Explore the varied and rich cultural heritage of county Mayo.

Arrival

Arrive in Ballintubber. Welcome pack on arrival (guides, maps, literature, etc.) Enjoy an evening meal in the Abbey Restaurant. Socialise in the local pub. Retire to guesthouses in Partry, where you will stay for the next four nights.

Day 1

After breakfast, visit Ballintubber Abbey. Experience for yourself the story of 'the Abbey that refused to die'. Our guides will take you through the stories of burnings, suppression, priest hunters, and restoration. Journey a short distance on the Tochár Phadraig, the ancient Pilgrim Path to Croagh Patrick. Visit the Celtic Furrow an educational & cultural centre that traces our heritage and explores the challenges we face in the future.

Day 2

Visit Church Island on Lough Carra and experience a one-day pilgrimage on this tranquil and reflective island. St. Finian built the church which gives Church Island its name. Legend has it that St. Patrick banished nine goblins there; today it is a haven of peace, prayer and retreat.

Day 3

Morning in Knock, one of the worlds leading Marian shrines. Spend some time in prayer and reflection at the Holy Shrine. Eat lunch at Knock House Hotel. Visit Mayo Abbey in the afternoon. The County of Mayo takes its name from this tiny village. Archaeological investigation confirms the area was cultivated 5,000 years ago, at the same time as the Ceide Fields in North Mayo.

Day 4

After a traditional Irish breakfast, travel to the spectacularly sited village of Cong. Its strategic location has drawn hunters, gatherers, farmers, soldiers, kings, monks and adventurers for almost 7000 years. While exploring Cong and its landscape, visit The Quiet Man Heritage Cottage. A walking/heritage tour of the area is a must. Dinner in one of Cong's most popular restaurants.

Day 5

Visit Murrisk and explore our Holy Mountain - Croagh Patrick. It has drawn pilgrims in their droves since pre-Christian times. It still has a magnetic attraction and many of the faithful continue to climb barefoot, especially on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July. A small church at the summit marks where St. Patrick spent 40 days in reflection and prayer. This is the ultimate destination of the Tochár Phadraig. Shopping spree in Westport in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Murrisk. Farewell social.

Day 6

Day free to explore. Shopping trips or other attraction visits can be arranged by request.

Departure

Depart for airport & return home

Package Includes

• 7 nights B&B Q.A. accommodation. You will stay at Bord Failte Tourist Board approved homes. All rooms are ensuite and are situated in the villages of Partry and Murrisk.
• Packed lunches/lunches & evening meals.
• Transport (including luggage) to and from walks, workshops & heritage sites.
• All entertainment and activities included in the five-day programme.
• Detailed maps, brochures and guides where necessary.

Notes

• The above package is a sample package. West of Ireland Holidays can arrange any holidays to suit your needs.
• Suitable footwear is essential and boots are necessary for the Tochar Phadraic walk and the Croagh Patrick Climb.
• Please bring suitable rain gear, small rucksack & a camera to capture some great scenery.

Options

Entry & Exit Points: Pick up & drop off can be arranged from Knock / Dublin / Shannon / Other

Accommodation: Choose B&B, Self-Catering or Hotel

Transport: Choose Coach or Car Hire

Price: Will vary depending on above options & group size

For further information contact:

West of Ireland Holidays
Tochár Valley Network
Ballintubber, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.

Tel: + 353 (0) 94 903 0036
Fax:+ 353 (0) 94 903 0018

Email: tocharvalley@eircom.net

Find out more about Ballitubber Abbey