Dublin

Pilgrimage to Dublin & Knock for the International Eucharistic Congress

Introduction

In June 2012 the 50th International Eucharistic Congress will be celebrated in Dublin, Ireland. By a happy coincidence 2012 also marks the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the Second Vatican Council. The theme for the Dublin Eucharistic Congress, ‘The Eucharist: Communion with Christ and with one another’ picks up on the notion of communion that was so central in the Council’s vision. Our Deanery has decided to participate in the second half of the week at the R.D.S. in Dublin as we see the International Eucharistic Congress as a golden opportunity to explore further the significance of communion for mission and evangelization which is at the core of our Diocesan Guidelines “Called to be a People of Hope”. Dublin is Ireland's centre of art, history and culture and the National Museums are free to enter! The Shrine of St Charles of Mount Argus (Passionist) is situated at Harold’s Cross. After 4 days in Dublin we will journey to the west of Ireland to visit the Shrine at Knock and will stay for 3 nights in Sligo “Land of Heart’s Desire”. Sligo is a county steeped in history and mythology made so famous by W.B. Yeats and others. From clear lakes and rivers to stunning beaches and dramatic mountains such as majestic Ben Bulben, Sligo is a place where “ spectacular landscapes and rolling waves inspire stories, trails and adventures that will open your mind, and invigorate your body and set your spirit free”.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE – THURSDAY

London/Bristol or regional U.K. Airports - Dublin

Morning scheduled flight from U.K. to Dublin. Transfer by coach to the Grand Canal Hotel situated in the exclusive suburb of Ballsbridge, within walking distance of the Royal Dublin Society (R.D.S.) where the Eucharistic Congress is taking place. We walk to the R.D.S. to make our first visit to the congress. Today’s theme is “Exploring the Challenge of Restoring Communion through Justice and Reconciliation”. We also have the opportunity to take part in the Liturgy of Reconciliation. The rest of the day will be at leisure to explore Dublin on our own. How about a visit to the National Gallery of Ireland, Trinity College, or St Patrick’s Cathedral? There are a number of restaurants, cafés and bars not far from the hotel, and dinner will be at our own choice on each evening in Dublin.

DAY TWO – FRIDAY

Dublin

After our full Irish breakfast, we walk to the R.D.S. to participate in today’s programme, with the theme “Exploring Suffering and its Potential to Exclude and Isolate People. Celebrating Communion through Healing”. This will be followed by Mass with Anointing of the Sick. As yesterday, the rest of the day will be at leisure to explore Dublin on our own. How about a visit by local transport to the Passionist Church on Lower Kimmage Road for a prayer at the Shrine of St Charles of Mount Argus?

DAY THREE – SATURDAY

Dublin

The theme for the final day of the congress is “Exploring and Celebrating the Word of God which Nourishes our Communion”. Also Mary as a “Hearer of the Word” par excellence. The rest of the day is at leisure in Dublin.

DAY FOUR – SUNDAY

Dublin

Today, we take part in the final Liturgy “Statio Orbis”, at Croke Park Stadium. We are still not sure who the principal celebrant will be, although the presence of Pope Benedict XVI has been suggested.

DAY FIVE – MONDAY

Dublin - Knock - Sligo

An early start, driving northwest to the small village of Knock, where in 1879, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to two villagers, Mary McLoughlin and Mary Beirne. Since then, millions of pilgrims have travelled to Knock where miracles and cures have been reported over the years. We celebrate Mass at the Basilica of Apparitions before we have a guided tour of the shrine. In the late afternoon, we drive northwards to Sligo, where we check into our centrally-located hotel for dinner and a three-night stay.

DAY SIX – TUESDAY

Sligo

Today will be free to enjoy Sligo town on our own. Mass will be celebrated at one of the local churches this morning. Afterwards, how about visiting places, associated with W. B. Yeats, such as the Yeats Memorial Building, or the county library and county museum? The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is famous for its stained glass, made in Tours in France. Finally, a visit to Sligo Abbey is suggested, which was built in the 13th Century, destroyed by fire and rebuilt with a wonderful 15th century high altar. Perhaps this afternoon a trip out to the beach by bus would be appealing. The evening is at leisure with dinner at choice.

DAY SEVEN – WEDNESDAY

Sligo - (optional excursion to Donegal cost to be announced)

Either spend the last day of the tour in Sligo, relaxing, or join an optional excursion to County Donegal, exploring some of the remote and rugged coastline as well as the attractive market town of Donegal. Return to Sligo by the early evening. Dinner will be in our hotel tonight.

DAY EIGHT – THURSDAY

Sligo - Knock - U.K.

Transfer to Knock Airport for our return flight to the U.K.

Travel Dates and Cost:

14th June 2012 - 21st June 2012
Eight Days
£699

Book now

Terms of Payment:

Deposit of £150 (plus the travel insurance premium if the cover we offer is required) per person on booking, balance payable two months before the departure date.
 

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Scheduled flights U.K. - Dublin/Knock - U.K. 15 Kilos luggage allowed. Four-nights accommodation in twin or double-bedded rooms at the Grand Canal Hotel (www.grandhotel.ie), Dublin (all rooms are en suite). 4 full breakfasts. Coach transfer Dublin airport - Hotel. Return coach transfers to Croke Park Stadium on Sunday 17th June. Coach transfer Dublin - Knock - Sligo. Three-nights accommodation at the Glasshouse Hotel (www.theglasshouse.ie) (Sligo). 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners in Sligo. Coach transfer, Sligo - Knock Airport. ATOL and AITO financial protection.
 

EXTRAS:

Travel insurance at £29.50. Lunches, 4 dinners in Dublin, 1 dinner in Sligo. 3-day registration for Eucharistic Congress plus ticket for final Mass at Croke Park Stadium (cost £55 per person). Single occupancy of double room at £266. Optional excursion to Donegal Coast (to be advised). Fuel surcharges if passed on by the airline.

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

This tour will be for Roman Catholics.

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