ChoIreland '27 is a musical pilgrimage for the Children's Preparatory Choir of St. Francis de Sales Oratory and their families. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to bolster Catholic identity by adorning with song the landmarks and institutions unique to the island.
ChoIreland '27 is a musical pilgrimage for the Children's Preparatory Choir of St. Francis de Sales Oratory and their families. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to bolster Catholic identity by adorning with song the landmarks and institutions unique to the island.
Why Ireland?
The 2027 musical pilgrimage to Ireland will not simply be a vacation getaway to the romantic "Emerald Isle," nor will it be merely a token gesture to Irish American "cultural heritage." The 2027 musical pilgrimage is a mission to a growing, fellow province of the Institute of Christ the King in need of our example to give example and support their own fledging efforts. Much like in America, Gregorian chant—the supreme model of sacred music—has yet to gain traction in Ireland.
The 2027 Ireland trip is not just a tour. It is a mission. The children of the Preparatory Choir will become ambassadors of the Institute's liturgical charism and the only music unique to it. The Preparatory Choir seek support in its mission to reverse the deficit in truly Catholic sacred music education wherever it strikes the hardest. Our students will truly be the first on the lines of this cultural battle.
Itinerary
Departure/Arrival dates are firm. Daily plans/concerts subject to change up to but not past May 2027.
- Depart U.S.Fri July 30th, 2027
- Optional carpool to airport (Oratory-selected flights).
- Arrive in IrelandSat July 31st, 2027
- Coach from Shannon (SNN) to Limerick.
- Mary Immaculate College, S Circular Rd Courtbrack, Limerick, V94 VN26.
- Dunne's Supermarket (delivery available).
- Dinner; overnight at Mary Immaculate College.
- Cliffs of MoherSun August 1st, 2027
- Breakfast at Mary Immaculate College.
- Walk to Sacred Heart Church; music rehearsal (parents pack lunch in kitchen).
- Coach to Cliffs of Moher (packed lunch); return to Mary Immaculate College.
- Dinner; overnight at Mary Immaculate College.
- CorkMon August 2nd, 2027
- Walk to Sacred Heart; children sing High Mass.
- Walk back; breakfast and free time in Limerick.
- Lunch at Mary Immaculate College.
- Coach (1.5 hrs) to Cork; children sing at SS. Peter and Paul.
- Coach (1.5 hrs) return to Limerick. Dinner; overnight at Mary Immaculate College.
- Limerick ConcertTue August 3rd, 2027
- Breakfast and lunch at Mary Immaculate College.
- Concert for Dominicans.
- Dinner; overnight at Mary Immaculate College.
- Ardee, Drogheda, DundalkWed August 4th, 2027
- Breakfast at Mary Immaculate College.
- Coach (2.8 hrs) to House of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (OLHR), Ardee.
- Lunch at OLHR.
- Coach (30 min) to Drogheda; children sing. Coach (30 min) to Dundalk, then return to OLHR.
- Dinner; overnight at OLHR.
- BelfastThu August 5th, 2027
- Breakfast at OLHR.
- Coach (1.5 hrs) to Belfast.
- Lunch at Belfast Apostolate; concert.
- Coach (1.5 hrs) return to OLHR. Dinner; overnight at OLHR.
- Depart IrelandFri August 6th, 2027
- Arrive in U.S.Sat August 7th, 2027
Cost
Copay of $125.00 per chorister, payable to St. Francis de Sales Oratory, August 1, 2026. Below, please see the breakdown of what is included.
Flight
Does not include:
- Adult Flights
- Airport parking. The Oratory will coordinate carpool shuttling to and from the STL airport to avoid daily parking fees.
- Passports or checked luggage fees.
- Purchases made in the airport (snacks, travel luxuries).
- Custom airline or seating choices.
Meals
It is recommended that parents budget for one week's worth of typical grocery costs per yourself and per participating child. Meal-prep and dining areas are provided by overnight accommodations properties, and overnight locations have been strategically selected to be near supermarkets Dunnes (while in Limerick) and Lidl's (while in Ardee). Prices are comparable to Schnucks/Dierbergs.
Accommodations
- Overnight in Limerick (granting access to Cork and Galway via coach bus) provided by Mary Immaculate College covered by the ChoIreland Fund.
- Overnight accommodations in Ardee (granting access to Belfast, Dundalk, and Drogheda via coach bus) provided by House of Our Lady of the Rosary, Sister Adorers at no cost to you.
Ground Transportation
Once in Ireland, participants will get around by coach bus for long distances. Count on contributing $5–$10 dollars per household towards bus rental with the ChoIreland Fund covering the balance. Independent transportation (car rental, Lyft, Uber, Taxi) are not included in assistance.
Restaurants/Pubs
The Oratory has planned this musical pilgrimage such that participants have access to grocery stores and are not at the mercy of expensive eating-out costs. However, participants may patronize a restaurant or pub ad lib, but these outings are not included in assistance.
Additional Info
What if I prefer to choose my own flight/airline?
All participants must be in Limerick by July 31, 2027, so independent purchasers are strongly, strongly recommended to choose flights that arrive at Shannon Airport (SNN) in Limerick. If you choose a flight that arrives in Dublin (DUB), you must also arrange your own bus or rental car from Dublin to Limerick (a 2-hour ride). Whatever the arrangement, all participating singers must be in Limerick by no later than July 31 and do not depart sooner than August 6.
Contact
For further information, do not hesitate to contact music director James Marck, jmarck@institute-christ-king.org, or to request an in-person meeting to discuss details.