Ireland and Scotland 2018

Irish Flag at Bunratty Castle

Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, Ireland

City of Inverness, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh

Ireland and Scotland
Pilgrimage 2018

On September 18, 2018, 37 pilgrims left Portland International Airport for Atlanta then on to Dublin. All of us were excited to begin our Oregon Catholic Press sponsored pilgrimage to Ireland and Scotland. The flight over the continent then over the Atlantic was uneventful, though long. Upon arriving in Dublin, we were met with a strong windstorm that made our landing a little bumpy. When we got out of the airport, we saw why: gale force winds in Ireland and the British Isles. But we didn't let a little storm dampen our enthusiasm. We headed for the hotel, got settled, and headed out. Though a little breezy and cool, the weather was fine. We were in Ireland, beginning a two-week pilgrimage to the holy sites (and important sites) in the Republic of Ireland, in Northern Ireland, and in Scotland. Along with us were Carol Percin from OCP, and John Bouillot, our faithful guide. I was along as chaplain for the group, making my fourth trip with OCP. I enjoyed my first pilgrimage with OCP so much I volunteered for others. I am grateful for having been selected for this pilgrimage—a wonderful group of pilgrims in the land of my father and my ancestors. The pilgrimage would take us from Dublin, to Killarney, to the Ring of Kerry, to Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, the shrine of Knock (and a brief visit to the graves of my ancestors in Claremorris). The trip continued into Northern Ireland and the spectacular Giants Causeway, then on to Belfast where we caught the ferry to Scotland. It was my first trip to Scotland, and I am anxious to return. A beautiful, rugged country of moors, castles, history, and remarkable villages, towns, and cities—a very enjoyable and successful pilgrimage. All of us pilgrims drew closer to each and to the Lord. With a commitment to live good and peaceful lives, we left the British Isles with every hope of returning. And we will.

Click on the images below to view our trip. Enjoy!