Prepare for Ireland

Ireland is often called the “Land of Saints and Scholars,” and your journey here will immerse you in both its sacred history and stunning natural beauty. From the monastic ruins of Glendalough to the windswept cliffs of the Atlantic, you’ll discover how faith took root in a rugged land and shaped not only a nation, but the world. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a pilgrimage that connects you with the resilience of early believers and the joy of a people who turned challenge into story and laughter.

To prepare well, focus on four areas:

  • Prepare your mind with some background learning.

  • Prepare your stuff so you travel comfortably and wisely.

  • Prepare your body so you can enjoy every step of the journey.

  • Prepare your heart to hear what God may say along the way.

Prepare Your Mind

Take some time before departure to learn about Ireland’s unique history. Unlike much of Europe, Ireland was never part of the Roman Empire and developed as a village-based culture. This gave rise to a distinctive Christian tradition, expressed in monasteries, high crosses, illuminated manuscripts, and the storytelling that has always been central to Irish identity.

Familiarize yourself with a map of Ireland. Some of the key highlights you’ll encounter include:

  • Dublin: Home to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Book of Kells at Trinity College.

  • Glendalough: The monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the Wicklow Mountains.

  • Kilkenny and Cashel: Medieval strongholds and centers of Christian faith.

  • Cork and Kerry: Castles, abbeys, and the scenic Ring of Kerry.

  • The Cliffs of Moher and Connemara: Natural wonders paired with deep spiritual resonance.

  • Kylemore Abbey: A modern Benedictine monastery rooted in centuries of tradition.

Before your trip, consider reading Acts 16–17 (Paul’s ministry in Europe) and selections from the writings of St. Patrick. A good Bible atlas or even a simple guide to Celtic Christianity will enrich what you experience.

Prepare Your Stuff

Bring your Bible or Bible app—you’ll want to read passages at the very places where Irish faith was lived out.

Practical packing tips:

  • Clothing: Ireland’s weather is famously changeable. Layering is key. Pack a waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and a light scarf for modesty at cathedrals.

  • Shoes: Cobblestones and uneven ruins make supportive, broken-in walking shoes essential.

  • Day bag: Carry a small backpack for water, snacks, umbrella, and journal.

  • Electronics: Ireland uses 230V power with Type G plugs (UK style). Bring adapters. Most modern phones and laptops adjust automatically.

  • Extras: A notebook for journaling, a compact Bible atlas, and a good travel hat will all be useful.

Prepare Your Body

Ireland’s beauty is best experienced on foot, and you’ll be walking through cities, monasteries, castles, and natural sites daily. Begin walking regularly before the trip, including stairs and hilly terrain to build stamina.

Jet lag can be a challenge when flying east. Staying hydrated, spending time outdoors in natural light, and using a mild sleep aid or melatonin for the first few nights can help your body adjust.

Prepare Your Heart

Your time in Ireland is more than a history lesson—it’s a chance to encounter God through the faith and endurance of those who came before us. You’ll learn how Irish monks preserved Scripture, how saints like Patrick and Kevin shaped a people, and how storytellers turned hardship into hope.

Three ways to prepare spiritually:

  1. Pray—Ask God to give you a listening heart, ready to learn from the saints and scholars of Ireland. Invite friends to pray for your journey.

  2. Read—Spend time in St. Patrick’s Confession or his famous prayer (the “Breastplate”), and read a few psalms that celebrate God’s creation. These will resonate when you’re standing in Ireland’s landscapes.

  3. Journal—Begin a travel journal before you go. Write down your questions, prayers, and reflections. During the trip, record moments that strike you—whether it’s the view from the Rock of Cashel, the roar of the Atlantic at the Cliffs of Moher, or the quiet stillness of a countryside chapel.

The more you prepare, the more Ireland will shape not only your understanding of history, but your walk of faith.