airport in one transfer prior to the group flight.

 

Want help arranging your flights?

 

Want to arrive or depart outside of the designated times?

  • Please note: If you arrive/depart outside of the designated times, private transfers (fee applies) can be arranged on your behalf. Airport transfers outside of the designated arrival/departure times are not included in the package pricing.
  • Private transfer information and pricing can be found in the Additional Information section below.
  • Need to book a private transfer? Contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at (574) 383-9396.

Standard Accommodations

  • Dublin: Trinity City Hotel
  • Galway: Park House Hotel
  • Kilkenny: Kilkenny River Court Hotel
  • Dublin: Clayton Hotel Leopardstown

Deposit due upon registration – $500/person
Final balance due 120 days prior to departure – Final balance

Final package price is estimated. Pricing is based on currency exchange rates as of January 2025. Any drastic fluctuations in currency exchange rates may impact final pricing. If you have any questions about pricing and when final pricing decisions will be communicated, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

 

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to Verso Ministries in written form and received via email or mail. Any refunds, as applicable, will be processed based on the date stamp of email or mail received. Cancellation fees are for individual pilgrims and fees will be charged per person per booking.

Cancellations are possible at any time, but refunds are subject to cancellation fees at the rates listed here.

  • Within 2 weeks of deposit: Free Cancellation*
  • 91 days or more from departure: Deposit is retained
  • 90-61 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • 60-31 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost is non-refundable
  • 30 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip cost is non-refundable

*To qualify for free cancellation within 2 weeks of deposit, deposit must be made 180 days or more prior to departure.

Any cancellation charges incurred from other suppliers or vendors (flight, lodging, ground transportation, tickets, etc.) may come in addition to the administrative fees listed here. All group flight airline tickets, optional excursions, trip options, pre/post extensions, private transfers, and additional hotel nights are non-refundable 100 days or less prior to departure unless otherwise noted.

FAQ

The sooner you register for the pilgrimage, the better! Not only does registering early guarantee you a spot on the pilgrimage before the departure fills up, but if you register before 11:59 p.m. on April 14th, 2025, you will receive the early bird discount. Also, there is no risk for 14-days after you register should you then have to cancel (must register 180 days or more prior to departure). So let’s say you register for a pilgrimage, but then realize you can no longer attend, as long as you cancel your pilgrimage within 14-days of registering and registered more than 180 days prior to the departure, then we will fully refund your deposit no questions asked. Just send us a written confirmation of your cancellation and we will take care of the rest. Plus, the sooner you register the sooner your journey begins. Register today!

There is no risk! Your deposit will be fully refunded as long as you cancel within 14-days of registering and you have registered more than 180 days or more prior to departure. With no risk, why wait? Get registered today!

Registration closes when the pilgrimage reaches the maximum number of pilgrims. If the pilgrimage is filled when you register, you will be added to our waiting list, and contacted in the event that space on the pilgrimage becomes available. Don’t miss your chance, register now and begin your journey.

We recommend that all pilgrims consider purchasing travel protection. We partner with Travel Insured International (TII) to offer travel protection.

According to TII, travel protection helps protect you and those you are traveling with from unforeseen emergencies, which always seem to happen at the worst possible time. In the event of emergencies, both before and during your travels, as well other circumstances, like travel delay, lost baggage, missed connection(s), and much more, travel protection can help.

Upon registration you will receive a travel protection quotation from TII. If you have any questions regarding your quotation, please call TII. If you need an updated or new quotation, please contact us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396. We are happy to help!

Including optional add-ons with your pilgrimage can really add to your experience whether it is one of the optional extension or arranging an extra night stay beforehand so you are rested when the pilgrimage begins. If you would to add on any optional arrangements, as listed above, please email us at hello@versoministries.com or call us at 574-383-9396.

A pilgrimage, at its simplest, is a trip of faith. Which means a pilgrimage can be anything from a walk around your city to an encounter of Jesus in the Holy Land. For Catholics, it’s a trip of faith that people have been taking for hundreds or even thousands of years, many times in the same exact places you can visit today. It’s an opportunity to experience the spots God has made his presence known most in time and space, whether that’s where Jesus walked, where Mary appeared, or where the saints have lived and worked.

At Verso, we believe in crafting pilgrimages that offer you a view of God’s world and his work in it that you can’t get anywhere else. We believe everything from the holy sites, to the meals, to daily Mass, to your fellow pilgrims are ways God can speak to you, which means we’re intentional about it all. We also believe a pilgrimage isn’t just the days you travel, it’s how you prepare from the moment you sign up, to the days and weeks after you arrive home. Which means it’s our intention to shepherd you through the entire process — before, during, and after — so you can have the best, most transformative experience possible. We’re not just travel experts, we’re experts in Catholic pilgrimage.

We know from experience that preparing for a journey is just as important as the journey itself. Our goal is to make sure you’re physically, logistically, and spiritually ready for your pilgrimage. You’ll receive essential emails that will walk you through the process and give you ways to prepare your mind and heart for what you’ll encounter. A pre-trip webinar will make sure you are in touch with the Verso leader of the trip, can get trip-specific info, and can ask questions. We’ll send you a pilgrim kit that contains a comprehensive booklet for your trip along with some Verso swag (such as a bag, pen, and sticker) that you can bring along with you on your pilgrimage. And of course, we’re always available by phone or email if you have any questions or special needs.

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Activity Level

Easy
This trip’s activity level is easy. It’s recommended that travelers be in good health to enjoy this itinerary and be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include half or full-day itineraries with 1-3 hours of leisurely walking per day on smooth or slightly inclined terrain. The pace is more relaxed, with opportunities to rest throughout the day.

Moderate
This trip’s activity level is moderate. Travelers must be in good health and be in good physical condition to enjoy this itinerary. Travelers must be able to walk and climb stairs on their own. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries of 3-5 hours of walking at a normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and hills. The pace is faster and more demanding, with some breaks throughout the day.

Difficult
This trip’s activity level is difficult. Travelers must be in good health and physically fit to enjoy this itinerary. Trips at this activity level may include full-day itineraries with up to 5-7 hours of walking at normal to brisk pace per day on varied terrain including uneven surfaces, stairs, and steep hills. The pace is vigorous and demanding, with little down time each day.

Accommodation Level

Simple
For the duration of your trip, enjoy a range of lodging accommodations — from quaint guesthouses to simple-styled hotels. Discover a newfound appreciation for each of these locations which often have a unique character of their own. With your private bathroom and sleeping quarters, these locations will provide you with a clean, comfortable, and cozy place to settle into during your journey.

Standard
Venues at this level will provide you with the best accommodations at a reasonable cost. Not only will you have access to modern amenities and services, but special care is taken to ensure hotels are located in close proximity to the area’s local attractions. Expect your stay at this level to provide you with an added feeling of comfortability and convenience as you experience your pilgrimage.

Premium
Your stay at the premium level will ensure that your travel involves the opportunity to experience some of the most unique and luxurious stays that a destination has to offer. You’ll find that traveling at this level will afford you the opportunity to optimize your experience at each spot. From fine dining to scenic views, anticipate that your pilgrimage will provide you with breathtaking experiences no other location could provide.

How will I know what my stay will be like?
Each of our pilgrimage locations come with their own unique accommodations. From simple to luxurious, you can know that the care and satisfaction of each pilgrim is our greatest priority. While specific amenities will vary, we are sure that each of these handpicked locations will leave you rested, rejuvenated, and ready for each day.

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