Irish Pilgrimage Trust is now Rise & Shine

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Irish Pilgrimage Trust is now Rise & Shine 〰️

Rise & Shine is a volunteer led charity that brings around 400 children and young people with additional needs on a week-long life-changing holiday to Lourdes every Easter.

We also provide a program of week-long holidays called Friendship Weeks for young people with additional needs at our holiday home in Kilcuan, Galway during July and August.

Our Rise & Shine volunteers pay their own costs and our guests are covered by fundraising events and donations.

Be our guest

Our yearly Rise & Shine Easter Pilgrimage to Lourdes is an experience that brings much fun and happiness to peoples lives. For those who prefer a trip in Ireland over the summer – our Friendship Weeks in Kilcuan, Galway might suit? Either way, if you’re interested in joining as a guest, you can find all the facts right here:

Once you’ve decided which suits best, all you need is the application form for guests and you’re good to go. We’d love to have you join us!

Guest Application Form

We are primarily funded by our volunteers’ fundraising and private donations. You can help us continue this wonderful work by making a donation, by volunteering, by supporting our fundraising events or by fundraising on our behalf.

become a supporter

Why not let your light shine by becoming a volunteer? Fill in the application form below, we’d love to hear from you!

Volunteer Application Form

Make an impact today

At Rise & Shine we bring people with additional needs on pilgrimage holidays to Lourdes and on holiday in Ireland and we fundraise and rely on private donations to cover their costs.

Help us continue this wonderful work

Rise & Shine ('The Irish Pilgrimage Trust') is listed on the Charities Regulatory Authority register of charities as required under the Charities Act 2009.

What was your experience?

  • Simply fabulous

    "… The carers in the group were the kindest group of people. The respect and kindness they showed the young people was outstanding. We were so lucky to have them with us. Only for them we would not have got through the week or enjoyed the week as much. ..."

    – Mum Roisin / son Fionn, Easter Pilgrimage 2025

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  • It really was the making of her

    “Our daughter Tia had the most wonderful week in Lourdes this Easter for which we will be forever grateful. It really was the making of her.”

    – Mum Tara / daughter Tia, Easter Pilgrimage 2024

  • There is something for everyone

    “… I know there is a lot of organisation that goes into it but it is a service that is essential as there is not enough services out there for kids and adults to be who they want to be such as seeing kids that never got up in front of a crowd before to by the end of the week up in front of people making speeches, laughing and benefiting from the amazing week. …”

    – Luke, Volunteer Carer

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  • This week was the happiest he has ever felt in his whole life

    “… Liam has just gone to bed, having talked non-stop all the way home about his wonderful week.  He said that this week was the happiest he has ever felt in his whole life. You have no idea how much it means to me to hear that! He loved everyone in the group and said he couldn't pick a favourite as everyone was so nice. …”

    – Mum Dearbhla / son Liam, Easter Pilgrimage 2024

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  • Everyone knew his name and made him feel welcome

    “… The moment we arrived in the airport and everyone knew his name and made him feel welcome and that gave us great comfort and we knew he was in safe hands. And when he walked out into the arrivals hall at the end of the week myself and my husband both commented on his stature - it shouted to us that he was extremely comfortable with everything and very content in himself and I can’t begin to describe or explain how much that meant to us! It was just incredible to see. …”

    – Mum / son Rory, Easter Pilgrimage 2023

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  • Wonderful and life-changing

    “… This was the first time Pierce had ever been away from us and as parents, that naturally brought a mix of emotions. But from the very beginning, the love, care, and support he received from group 69 has been nothing short of exceptional. It has brought us so much joy and comfort to know he was in such kind and capable hands. …”

    – Parents / son Pierce, Easter Pilgrimage 2025

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  • An incredibly moving experience

    “I had a wonderful trip to Lourdes over and an incredibly moving experience. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to take part in such a meaningful and memorable week.

    I absolutely would. Travelling to Lourdes as a Volunteer Carer was a deeply rewarding experience, and I’d definitely recommend it to a friend. It's a unique opportunity to help others while being part of something truly special.”

    – Volunteer Carer, Easter Pilgrimage 2025

  • A wonderful opportunity that cannot be missed

    “… When it came to preparing for the trip, the leaders and carers visited me in advance to get to know me and to take notes of my medical history. They were committed to do everything possible to make sure I could enjoy every minute of the trip to the fullest. As I am a wheelchair user and happen to have limited mobility they were eager to know the best ways to support me in terms of transferring me from A to B. …”

    – Guest, Easter Pilgrimage 2018

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