Celtic Pilgrimage: A Sacred Journey through Ireland
Join us for a Celtic pilgrimage to Ireland. Our focus is on sacred Christian Celtic sites associated with mystics/Saints Patrick, Brigid, Kevin, and Columba. We will seek union with their Celtic spirit in the storied landscapes of Ireland. Ours will be a contemplative journey with time of walking, personal reflection, public worship, and Sabbath rest. Pilgrims are persons who take a journey into the outer world to sacred places seeking transformation of the inner geography of their souls. We will leave home to find Home and to return renewed.
Highlights of the Ireland pilgrimage:
- Visit to the Book of Kells at Trinity College and Dublin Cathedral
- Visit to monastic city of St. Kevin and a walk on the pilgrim path in Glendalough
- Visit to Brigid’s Cathedral, Fire Temple and Holy Well in Kildare
- Journey to the ancient site of New Grange, Kells Cathedral, and the Hill of Tara—sites of ancient Christian significance
- In Northern Ireland, walking in the footsteps of St. Patrick and his mission at the St. Patrick Centre
- Visit Clonard Monastery and East Belfast Mission—centers of faith and reconciliation in bringing peace to Northern Ireland now and during the “Troubles”
- Coastal pilgrimage experience to Giant’s Causeway and the Bushmills Distillery
- Reflect on the legacy of St. Columba in Derry/Londonderry at sacred wells and heritage sites
- Daily moments of prayer, reflection, and shared community throughout the journey
There is an optional extension to Scotland to visit the island of Iona for one day, and visit to Edinburgh where Pastor Gene will guide us through highlights of the city, and we will worship together at St. Giles Church, where Pastor Gene had his first call.
The dates for the Ireland Pilgrimage departing from Cleveland are October 6-16, 2025. The Early Bird Cost for the Ireland Pilgrimage from Cleveland is $4,499 through May 9. After that date airline prices are scheduled to increase.
The dates for the Ireland pilgrimage and Scotland optional pilgrimage are October 6-20, 2025. The additional cost for the Scotland option is yet to be determined.
To learn more about the full itinerary and to ask questions, join us for an informational meeting at Forest Hill Church on Tuesday, April 29, at 7:00pm. For more information, contact Liz Nau or the church office.