Presbyterian Heritage and Peacebuilding
with Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church
June 12-24, 2027
This thirteen-day pilgrimage provides an exploration of the history of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland and explores peacebuilding and reconciliation related to The Troubles in Northern Ireland. We’ll explore Presbyterian Heritage and John Knox’s legacy in Edinburgh, retreat on the island of Iona, and explore the pre-Christian history of Scotland. In Northern Ireland, we’ll visit Belfast to learn about The Troubles and the hard work of peacebuilding and reconciliation. Our time in Northern Ireland is spent at the Corrymeela Community, a Christian community that is Northern Ireland’s oldest peace and reconciliation organization. This itinerary offers a glance at what to expect; schedule may be adjusted for efficiency or guide availability.
Overview
At a glance
Saturday, June 12, 2027
Sunday, June 13, 2027
Monday, June 14, 2027
Tuesday, June 15, 2027
Wednesday, June 16, 2027
Thursday, June 17, 2027
Friday, June 18, 2027
Saturday, June 19, 2027
Sunday, June 20, 2027
Monday, June 21, 2027
Tuesday, June 22, 2027
Wednesday, June 23, 2027
Thursday, June 24, 2027
Saturday, June 12, 2027
Departure from Dallas to Edinburgh
American 417: DFW to Philadelphia
Jun 12, 2027
14:25
DFW
Jun 12, 2027
18:49
Philadelphia
Group departs DFW at 2:25pm on American 417 to Philadelphia, arriving at 6:49.
American 278: Philadelphia to Edinburgh
Jun 12, 2027
19:30
Philadelphia
07:30
Edinburgh
Depart Philadelphia on American 278 at 7:30pm, arriving in Edinburgh at 7:30am +1.
Sunday, June 13, 2027
Arrival and Edinburgh
Worship at St. Giles Cathedral or Greyfriars Kirk
We arrive in Edinburgh at 7:30am. After collecting our luggage, we begin our pilgrimage with worship at either St. Giles Cathedral or Greyfriars Kirk, depending on the schedule.
Lunch (included)
Lunch (included) after worship.
Visit to Edinburgh Castle
Visit Edinburgh Castle following lunch.
Opening Worship
Once we've checking into our hotel, we will gather for opening worship and reflections.
Opening Dinner
Enjoy the opening dinner after worship.
Edinburgh Central Hostel
After the castle visit, check into Edinburgh Central Hostel and relax for a few hours before gathering for opening worship and dinner.
Monday, June 14, 2027
Edinburgh Walking Tour
Late Start and Walking Tour
On our first full day in Edinburgh, we have a late start, allowing everyone some time to sleep in.
Walking Tour of the Royal Mile
We'll spend our day today walking Edinburgh's Royal Mile and taking in sites like the John Knox House, St. Giles Cathedral (with interior tour), Old Saint Paul’s, and the National Museum of Scotland. Ambitious travelers can take a hike up Arthur's Seat in the afternoon.
Lunch (on your own)
Lunch is on your own.
Dinner at Pizza Posto (included)
We regather in the early evening for dinner at Pizza Posto (included).
Edinburgh Central Hostel
Overnight Edinburgh Central Hostel.
Tuesday, June 15, 2027
Service Day
at Pishwanton Woods
Service Day at Pishwanton Woods
We depart Edinburgh this morning for Pishwanton Woods for a full day of service in support of Ruskin Mills Trust.
Lunch (included)
Lunch (included).
Dinner (on your own)
Dinner (on your own) after returning to Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Central Hostel
Overnight Edinburgh Central Hostel.
Wednesday, June 16, 2027
Edinburgh to Iona
Travel to Iona via Oban and Mull
We leave Edinburgh today, heading north and west towards Oban, the gateway to the Hebridies. We arrive in Oban just before lunchtime and board our ferry to Craignure. Lunch (on your own) on the ferry. Arriving in Craignure, we transfer to our private coach for the drive across the Isle of Mull, arriving in Fionnphort for our ferry to Iona. After checking in at the St. Columba hotel and receiving our guest briefing, we gather for dinner (included). Following dinner, we join the Iona Community at the Abbey for evening worship. Overnight St. Columba Hotel.
Lunch (on your own) on the ferry
Lunch (on your own) on the ferry.
Dinner (included)
Dinner (included) at St. Columba Hotel after guest briefing.
Evening Worship at Iona Abbey
Following dinner, we join the Iona Community at the Abbey for evening worship.
St. Columba Hotel
Thursday, June 17, 2027
Iona Tour
Morning Worship at Iona Abbey
We start our day by joining members and friends of the Iona Community for worship at the Abbey.
Tour of Abbey, Nunnery, and Christian Sites
Tour of the Abbey, Nunnery, and other sites of Christian history on the island with a local guide.
Lunch at Argyll Hotel (included)
We break for lunch at the Argyll Hotel (included) before starting a walking tour of the south end of the island.
Walking Tour of South End of Iona
Walking tour of the south end of the island, focused on the natural history of the island.
Dinner (included)
Dinner (included).
Evening Worship with Iona Community
Evening worship with the Iona Community.
St. Columba Hotel
Friday, June 18, 2027
Iona
Retreat and Free Time
Morning Worship and Mini-Retreat
Again today, we enjoy the rhythm of communal life by worshipping in the Abbey. Immediately following worship, we enjoy a mini-retreat at the Parish Church before breaking just before lunch.
Lunch (on your own)
Lunch (on your own) and a free afternoon to explore Iona.
Free Afternoon to Explore Iona
A free afternoon to explore Iona.
Dinner (included)
We regather for dinner (included), followed by time for reflection and worship in the Abbey.
Evening Reflection and Worship in the Abbey
Time for reflection and worship in the Abbey.
St. Columba Hotel
Saturday, June 19, 2027
Kilmartin Glen
Depart Iona for Kilmartin Glen
We depart Iona early this morning, traveling by ferry, then coach, then ferry again, arriving in Oban in late morning.
Visit to Kilmartin Glen
From Oban, we visit one of the oldest remnants of human activity on the British Isles: Kilmartin Glen with over 350 monuments, standing stones, stone circles, cairns, and an ancient fort. A local guide will provide interpretation while your spiritual guide will provide moments for reflection and meditation.
Lunch (included)
We arriving in Kilmartin Glen in time for lunch (included).
Kilmartin Museum
The Kilmartin Museum provides a deep dive into the history and significance of the Kilmartin site.
Travel to Glasgow
From the glen, we travel to Glasgow.
Dinner (included)
Glasgow Youth Hostel
Sunday, June 20, 2027
Belfast
Peacemaking Tour
Depart Glasgow for Belfast
We depart Glasgow for Belfast early this morning, flying to Belfast. We'll grab a quick lunch before beginning our tour.
Dual Narrative Tour in West Belfast
The group will explore The Trouble with a dual narrative tour in West Belfast. This tour travels the Falls and Shankill Roads, hearing from a Republican guide, followed by a similar tour with a Loyalist guide.
Travel to Corrymeela
Following the tour, we depart for Corrymeela, arriving in time for orientation and dinner (included).
Dinner (included)
at Corrymeela
Evening at Corrymeela
Following dinner, pilgrims have time to explore the campus and reflect on their trip. Worship with the Corrymeela Community and guests.
Corrymeela
Monday, June 21, 2027
Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-rede
Giant's Causeway
Following breakfast, we travel to the Giant’s Causeway to enjoy the spectacular views and the impressive basalt columns. There is plenty of time to explore on your own and enjoy your bag lunch from Corrymeela at any of the numerous picnic tables or overlooking the sea.
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
Following our visit, we travel to the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, where adventurous pilgrims can cross for a commanding view of the coast and sea.
Dinner (included)
Dinner (included) at Corrymeela.
Worship at Corrymeela
Worship at Corrymeela after dinner.
Corrymeela
Tuesday, June 22, 2027
Bru na Boinne & Fourknocks
Depart Corrymeela for Dublin via Bru na Boinne
Today we leave Corrymeela en route to Dublin. Along the way, we’ll visit the Bru na Boinne region, home to some of the most important ancient sites in Irish history.
Hill of Tara Guided Visit
Our guide will meet us at the legendary Hill of Tara to explore the history of the High Kings of Ireland and St. Patrick.
Lunch (TBD)
Lunch (TBD).
Visit Fourknocks Passage Tomb
We then visit Fourknocks, one of the lesser known passage tombs in the Bru na Boinne region.
Travel to Dublin and Check-in
From Fourknocks, we travel to Dublin and check in to our hostel.
Dinner (on your own)
Dinner (on your own).
Generator Hostel, Dublin
Wednesday, June 23, 2027
Book of Kells & Dublin Castle
Walk to Trinity College Dublin
We set off on foot from the hostel to Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kells Experience.
Book of Kells Experience
We set off on foot from the hostel to Trinity College Dublin and the Book of Kells Experience. The Book of Kells is a magnificient "illuminated manuscript" of the Bible dating from the 9th century.
Visit Dublin Castle
Following our time at the Book of Kells, we’ll visit Dublin Castle.
Free Time in Dublin
Participants will have free time in Dublin before gathering at the hostel for closing worship.
Closing Worship
Gather at the hostel for closing worship.
Farewell Dinner (included)
Farewell dinner (included).
Generator Hostel, Dublin
Thursday, June 24, 2027
Return Home
Airport Transfer
We'll travel to the Dublin airport by coach.
American flight 133: Dublin to Dallas
11:45
Dublin
15:30
Dallas
We depart Dublin on American flight 133 at 11:45am, direct to Dallas, arriving at 3:30pm.
Map
A. St. Giles' Cathedral
High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, UKB. Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UKC. Pishwanton Woods
Longyester, Gifford, Haddington EH41 4PZ, UKD. Oban Ferry Terminal
Railway Pier, Oban PA34 4DB, UKE. Iona Abbey
Isle of Iona PA76 6SQ, UKF. Kilmartin Glen
Kilmartin, Lochgilphead PA31 8RQ, UKG. Falls Road, Belfast
Falls Rd, Belfast BT12, UKH. Corrymeela Community
5 Drumaroan Rd, Ballycastle BT54 6QU, UKI. Giant's Causeway
44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU, UKJ. Hill of Tara
Castleboy, Co. Meath, IrelandK. Trinity College Dublin (Book of Kells)
College Green, Dublin 2, IrelandL. Dublin Castle
Dame St, Dublin 2, IrelandPricing
Initial registration and all payments will be made to Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, not Progressive Pilgrimage. Please contact Lauren Hood (lhood@phpc.org) to register.
Trip price is underwritten by Preston Hollow, so the cost for travelers is only $5000 (early) or $5150 (standard).
What's Included
What's included
Roundtrip Airfare
from DFW
Accommodations
in hostels and three-star hotels
Ground Transportation
and internal flight from Glasgow to Belfast
Meals:
Breakfast daily, 6 lunches, 9 dinners
Entry fees and local guides
Gratuities
Ordained Spiritual Guide
Educational Resources
What's not included
Travel Insurance
Available to purchase during registration.
Meals not listed
Alcoholic Beverages
or other specialty beverages
Pilgrimage Expectations
Physical Demands on Every Pilgrimage
You should be able to walk, with luggage, for up to half a mile on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
On most days, you will be out of the hotel between 9am and 5pm, with breaks along the way and some free time to rest.
You should be able to walk 12,000 steps per day and stand while listening to our professional guides
You should be able to sleep in hotels located in city centers, which may have road noise. Air conditioning in Europe is less effective than in the US and may not cool your room as much as you're used to back home.
You should, after a brief orientation, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.