Bagenalstown Parish Pilgrimage to Medjugorje

What to Expect

The parish of Bagenalstown, Ballinkillen and Newtown is running its pilgrimage to Medjugorje from Thursday 24 September to Thursday 1 October 2026. The cost is €879 per person sharing, and Fr Declan Foley travels as spiritual director. Bookings and details are handled by Helen Wall on 086 822 6930.

Medjugorje, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has drawn Irish parish groups since the 1980s and remains one of the most popular destinations for organised pilgrimage from Ireland. A typical week takes in the daily evening prayer programme at St James’s Church, the climb of Apparition Hill and of Krizevac, the Cross Mountain, and time with the group’s own priest for Mass and confession. Travelling with a parish group rather than independently means transfers, accommodation and the daily schedule are arranged for you, which is a large part of the appeal for older pilgrims.

September and early October is a settled time to go, with the summer crowds thinned out and daytime temperatures still comfortable for the hill climbs.

Good to Know

• Dates: Thursday 24 September to Thursday 1 October 2026, seven nights.
• Cost: €879 per person sharing.
• Spiritual director: Fr Declan Foley, Bagenalstown parish.
• Booking and full details: contact Helen Wall on 086 822 6930. Places are limited to the group allocation.
• Bagenalstown parish office is on 059 972 1154, open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am to 5pm and Friday 9.30am to 12 noon. The office is closed on Wednesdays.
• The parish runs Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday from 7pm to 8pm in the Parish Church for anyone who cannot travel.

Getting There

The pilgrimage travels by air, and departure arrangements are confirmed with the organiser at booking. Bagenalstown, also known as Muine Bheag, is on the R705 about 15km south of Carlow town and roughly 8km from the M9 at junction 7. It has its own railway station on the Dublin Heuston to Waterford line, which makes it straightforward to reach for anyone joining the group from outside the county. The parish office and church are in the centre of the town, with on-street parking nearby.