Lourdes
Our next pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place between 23rd and 28th September, 2026. All bookings should be made through Joe Walsh Tours by telephone 01-2410800, online link here or by post to 89 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, D02WY88. Early booking advisable.
Prilgrimage to Lourdes
Our next pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place between 23rd and 28th September, 2026. Everything you need to know about the pilgrimage is provided here. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us and we’d be delighted to assist you further.
Schedule & Daily Programme
As per previous pilgrimages to Lourdes, a detailed schedule of events will be laid on as part of the trip.
More detail will be supplied here as we get closer to the departure date.
For now a brief overview is provided, but is subject to change.
Arrive in Lourdes. No mass scheduled.
9 AM – Youth Volunteers Meetings (Hotel Eliseo)
9:30 AM – Medical & Blue Ties & Pilgrim Support Team (Panorama Hotel)
10 AM – Safeguarding Meeting (Hotel Eliseo)
11 AM – Choir Rehearsal – all welcome (Hotel Mediterranee – first floor meeting room)
1:30 PM – Depart Hotel
2 PM – Mass & Sacrament of Reconciliation (St Joseph’s Chapel)
5:30 PM – Choir Rehearsal – all welcome (Hotel Mediterranee – first floor meeting room)
9 PM – Table Quiz (Hotel Mediterranee)
9 AM – Depart Hotel
10 AM – Mass (Grotto)
Group photo following Mass (Steps of Rosary Basilica)
2 PM – Stations of the Cross (meet at Crown Virgin Statue)
- Stations of the Cross for the Sick (St Joseph’s Church)
- High Stations
4 PM – Depart hotels for the Blessed Sacrament Procession
5 PM – Blessed Sacrament Procession, Adoration, & Blessing of the Sick (Underground Basilica)
9 PM – Talent Show/Competition (Hotel Eliseo)
8:30 AM – Depart Hotel
9 AM – Choir Rehearsal – all welcome
9:30 AM – Mass and Anointing of the Sick (Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary)
4:30 PM – Depart Hotels
7:40 PM – Prayer with Pope Leo at the Grotto (Optional)
8:45 PM – Dinner at Hotels
Packed Lunch provided by hotels from 7 AM
7:30 AM – Depart Hotels
11 AM – Papal Mass
5 PM – Dinner at hotels
6 PM – Depart Hotel
9 PM – Torchlight Procession
10:40 AM – Mass (Monastery of the Poor Clairs)
Updates & News Hub
Important Information for Pilgrims During the Papal Visit to Lourdes
As we continue our Carmelite Pilgrimage to Lourdes, pilgrims are reminded that this year will be particularly special as we welcome Pope Leo XIV to
Carmelite Lourdes Pilgrimage 2026 – Daily Updates
From 23–28 September, pilgrims from across Ireland will come together in Lourdes for our annual Carmelite Pilgrimage, led by Prior Provincial Fr Simon Nolan, O.Carm.
New Email Procedure
To help make communication simpler and more efficient, we are introducing a single central email address for all Lourdes pilgrimage enquiries. From now on, any questions, requests,
A Renewed Structure for the Carmelite Lourdes Pilgrimage
The recent consultation process surrounding the structure of the Carmelite Lourdes Pilgrimage revealed two important realities: the pilgrimage is deeply loved, and there is a
Pope Leo XIV to visit Lourdes on 26 & 27 September
What Our Pilgrims Can Look Forward To There is growing excitement as we prepare for this year’s Carmelite Lourdes Pilgrimage, made even more special by
A Fond Farewell to Sr Mary Theresa
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of our faithful friend, Sr Mary Theresa of the Mercy Convent, Kinsale, in her 100th
St Colmcille’s Students Prepare for Lourdes Pilgrimage
Students from St Colmcille’s Community School, Knocklyon, have been actively preparing for this year’s Lourdes pilgrimage through a variety of faith-filled and community-focused initiatives throughout May
Kinsale Youth Group Raises Funds for Lourdes
The Kinsale Lourdes Youth Group has been busy fundraising in preparation for this year’s pilgrimage to Lourdes. In April, the group hosted a successful quiz
Overview & Spirituality
The Annual Carmelite Lourdes Pilgrimage is an invitation to encounter the healing presence of Our Lady in the spirit of Carmel. Grounded in Carmelite contemplative prayer and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Patroness of Mount Carmel, the pilgrimage blends the message of Lourdes with the Carmelite charism of simplicity, prayer, and trust in God.
The Pilgrimage follows a gentle rhythm of prayer, daily Mass, personal reflection at the Grotto, and the torchlight procession. Pilgrims also have opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Together, we walk in the footsteps of Saint Bernadette, responding to Mary’s call to prayer, penance, and conversion. Learn more about Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Bernadette →
Key Details
Dates: 23 – 28 September 2026 (5 nights / 6 days)
Led by: Prior Provincial, Fr Simon Nolan, O.Carm.
Departure Airports: Direct flights from Dublin or Cork (subject to availability)
Prices per person (sharing twin room):
- Astoria / Méditerranée / Agena: €955
- Eliseo / La Solitude / Panorama: €1,049
Price Includes:
- Direct return flights from Ireland to Lourdes
- Airport taxes and transfers
- 5 nights’ accommodation with full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner daily)
- 20kg checked baggage + small cabin bag
- Full services of Joe Walsh Tours guides and representatives
- Full religious programme organised in conjunction with the Carmelites
Booking & Contact
All bookings are handled by Joe Walsh Tours.
- Download the official booking form: 2026 Carmelite Lourdes Booking Form (PDF)
Deposit: €350 per person (non-refundable) + insurance if selected. Balance due 12 weeks before departure. Early booking is recommended.
Note: Single room supplements apply and are limited. Special assistance / sick pilgrims section is available — contact Mary Parkinson on 087-627 5760 for details.
How to Book & Practical Information
Completed booking forms and payments should only be sent directly to JWT. Group leaders are asked to forward booking forms to JWT on a regular basis, rather than waiting until September to submit them all together. Forms may be submitted either by post or as scanned copies.
A pilgrim’s place can only be confirmed once JWT has received both the completed booking form and the required deposit.
All pilgrims must have travel insurance, either through their own provider or through JWT. At the time of booking, pilgrims must either provide details of their own travel insurance on the booking form or opt to purchase JWT’s travel insurance.
The Medical Declaration Form must be completed within 45 days of the departure date.
Photo Gallery
This section will feature a selection of photos from the trip once these become available
Testimonials
This section will feature a selection of testimonials and experiences from pilgrims.
FAQs
The pilgrimage runs from 23 to 28 September 2026 (5 nights / 6 days), led by Prior Provincial, Fr Simon Nolan, O.Carm.
Prices per person sharing a twin room are:
- Hotel Astoria: €955
- Hotels Méditerranée, Agena, Eliseo, La Solitude or Panorama: €995
Direct return flights from Dublin or Cork, airport taxes and transfers, 5 nights full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch & dinner daily), 20kg checked baggage + small cabin bag, and full services of Joe Walsh Tours guides plus the Carmelite religious programme.
All bookings are handled by Joe Walsh Tours. Download and complete the official 2026 Carmelite Booking Form. A non-refundable deposit of €350 per person (plus insurance if selected) is required. The balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
Yes, Pilgrimage Travel Insurance is available through JWT: €55 (up to 79 years) or €75 (80–94 years). All pilgrims must also hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All pilgrims must have travel insurance, either through their own provider or through JWT. At the time of booking, pilgrims must either provide details of their own travel insurance on the booking form or opt to purchase JWT’s travel insurance.
Single rooms are very limited and subject to a supplement (from €35 to €49 per night depending on the hotel). Please indicate your preference on the booking form.
Yes. A Special Assisted / Sick Section is available. Contact Mary Parkinson on 087-627 5760 for details. Applications must be received by 29 June 2026 and are subject to approval by the Pilgrimage Doctor. Airport assistance and wheelchair requests can also be arranged.
A valid passport is required. EU/UK passport holders must meet current validity rules. All travellers should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).This FAQ section is practical, covers the most common questions, and directs people to the booking form and contact points.
Contacts & Group Leaders
Pilgrimage Leader – Fr Simon Nolan, O.Carm
Pastoral Director / Chaplain to the Sick – Fr Sean Ford, O.Carm
Master of Ceremonies – Fr James Eivers, O.Carm
Music Director – David O’Shea
Organist – Carole O’Connor
Youth Director – Áine Feeley
Youth Chaplain – Fr Jander da Silva Santos
President of Hospitality – Paul Eaton
Coordinator, Pilgrim Support Team – Ultan O’Callaghan
Pilgrimage Administrator – Fr Éanna Ó hÓbáin
Administrative Secretary – Yasmin Doyle
Chief Medical Officer – Dr Kate Reilly
Director of Nursing – Mary Parkinson
Coordinator of Logistics – Gerard Buckley
Director of Safeguarding – Debbie Allen
Finance Officer – Ciaran Gilmartin
Coordinator of Communications – Craig Orr
Local Groups Liaison – Jane O’Donovan
For more information:
For more information please complete the contact form below.
CONTACT FORM
