Ferns Diocesan Pilgrimage to Fatima 2026

What to Expect

The Diocese of Ferns, which covers County Wexford and part of south Wicklow, runs a pilgrimage to Fatima every October, and the 2026 group departs on 8 October for seven nights. The cost is €925 per person sharing. That covers direct return flights from Dublin to Lisbon, return airport transfers in Fatima, and full board at the Hotel Avenida with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.

The pilgrimage follows a full religious programme rather than a sightseeing itinerary. It includes guided tours of the Sanctuary and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and visits to the village of Aljustrel where the three shepherd children lived, to Valinhos, and to the town of Santarem. Evening candlelight processions at the Sanctuary are a fixed part of the week in Fatima and are the reason many people go in the first place.

Fatima is one of two long standing overseas diocesan pilgrimages from Ferns, the other being Lourdes in May or June. The Fatima pilgrimage is directed by Fr Denis Browne. Numbers on a diocesan group are limited by the hotel allocation, so the group tends to close well before departure.

Good to Know

• Departs Thursday 8 October 2026 for seven nights
• Cost: €925 per person sharing
• Includes direct return flights Dublin to Lisbon, transfers, and full board at Hotel Avenida
• Full religious programme, guided tours of the Sanctuary and Basilica, visits to Aljustrel, Valinhos and Santarem
• Booking and information: Fr Denis Browne, frdenisbrowne@gmail.com or 086 892 6260
• Annual pilgrimage, run every October by the Diocese of Ferns
• The diocese also runs a Lourdes pilgrimage each May or June

Getting There

The group flies from Dublin Airport. From County Wexford the simplest route is the M11 north from Gorey and Enniscorthy, roughly two hours from Wexford Town by car with the Dublin Port Tunnel taking you to the airport. Wexford Bus and Bus Eireann both run direct coach services from Wexford Town, Enniscorthy and Gorey to Dublin Airport, which avoids long stay parking charges over a week. Confirm the group’s assembly time and terminal with the pilgrimage director before travelling.