joe walsh tours lourdes

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Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

Our travel experts at Joe Walsh Tours are here to support you and your group every step of this special journey. Our pilgrimage to Lourdes tours are coordinated by our experienced team of representatives in Lourdes, led by experts Fionnuala Brua and Caroline Trainor.

Pilgrims can choose from short breaks to week-long pilgrimages, with weekly departures from Ireland and the UK from February to October. Our Lourdes tours include a detailed religious programme led by a Spiritual Director and accommodation in some of the best hotels in Lourdes, adapted to host people with reduced mobility in comfort.

We also offer travel packages combining your pilgrimage to Lourdes with a few days relaxing by the coast, in the elegant seaside town of Biarritz or the city of San Sebastian; as well as our Great Pilgrimages of Europe escorted tours visiting the continent’s greatest shrines such as Lourdes, Santiago de Compostela and Fatima.

See all departures below and join our upcoming trips. For additional information about pilgrimage to Lourdes tours or to book your place, please contact our Pilgrimage travel specialists.

Tours & Departures

Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 22 May 2024

64th International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Raphoe Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

• 27 May 2024

Ardagh and Clonmacnois Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 30 May 2024
• 31 May 2024

Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Lourdes Pilgrimage

• 5 June 2024

66th Waterford and Lismore Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage | From Dublin

66th waterford and lismore diocesan lourdes pilgrimage.

• 10 June 2024

Cashel & Emly Archdiocesan 50th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Lourdes

• 14 June 2024

Limerick Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 20 June 2024

Killaloe Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 21 June 2024

Lourdes Kindness Pilgrimage 2024

• 26 June 2024

Galway Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

Derry diocesan pilgrimage to lourdes 2024.

• 1 July 2024

Lourdes Pilgrimage from Belfast

• 5 July 2024

Lourdes Pilgrimage from Derry

• 10 July 2024
• 14 July 2024

Killala & Achonry Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 18 July 2024

Connaught Activities Pioneer Total Abstinence Association PTAA Pilgrimage to Lourdes

• 21 July 2024
• 28 July 2024
• 1 August 2024
• 6 August 2024

Clonfert Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 7 August 2024
• 18 August 2024
• 25 August 2024

Tuam Archdiocesan 2024 Pilgrimage to Lourdes

• 30 August 2024

Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 1 September 2024

Dublin Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 5 September 2024

Diocese of Meath Lourdes Pilgrimage 2024

• 10 September 2024

Lourdes Pilgrimage from Shannon

St peter’s followers of the cross pilgrimage to lourdes.

Oblates of Mary Immaculate Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 15 September 2024

Lourdes Pilgrimage from Cork

Cork & Ross Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024

• 20 September 2024

Carmelite Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024 | From Dublin

• 25 September 2024

Carmelite Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024 | From Cork

• 30 September 2024

THE STORY OF BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS

Pilgrims visit Lourdes for its curative powers and to bathe in what is known as ‘Bernadette’s Spring’; today Lourdes is a place of hope for those in need of healing and peace.

It is here where Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to 14-year old Bernadette Soubirous back in 1858, instructing her to dig in the ground until a puddle of water appeared; a puddle that would later become a pool and a sacred spring.

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, with its sacred grotto and two Basilicas, includes 22 places of worship and numerous facilities for pilgrims and the sick, as well as Bernadette’s spring.

Initially, the site was a regional pilgrimage destination but since 1873, Lourdes’ therapeutic reputation began to grow across France and internationally, when healings and miracles were reported.

THINGS TO DO ON A PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

There are many wonderful things to do and see in Lourdes, these are our top suggestions:

• Say a prayer at the Grotto
• Take part in the captivating candlelit evening procession
• Visit the village where Saint Bernadette was born
• Admire the natural beauty of the Pyrenees and Lourdes Lake
• Walk the peaceful Chemin de Croix
• Taste the local delicacies at Lourdes Halles food market

Find more travel inspiration, read our latest articles about the Pilgrimage to Lourdes on our PILGRIMAGES TRAVEL BLOG .

OUR HOTELS IN LOURDES

The Joe Walsh Tours team works with some of the best hotels in Lourdes and our tours include a choice of accommodation options in 3-star and 4-star hotels.

Most of our hotels are wheelchair accessible and adapted to host pilgrims with reduced mobility.

GRAND HOTEL GALLIA & LONDRES

The elegant Grand Hotel Gallia & Londres is renowned for its cuisine served in exquisite surroundings. This charming Belle Epoque style hotel was built in the 19th century by Bernadette’s niece.

This magnificent historic hotel is owned and managed by the Vinuales family, the same owners as the Hotel Solitude, and offers the highest standards of service.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR HOTELS IN LOURDES

LOURDES TRAVEL PACKAGES

Our classic Pilgrimage to Lourdes travel packages include:

• Direct return flights from Ireland and the UK to Lourdes
• Airport transfers in Lourdes
• Full support from our knowledgeable local guides and representatives in Lourdes
• Hotel accommodation in our selected properties
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• A detailed programme of religious ceremonies, events and special masses led by the tour’s spiritual director
• Guided tours and visits
• Social evenings
• Day trips such as Saint Bernadette’s Village, Cirque de Garvanie, the Basque Country, Pont d’Espagne and the Shrine of Betharram in Pau.

OUR TEAM IN LOURDES

Our team in Lourdes is led by the experienced and knowledgeable Fionnuala Brua and Caroline Trainor , much loved by our pilgrims.

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5 wonderful day trips from Lourdes

As well as being one of the world’s most important Marian shrines and pilgrimage destinations, Lourdes is also located in a region, the Pyrenees, of stunning natural beauty and culture.

If you are spending a few days in the area, here are 5 great day trips from Lourdes for you to explore further:

Bartrés is a little mountain village of only about 500 inhabitants where Bernadette of Soubirous spent some of her childhood at the home of Marie Aravant.

One of the main sights in the village is the Church of Saint Jean the Baptist, Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste, built in the 14th century and partially restored in the 19th century. It was originally fortified and served as shelter for the villagers.

During the visit pilgrims can attend mass at the church where Bernadette prepared for her first Holy Communion.

Also in Bartres, pilgrims can venerate a relic of Saint Bernadette, visit Marie Aravant’s farmhouse where Bernadette lived as a child and teenager, as well as Marie Aravant’s grave.

Depending on the weather, this trip also includes a stop at Lourdes Lake, a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the scenery particularly during the Summer months.

What to see and do

• Mass at Church of St. Jean the Baptist
• Venerate a relic of Saint Bernadette
• Marie Aravant’s farmhouse
• Relax at Lourdes Lake

Trip duration: Half day Approximate travel time: 20 minutes

CIRQUE DE GAVARNIE

Formed by glacial erosion, the magnificent Cirque de Gavarnie was once referred to by Victor Hugo as a ‘colosseum of nature’ for its amphitheatre shape and huge dimensions.

Located in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, Cirque de Gavarnie is part of the unique UNESCO listed site of Mont Perdu, spectacular for its natural beauty, as well as its cultural heritage.

Rising to over 3000 metres, this massif of over 30000 hectares is a place of extraordinary landscapes featuring two of Europe’s deepest canyons and three concentric walls or ‘cirque’.

This part of the Pyrenees on the French-Spanish border is also one of the last preserves of an agricultural way of life that was once widespread across European mountain regions, where the practice of transhumance still survives.

Gavarnie was the last village in France for medieval pilgrims on their way to Santiago and today is an important hiking and climbing centre.

From Gavarnie, you can walk along the river to the waterfall, the highest in mainland France, or a walk to the statue of Our Lady of the Snows. The statue was blessed by Pope Pius XXII when he visited Lourdes in 1935.

There are many craft shops in the villages, as well as a small perfume workshop where you can find perfumes made from local Alpine plants.

It is a very scenic drive to Gavarnie, passing by the Lavedan Valley, Argeles Gazost, St. Savin de Lavedan, Chateau of Miremont, Valley of Luz, Pic du Midi and Luz.

Trip duration: Half day Approximate travel time: 45 minutes

This trip generally takes place in the afternoon leaving Lourdes at approximately 1:30 pm and returning in time for dinner at 7 pm.

IBARDIN AND SAINT JEAN DE LUZ

Ibardin, on the Spanish Basque Country, and Saint Jean de Luz, on the French side, are two places worth visiting during your trip to Lourdes.

Ibardin is a popular spot for tax-free shopping, and visitors travel there to buy leather products, porcelain, as well as alcoholic drinks at reduced prices.

Back in the French Basque Country, St Jean de Luz is a lovely seaside town and traditional fishing port on the Bay of Biscay. You can spend time at the beach, go for a stroll on the promenade and explore this charming town, including its great market and top restaurants.

The 13th century Church of St Jean the Baptist is worth visiting, as it was here where King Louis XIV married María Teresa, daughter of King Philip IV of Spain in 1660, by the magnificent Baroque altarpiece.

En route, the group will pass by interesting places such as Pau, birthplace of Henry IV; the Tower of Orthez, also known as the Tower of Misery; Dax, where St. Vincent de Paul studied during his early life; Bearn, famous for its wine; and Bayonne.

Trip duration: Full day Approximate travel time: 2 hours A packed lunch is provided by the hotel and you will be back in time for dinner.

PONT D”ESPAGNE

Pont d’Espagne, Bridge of Spain, in the Pyrénées National Park, is a very popular place for walkers and hikers, looking to enjoy the wonderful mountain trails and stunning scenery.

After a scenic drive into the Pyrenees, once in Pont d’Espagne you can take a 15-minute ride on the Gaube chairlift up to 1.800 meters to get the most magnificent views of this beautiful part of the world.

Alternatively you can just walk to Lac de Gaube, a glacial lake at the foot of Vignemale mountain, the highest summit in the French Pyrenees; or simply sit and relax at the café by the waterfall.

This day trip includes a 30 minute stop at the La Raillier Thermal Springs, which is also famous for its Berlingot boiled sweets.

The Pont d’Espagne stone bridge was originally built in the 19th century to facilitate the trading of goods such as cheese, wine and even livestock between Spain and France.

Trip duration: Half day Approximate travel time: 1h 30 min

SHRINE OF BETHARRAM AND PAU

For hundreds of years, Our Lady has been venerated at the Shrine of Betharram and the town of Pau, under different names such as Our Lady of the Star, Our Lady of the Calvary and Our Lady of Betharram.

Many miracles and favours have been granted to pilgrims here by Our Lady. One of the best known miracles took place in the 17th century, when a little girl who had fallen into the river was saved by Our Lady holding a branch. The name Betharram, meaning ‘of the beautiful branch’ in the local dialect, originated in that particular episode.

This was also one of the pilgrimage sites visited by Saint Bernadette and where she bought the rosary beads she had during her first apparition.

As part of the day trip, the group will also stop in Pau, the birthplace of Henry IV of France, to explore this lovely small city by the River Gave. A visit to Henry IV’s Castle is a must, as well as a stroll down the Boulevard des Pyrénées, which is over a mile long and offers wonderful views of the Pyrenees.

Duration: Half day Approximately travel time: 45 minutes

For more information about day trips from Lourdes , joining our upcoming pilgrimages or request information for your group, contact our travel experts at Joe Walsh Tours.

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JWT closure a blow, but ‘the Irish will be the first back into Lourdes’

Estimated 80,000 pilgrims a year travel to lourdes, fatima, medjugorje and holy land.

Fr Martin Noone, director of Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimages, with a group photograph from one of their many trips. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw

The closure of Joe Walsh Tours is a major blow for Irish-organised pilgrimages to Lourdes and other Catholic shrines on the continent, says a priest who has brought thousands to Lourdes annually for three decades.

The departure last week of JWT Pilgrimtours was a blow, he said. Anyone could get a cheap flight to Biarritz, Toulouse or Bordeaux if they wanted to visit the holy grotto at Lourdes, said Fr Martin Noone. But JWT had decades of experience with the people on the ground in Lourdes; the hotel and transport providers; local guides; and the Accueil Notre Dame, which has many of the facilities of a modern hospital and is a place of welcome for sick people, close to the grotto.

The State’s biggest diocese, the Dublin Diocese, undertakes two pilgrimages to Lourdes each year, at Easter and September, involving a total of 2,000 pilgrims and their helpers.

“The pilgrimage in September is one of the biggest events in the diocesan calendar and is led by the Archbishop,” said Fr Noone, who works in the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage Office.

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Of the 2,000, about 180 would be sick people staying at the Accueil, he said. Another 550 are voluntary helpers, made up of nurses and doctors, male and female helpers, known as handmaids and “brancardiers” (meaning “stretcher bearers”), a team of chaplains and the Dublin Lourdes Choir.

A further 200 young people help to care for the sick pilgrims, with many of these coming from Catholic-run secondary schools and colleges from around the diocese.

In the past the diocese relied heavily on Joe Walsh Pilgrimtours and the other major operator in the pilgrim tours business, Marian Pilgrimages, to look after their needs, which cannot be met by flight-only deals.

While the Dublin Diocese organises pilgrimages for 2,000 people annually, it is not unusual for smaller dioceses to send 500-1,000, often more than once a year.

Diocesan pilgrimages are not the only pilgrimages, however. There are the pilgrimages organised by the religious orders, among them the Franciscans, the Oblates and the Cistercians.

Up to recently Marian Pilgrimages brought in people from North America to Ireland first, before progressing to European destinations. In recent years they have tended to bring them direct to their destination.

The Defence Forces too has an annual pilgrimage to Lourdes which Fr Noone said was surpassed in numbers only by the French military who organise a similar pilgrimage. The Irish are the largest group per capita in Lourdes, according to the Dublin Diocesan Office.

A spokesman for JWT said pilgrimages were not the type of business that the internet could replace. “The closure of Joe Walsh Tours is more than the closure of a travel agency; it leaves a hole in the fabric of Irish society,” he said.

Fr Noone agreed pilgrimages were not traditional “leisure” holidays. “We were waiting for the economic crash in 2009 to hit pilgrimages, but it didn’t happen,” he said.

He referred to the “pilgrimage family” and while “thinking of the JWT directors and staff” he echoed the confidence of Bishop Kevin Doran, president of the umbrella body, United Irish Pilgrimages to Lourdes, that the pilgrimages would resume in 2022.

Niall Glynn, managing director of Marian Pilgrimages, said the roots of the pilgrimage went deep into parish groups and were remarkably resilient.

Eighty thousand people travel annually, the majority going to Lourdes. The next most popular destination is Fatima followed by Medjugorje and the Holy Land and a scattering of venues in Italy.

For the second year these venues are all suffering with souvenir shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, transport operators and and guide businesses all closed.

However, Mr Glynn said “the Irish will be the first back into Lourdes” adding that pilgrims did not see pilgrimages as leisure travel. “It is like a retreat,” he said, part of their religion, a deep cultural commitment.

“Some people go as many as three pilgrimages a year,” he said.

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2024 Pilgrimages from City of Derry with Joe Walsh Tours

The announcement comes as destination offerings at CoDA continue to grow with the take-off of the first ski programme in history to operate from the Airport with Topflight in January, the new year-round Ryanair Birmingham service recently announced to launch in April, and the return of the Faro summer service with Travel Solutions available from May.

Joe Walsh Tours are offering fully escorted tours to Lourdes for the Raphoe Diocese in Donegal and the Derry Diocese, which collectively encompass 84 parishes across the Northwest, as well as a general tour open to anyone for booking.

The Raphoe Diocese will travel on the first service taking off on Monday 27th May, followed by the Derry Diocese on Monday 1st July, and the general tour will depart on Friday 5th July.

The pilgrimages will follow a full religious programme facilitated in conjunction with the local Dioceses, and the full services of Joe Walsh Tours guides and representatives will be available throughout.

“We are delighted to partner again with City of Derry Airport,” said David Walsh, Director at Joe Walsh Tours.

“It is wonderful for pilgrims in the Northwest region to have the opportunity to fly directly to Lourdes from City of Derry Airport.

“It provides convenience and ease of travel on this special spiritual journey.”

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, commented: “Following a hugely successful 2023 programme with Joe Walsh Tours, we are thrilled to partner with the team again to offer this very special travel experience for the Northwest.

“Joe Walsh Tours are absolute experts in what they do, and we have no doubt that everyone travelling to Lourdes from City of Derry Airport will enjoy a truly unique and memorable trip.”

Brenda Morgan MBE, Head of Business Development at City of Derry Airport, added: “We are proud to provide those travelling, particularly any elderly passengers, with the convenience of flying local, reduced travel time and cost, and an efficient journey through the Airport.

“With single level access and less than 15 mins from our carpark to our departure gate, our passengers can really enjoy a relaxing and stress-free start to their spiritual retreat.”

Package prices start from £759pp, and include direct return flights and airport taxes, 20kg check-in luggage, airport transfers and assistance between Lourdes Airport, and full board hotel accommodation.

For more information on Joe Walsh Tours’ 2024 Pilgrimages to Lourdes from City of Derry Airport, visit: www.joewalshtours.ie

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Travel and Accommodation

Ordinary pilgrims, assisted pilgrims.

Pilgrims requiring assistance on the pilgrimage should strongly consider registering as an assisted pilgrim.

Hotel Assisted Pilgrims

Assisted Pilgrims may stay in a hotel provided they are accompanied by an able-bodied friend or relative

St Frai Assisted Pilgrims

Modern purpose-built accommodation and 24-hour care for Assisted Pilgrims. Places are limited.

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Important Announcement: Joe Walsh Tours

by Keith Tillotson | Apr 27, 2021 | travel arrangements

I am sorry to have to inform you that as of April 27 2021, Joe Walsh Pilgrim Tours will cease trading. Having spoken to David Walsh the CEO of the company he has assured me that there was no alternative to this situation, which is a direct result of the travel industry situation with the Covid pandemic. 

This will mean that all pilgrims who have bookings carried over from 2020 and 2021 will have to invoke a claim through the TOPS protection policy held by Joe Walsh Tours. It may be possible for us to handle all claims and I am in discussion with David Walsh and the Insurers to see if this is possible. I will keep you informed of any progress and please be assured that if you have any questions, we are here to help in any way possible. 

I ask for your patience and understanding during these trying times and over the next couple of weeks, as our discussions progress towards the efficient settlement of all claims. 

If you have any questions or require any further information, please contact me via email at  [email protected] .

Keith Tillotson

Pilgrimage Director

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