Killala and Tuam Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes

What to Expect

The Dioceses of Killala and Tuam are running their joint annual pilgrimage to Lourdes from 28 August to 3 September 2026, led by Archbishop Francis Duffy. Pilgrims fly direct from Ireland West Airport Knock and spend six nights in France, staying at either Hotel Agena or Hotel La Solitude, with the traditional pilgrimage programme of processions, the Grotto, and the Torchlight Procession at the Domaine of Our Lady of Lourdes. An Assisted Section caters for pilgrims who need extra help, travelling under the care of the Order of Malta and dedicated volunteers. It is one of the two Mayo dioceses’ main annual pilgrimages, distinct from the shorter Pioneer and Friends pilgrimage that also departs from Knock earlier in the summer, and draws parishioners from right across Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon.

Archbishop Duffy was recently installed as Bishop of Killala and leads the pilgrimage in that capacity, with the trip organised jointly by the two neighbouring dioceses that between them cover most of west and north-west Mayo. Booking is handled centrally through Joe Walsh Tours in Dublin rather than through individual parishes, which keeps the arrangements consistent across both dioceses, though pilgrims applying for the Assisted Section - the group travelling with extra medical or mobility support - go through a separate, dedicated application process with its own volunteer coordinators.

Good to Know

• Dates: Friday 28 August to Thursday 3 September 2026 (six nights)
• Departs: Ireland West Airport Knock, direct flight to Lourdes
• Price: EUR 1,049 per person sharing at Hotel Agena; EUR 1,125 per person sharing at Hotel La Solitude
• Bookings and information: Joe Walsh Tours, 01 241 0800
• Assisted Section applications (with extra support needed): contact Eileen O’Brien on 086 401 3897 or Ciara Deane on 083 838 3310
• Places are limited and demand for the Assisted Section is high, so early enquiry is advised

Getting There

Ireland West Airport Knock, near Charlestown, is the departure point and has direct flights to Lourdes for the duration of the pilgrimage. The airport is around 20 minutes’ drive from Knock, Claremorris and Charlestown, and roughly 45 minutes from Castlebar, with car parking available on site for pilgrims travelling by road.