Journey Overview
£850 Inclusive per person
New 2023 Dates- April 24th-28th & July 17th- 21st
4.5 days and 4 nights.
Escape the age of overwhelm in this unique journey of mind, soul and body in Saint Patrick’s Country, County Down, Northern Ireland. Walk Saint Patrick’s Camino with our unique Guides, following in the steps of Ireland’s Patron Saint. Stay in an Irish monastic foundation and learn about meditation, journaling and Celtic spirituality.
This is a private excursion for small groups exclusively organised by Saint Patrick Centre, the world’s only permanent exhibition dedicated to Ireland’s Patron Saint.
Day 1
Welcome and Saint Patrick’s Coastal Camino
Either arrive independently or be collected from Belfast airport by your guide and driven to Tobar Mhuire Monastic Retreat (one hour) in Crossgar, County Down for lunch and a welcome from the Cross and Passionist Monks.
Visit the Saint Patrick’s Way Camino Office and travel by coach to Ballyhornan Beach for a spectacular coastal walk along sandy trails and clifftops en route to Saint Patrick’s Well by the sea. Walk to the historic Ardtole church before going for afternoon tea in the oldest Golf Club in the world in the charming medieval port of Ardglass.
Return to the Saint Patrick Centre to discover the only permanent exhibition in the World about Patrick with Director Dr Tim Campbell.
From there you will be driven back to the Tobar Mhuire for dinner and an evening introduction to Monastic Meditation to help clear your mind.
Day 2
Holy Cross Monastery, Kilbroney Valley & Saint Patrick’s Mourne Mountain Camino
Rise early for breakfast in the monastic tradition at Tobar Mhuire Monastery. Journey by coach to through the sweeping Mountains of Mourne to the Irish seaside village of Rostrevor (45 min).
Receive a pilgrim’s blessing from the Benedictine monks of Holy Cross Abbey, followed by a talk on faith & spirituality before taking the pilgrim’s journey in the Footsteps of St Patrick. Visit Kilbroney Old Graveyard with the Benedictines to see an early Irish Celtic cross and ring Saint Bronagh’s 10th century bell to mark the start of your ‘pilgrimage’.
Our Guide will take you on the spectacular Saint Patrick’s Way from Rostrevor into the heart of the Mourne Mountains. Alternatively non-walkers can return to Celebrate the Eucharist with the Benedictine Monks and spend a restful afternoon enjoying the silence and exploring the 9 acres of scenic gardens of Holy Cross Monastery.
Return to Tobar Mhuire for evening meal and an early night.
Day 3
St Patrick’s Way Downpatrick and a Guide to Celtic Spirituality
Waken and share breakfast at Tobar Mhuire Monastery. Journey by coach to the nearby medieval town of Downpatrick, named in honour of Ireland’s patron saint.
You will be welcomed again to the Saint Patrick Centre and then spend the morning walking Saint Patrick’s Way with our Guides visiting Inch Abbey where the legend of the snakes was written, canoeing the Quoile River where he arrived to bring Christianity to Ireland and the first church in Ireland at Saul originally built in 432AD, where he died in March 17th.
After lunch at The Barn in Saul visit St Patrick’s Grave and the medieval Cathedral of Down.
Return to Tobar Mhuire for a rest and a chance to learn about Irish Celtic spirituality with Brother Ephrem. Explore the 60 acres of grounds of with him before dinner.
Day 4
Saint Patrick’s Way Newcastle
After an early breakfast at Tobar Mhuire, journey by coach to Slieve Patrick to view the world’s largest monument to St Patrick. Spend a little time exploring this sanctuary before departing for Saint Patrick’s Healing Wells at Struell. This is an ancient pilgrimage and pre-Christian site which features a well in which St Patrick himself was said to have bathed.
Depart for nearby Newcastle for lunch at the Harbour Inn and travel into the Mourne Mountains for an afternoon ramble on forest paths along Saint Patrick’s Way descending back into the seaside town. Explore Tollymore National Forest Park, the Shimna River, visit an ancient hermitage built into the river bank before following the sleepy mountain path offering panoramic views of Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Bearnagh. Complete your journey with an ice cream by the sea.
Return to Tobar Mhuire Monastery for a rest, a farewell dinner and sharing about the journey.
Day 5
Breakfast at Tobar Mhuire. Morning in Downpatrick at the Saint Patrick Centre and Down Cathedral and end your Journey at Saint Patrick’s Grave. Lunch and Depart!
From £850 all inclusive of accommodation, transfers, meals and activities.
The Journey is available on the following dates:
- 25-29th July
- 22-26th August
To book, please call us on +44 (0) 2844619000 or email us at info@saintpatrickcentre.com
Find Us
The Saint Patrick Centre,
Saint Patrick’s Square,
Market Street, Downpatrick,
BT30 6LZ
Opening hours
Monday
9am - 5pm
Tuesday
9am - 5pm
Wednesday
9am - 5pm
Thursday
9am - 5pm
Friday
9am - 5pm
Saturday
9am - 5pm
Sunday
9am - 5pm July/August