Diocesan Pilgrimage to Assisi 2026

The Diocese of Kilmore returns to the hills of Umbria this November for a diocesan pilgrimage to Assisi, timed to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis and the Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope. Bishop Martin Hayes leads the six-day trip, which runs from Tuesday 24 to Sunday 29 November 2026 and takes in the places most closely associated with St Francis and St Clare. Booking is handled through Marian Pilgrimages, with a limited number of places left at the time of writing.

What to expect

The itinerary is built around Assisi’s Franciscan sites, including the Basilica of St Francis, the Basilica of St Clare and the tomb of St Carlo Acutis, under the theme “In the Footsteps of St Francis.” Pilgrims stay five nights at the four-star Fontebella Palace Hotel on a bed, breakfast and evening meal basis, with a full religious programme of daily Masses and spiritual activities led by Bishop Hayes and the diocesan pilgrimage team. Return flights are with Ryanair from Dublin, with coach travel and an English-speaking guide once in Italy. Assisi’s old town sits on a steep hillside with narrow, cobbled streets, so organisers note the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone with limited mobility.

Good to know

• Dates: Tuesday 24 to Sunday 29 November 2026 (6 days, 5 nights)
• Price: From €1,495 per person sharing a twin, double or triple room
• Single room supplement: €450 (very limited availability)
• Includes return Dublin flights, half-board accommodation, coach travel and guide; optional travel insurance €40
• Booking: Marian Pilgrimages on (01) 878 8159, or Seán Coll, Diocesan Pilgrimage Director, on 049 4375004 (ext. 102)

Getting there

The pilgrimage departs from Dublin Airport. The Diocese of Kilmore’s pastoral centre in Cavan town handles enquiries and bookings for parishioners travelling from across the county.

While you’re in Cavan

Enquire through the diocesan office in Cavan before booking. There is more to see in Cavan and across Co. Cavan.