 Christianity has played an important part in Ireland's history and culture.
For centuries Ireland's religious sites, like Knock , St Patrick's Cathedral, Glendalough and Trinity College have attracted pilgrims on religious tours of Ireland
myguideIreland is one of the leading specialists in religious tours of Ireland. We are based in Ireland and we have an in depth knowledge of the country, its history and the various places of religious interest, from those that are well known, to some hidden gems. We have built up excellent relationships with Irish hoteliers and know each of the hotels we use intimately. And as we are here in Ireland, our Group Vacations team are on hand to help should you need any assistance once you are here.
Ireland is the land of saints and scholars, and between the 3rd and 8th centuries, Ireland was one of the most important centres of learning and Christianity in Europe. Today people still come to Ireland looking to add a little spirituality to their sightseeing.
Below are some of the country's many religious sites and places connected with famous Irish saints, that myguideIreland can build your trip around:
Knock
The most popular pilgrimage in Ireland is to the tiny village of Knock in Co. Mayo and its famous Marian Shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary who appeared before locals in the village in 1879. There is an international airport to cater for the numbers of people who travel to Knock from around the world.
Croagh Patrick
Nearby, overlooking the town of Westport and Clew Bay, is the tall peak of Croagh Patrick, known locally as The Reek. According to legend it is from the 765m peak of the Reek that St Patrick banished all the snakes from Ireland. Each year some 100,000 people climb Croagh Patrick, with a special pilgrimage on the last Sunday in July, where some 25,000 people climb to the top some barefoot!
St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin
Another of Ireland's most popular sites, St Patrick's Church was built in 1190, reputedly on the spot where St Patrick himself baptised Christian converts in the 5th century. The cathedral has a long and quite turbulent history, damaged by storm, fire and Oliver Cromwell - who used the church as a stable for his horses. And the Cathedral has a number of prominent associations, most notably Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, who served as dean of the Cathedral from 1713 to 1745.
Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin
One of Dublin's oldest buildings, dating from the 12th Century, Christchurch Cathedral was built by Strongbow, the Anglo Norman earl who settled in Ireland in1170. In the southern side is a monument to this important figure, along with an impressive baroque tomb of the Earl of Kildare from the 18th Century.
St Audoen's Church, Dublin
Built in the 12th Century, St. Audoen's Church is the oldest medieval church in
Dublin. The Bell Tower contains three bells dating back to 1423, making them the oldest bells in all of Ireland. The church is located near the only gate - St. Audoen's Arch - left from the old city walls that date back to 1215.
St Mary's Pro Cathedral Dublin
Dublin's only Catholic cathedral is a short stroll from the shopping area of O'Connell Street. The church was built in the Greek Doric style between 1815 and 1825. The area around St Mary's appeared in Joyce's Ulysses as Nighttown.
Trinity College - Book of Kells , Dublin
While not strictly a religious site, Trinity College houses one of the most important articles of literature, religious or otherwise, in Europe - the Book of Kells. And this 8th century collection of scriptures including the four gospels and the New Testament, written in Latin, is one of Dublin's most popular visitor attractions.
Glendalough , Wicklow
Set in the heart of a scenic vale in the Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough was once a peaceful hermitage of St Kevin. In the 7th century a small church was built here beside the lough and the place became one of Ireland's most popular pilgrimages and certainly one of its most scenic.
The Black Abbey, Kilkenny
Founded by William Marshall the Younger, for the Dominican Friars in 1225, the Black Abbey was also known as the Convent of the One and Undivided Trinity. It was suppressed in 1543, converted into a courthouse and served as such until the end of the 17th century. Partially restored in 1778, the Abbey did not become a place of public worship until the mid-19th century when it was converted into a parish church.
St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny
Built between 1202 and 1285 this graceful cathedral has been preserved in its original style. St. Canice's Cathedral is richly endowed with many stained glass windows. The choir stalls are decorated with fine continental carvings and the sanctuary floor is paved with different coloured marble from the four provinces of Ireland. There is an interesting story about the Bell tower of St Canice's, apparently the original tower collapsed after it was cursed by Dame Alice Kyteler, the Witch of Kilkenny.
Glenstall Abbey, Limerick
Glenstal Abbey is a Benedictine monastery set within a 500 acre estate with streams, lakes and woodland paths, and a romantic medieval castle. The Abbey, which is dedicated to Saints Joseph and Columba, is home to a community of monks, where prayer and liturgical celebration combine with managing a boarding school for boys, a farm, and a guest house. The monks assemble in church five times a day for the Divine Office and the Mass. Benedictine worship emphasises beauty and harmony, celebrating God's presence, while it evokes a response of loving reverence in the monk.
St Patricks Centre , Downpatrick, Co Down, Northern Ireland
The centre is a new and exciting interpretative exhibition, which tells the fascinating story of Ireland's Patron Saint, through Patrick's own words. A series of interactive displays allow visitors to explore how Patrick's legacy developed in early Christian times and reveal the fabulous artwork and metalwork that was produced during this Golden Age. The exhibition also examines the major impact of Irish missionaries in Dark Age Europe - a legacy, which remains to this day.
Armagh Cathedral, Armagh, Northern Ireland
Armagh is believed to be one of the oldest towns in Ireland, and was once a prehistoric settlement. The town is famously associated with Saint Patrick, who is said to have established his bishopric there in 444-45, and his church is where the cathedral now stands. Armagh Cathedral was deemed the centre of the church in Ireland by St Patrick himself, and still today the heads of both the Church of Ireland and the Catholic Church are based in Armagh. There is little left of the original 13th century cathedral as it was "worked over" by the English architect, L.N. Cottingham from 1834-37. Some beautiful features of the cathedral are the "Market Cross" composed of two crosses, which are mounted one on top of the other. The crosses show scenes from the Old and New Testament. There is also a plaque which records that the body of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland, who was killed at the Battle of Clontarf, in 1014, lies in the vicinity.
St Patricks Trian Centre, Armagh, Northern Ireland
This new interpretative centre illustrates "The Armagh Story" - the development of Armagh from prehistoric times to the present. Also, featured is "The Land of Lilliput" a child-centred fantasy based on Gulliver's Travels, written by Irishman Jonathan Swift. Other features include the St. Patrick exhibition, craft workshops, education facilities and restaurant.
To enquiry about this tour or to book, contact our Group Vacation Manager now .
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