HMML Journeys
HMML Journeys
Immersive travel experiences bring HMML’s global manuscript preservation work to life providing deeper perspectives, more intimate connections, and keener insights that only HMML can deliver.
The Ireland and Scotland journey has ended. Check back soon for information about our next HMML Journey.
Upcoming Itinerary
Ireland and Scotland:
The Legacy of Saint Columba and the Monks of Iona

Follow in the footsteps of Saint Columba (c. 521-597) and the monks of Iona. Learn more about the life and impact of Saint Columba, the Irish abbot and missionary evangelist credited with spreading Christianity in what is now Scotland. The journey will visit sites important in the history of manuscripts, monasticism, and politics in this region.
Journey highlights
- Experience spiritual, educational, and fellowship enrichment as part of a traveling community under the leadership and hospitality of HMML Executive Director Father Columba Stewart, OSB.
- Enjoy a private visit to the library at Trinity College, home to the world famous Book of Kells.
- Discover the monastery of Kells, established by the followers of Saint Columba, a place where the incomparable Book of Kells was written and housed for more than 800 years.
- Meet a member of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly for discussions on contemporary political and religious conflict.
- Explore the Isle of Iona where Saint Columba established an abbey in the 6th century, which became the center of monastic life and development in the region for centuries, until repeated conflicts with Vikings forced the community to relocate back to Ireland.
- Participate in worship services in Dublin and the Iona Abbey led by HMML Executive Director Fr. Columba Stewart, OSB.
Journey includes
- Tour team: HMML Executive Director Fr. Columba Stewart, OSB, along with professional tour leaders and local guides
- Transfers: Private, deluxe motor coach for all transfers and tours; public ferry transportation from Ireland to Scotland and to and from Iona
- Food & drink: Daily breakfast buffet; seven dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners; and three lunches included
- Accommodations: 4-star hotels
- Logistics: Baggage handling, gratuities, and taxes
- Activities/fees: Included for all sponsored activities
- Departure
- Friday, September 16, 2022 - Wednesday, September 28, 2022
13 days, 12 nights - Estimated Cost
- Land package only: $4,795/person
Supplement for single accommodation: +$925
All other expenses are the responsibilities of participant - Activity level
- Strenuous; walking up to four miles some days; not wheelchair, scooter, or walker accessible
- Group size
- 20 participants maximum; reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis; (Tentatively full, please contact us to join the wait list.)
- Deposit
- $600/person, due March 16, 2022
- Full Payment
- Due June 19, 2022
- Questions
- Contact Director of External Relations Joe Rogers, or
Executive Assistant Linda Orzechowski, lorzechowsk@hmml.org
- Day 1
- Dublin Arrival
- Day 2
- Dublin City Tours
- Day 3
- Dublin Trinity College Tour
- Day 4
- Dublin, Kells, Derry
- Day 5
- Derry, Belfast
- Day 6
- Belfast City Tours
- Day 7
- Belfast, Ferry to Glasgow
- Day 8
- Glasgow, Ferry to Isle of Iona
- Day 9
- Isle of Iona, Ferry to Isle of Staffa
- Day 10
- Isle of Iona Tours
- Day 11
- Isle of Iona, Ferry to Edinburgh
- Day 12
- Edinburgh Departure
Past Itineraries

Sicily (2018)
Explored the heritage of the island whose location put it at the crossroads of history, a pawn of conquest, and a melting pot for a dozen or more ethnic groups.

The Balkans (2017)
Visited sites associated with HMML’s preservation work of endangered manuscripts resulting from centuries of war and political unrest.

Austria (2015)
Retraced the monastic path where HMML’s manuscript preservation work began in 1965.

Ethiopia (2014)
Visited the historic monasteries and libraries where HMML has helped preserve more than 10,000 written manuscripts that date back 1,500 years.

Malta (2013)
Explored the historic sites, libraries, and museums that hold the cultural heritage of Malta, an important focus for HMML since 1973.