Welcome to our Pilgrimages travel blog where you will find all our latest articles about our wonderful destinations, travel tips and inspiration.

5 wonderful day trips from Lourdes

As well as being one of the world’s most important Marian shrines and pilgrimage destinations, Lourdes is also located in a region, the Pyrenees, of stunning natural beauty and culture.

Lourdes in winter time

Caroline Trainor, who leads our team in Lourdes, shares what it is like to spend time in Lourdes in winter time: We are often asked what is Lourdes like in

A simple guide on responsible travel

Undertaking a pilgrimage is not only a meaningful and spiritual experience for oneself but also an opportunity to practice responsible travel. As pilgrims journey to classic pilgrimage destinations such as

8 Things to do and see in Fatima, Portugal

The small town of Fatima in Portugal has been an important place of Catholic pilgrimage since Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Its Sanctuary is visited by

Life of St Teresa of Avila

St Teresa of Avila, also called Teresa de Jesus and named by birth Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada, was a Spanish writer and a nun, known for being a very

Special Places: Bartres Lourdes

The small village of Bartres is situated in the countryside about 5kms from the town of Lourdes. When St Bernadette was about 10 months old her mother Louise Soubirous was

What is the Camino pilgrim passport or Credencial?

Today we introduce you to one of the most important items you should have with you during your journey on the Camino de Santiago: the ‘Credencial’ or Camino Pilgrim Passport.

Fascinating Camino traditions, rituals and customs

Pilgrims from all corners of the world have travelled to Santiago de Compostela over hundreds of years. As a result, different Camino traditions, rituals and customs have emerged, some of

The meaning of the Camino Shell

Along with the yellow arrow, the Camino shell is an iconic symbol of the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrim trails to Santiago de Compostela. But why has the scallop shell

Travel Tips for your Pilgrimage

If you are getting ready to book your next trip or travel, we have prepared our top useful travel tips for your pilgrimage with Joe Walsh Tours: CHECK LEVEL OF

Divine Mercy Pilgrimage: 6 Important shrines

Today we would like to introduce you to some of the most important shrines of the Divine Mercy Pilgrimage, following in the footsteps of Saint Faustina Kowalska, and her life

Wonderful things to see in Padua

Home to the world’s first botanical gardens, a centre of learning as well as destination for devout pilgrims for centuries and a medieval city-state, the art city of Padua is

Top 5 things to do and see on your Pilgrimage to Avila

The city of Avila has been a center of religious devotion since the Medieval Ages, due to its sacred shrines, as well as being home to Saint Teresa de Jesus,

How is the feast of St James celebrated in Spain?

25th July is the feast of the Apostle St James, patron saint of Santiago de Compostela, who many pilgrims visit and honour when they arrive at Santiago's Cathedral (where the

2025: Centenary of the Beatification of Bernadette Soubirous

2025 is a very special year for pilgrims to Rome as we celebrate the Jubilee of Hope but also in Lourdes, as the Shrine celebrates an important highlight: the centenary

“Well done, good and faithful servant” – Very Rev Fr Michael Toomey on Pope Francis

Very Rev Fr Michael Toomey reflects on Pope Francis and his time in Rome for his funeral.

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