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Join Brad on an adventure into the Celtic spirit

Contemplative Ireland: 
A Pilgrimage

September 26 to October 10, 2003

The Celtic riches of Ireland await you in what some call "the best time of year in the Irish countryside." After the tourists have gone and the Irish people settle into their Fall routines, the inner riches of this remarkable landscape open up to the thoughtful visitor.

We begin our pilgrimage in Co. Meath  in the historic Boyne Valley, travel to the seaside town of Sligo, down the West Coast to the Dingle peninsula, winding our way through the center of Ireland to Glendalough, the valley of the  two lakes.

Travel Day – September 26, 2003
Fly to Dublin (this tour includes a round trip Trans-Atlantic flight.)

September 27, 2003
We arrive in Dublin early in the morning. We’ll meet our bus and driver and head North for an introduction to Celtic Spirituality at the Hill of Slane in county Meath. After lunch, the afternoon at our Retreat Center in Navan is yours to walk the beautiful grounds or to rest. Short evening welcome reception.
STAY: Outside Navan at Bellinter House retreat center.

Bellinter House is a splendid 1750 Palladian mansion set in 14 acres of parkland on the banks of the river Boyne.  The center, set in the heart of County Meath countryside, is a quiet and an ideal venue for retreats.

September 28, 2003
This day’s journey will take us to the most extraordinary high crosses in all of Ireland at Monasterboice followed by a noon picnic and tour of Mellifont Abbey with an afternoon stop at the ancient monastic community of Kells. Dinner at our retreat center followed by an evening meditation.
STAY: Bellinter House 

September 29, 2003
We spend the day in Dublin visiting Trinity College, the Book of Kells and the National Museum and return to our retreat center in Navan for dinner and an evening meditation.
STAY: Bellinter House

The Hill of Tara, Co Meath

September 30, 2003
Today we tour the ancient burial sites of Newgrange and visit the informative visitor’s center there. After lunch we’ll move on to the famed Hill of Tara and it’s mysteries. We return to our retreat center for a meal and an evening meditation.
STAY: Bellinter House

October 1, 2003
This morning we say goodbye to our retreat center in Navan and travel across the border of Northern Ireland on our way to the town of Sligo on Ireland’s dramatic West Coast. Lunch in the Northern Irish town of Enniskillen. Dinner and overnight at a lovely seaside hotel.
STAY: Sligo

October 2, 2003
First thing this morning, we will visit the Carrowmore megalithic cemetery near Sligo, one of the world’s most impressive prehistoric burial sites. Afternoon options will include the Drumcliff Church with Yeat’s grave, or recreation at our hotel. A free evening will allow you to walk on the beach, rest, or venture in to Sligo for traditional Irish music.
STAY: Sligo

October 3, 2003
We say goodbye to Sligo and drive to Co. Clare, home of the unique beauty of the Burren, an expansive area of ground covered by a rough and ragged limestone cap. Lunch near the seaside town of Ballyvaughn, an afternoon exploring the Burren with its famed portal Dolmen and dinner at our hotel in Doolin. 
STAY: Doolin.

October 4, 2003
We’ll enjoy a drive through Co Clare on our way to the remote western beauty of the Dingle peninsula. For the next two nights our group will take over two bed and breakfast Inns.
STAY: Dingle Town

October 5, 2003
The Dingle peninsula is home to a variety of stone circles, monastic settlements, beehive huts, a perfectly preserved oratory, the Blasket Islands, and an excellent visitor’s center. A local archeologist and guide will join us for our tour of the Dingle peninsula. Dingle Town is home to artisans and musicians who specialize in the Celtic tradition. Free evening.
STAY: Dingle Town

October 6, 2003
Leaving Dingle en route to Kildare, we stop for lunch in the quaint town of Adare, known for its thatched cottages. Tonight we meditate in Kildare at the Christian Community Center called Solas Bhride.
STAY: Kildare

October 7, 2003
Kildare, the church of the oak, is the historic home of St. Brigid and now the home of the Brigidine sisters. We’ll spend the day with the energetic and visionary sisters who are leading a renaissance in women’s spirituality in Ireland. We’ll pray with them in the serene surroundings of Brigid’s well then visit the Cathedral and walk an outdoor labyrinth.
STAY: Kildare

October 8, 2003
The ancient pilgrim route across the Wicklow Mountains marks our descent into Glendalough the "valley of the two lakes" where we will be greeted by one of the most remarkable round towers in all of Ireland. Our guides to Glendalough will be author and Celtic specialist, Marcus Losack and Kevin O'Kelly. Evening meeting and meditation with Marcus. We’ll stay next to Glendalough so you can visit these magnificent ruins early in the morning or late in the evening.
STAY: Glendalough

October 9, 2003
A day in Glendalough to explore, relax and reflect. A beautiful outdoor labyrinth is available all day for your walking meditation. Dinner and free evening.
STAY: Glendalough

October 10, 2003
A morning drive to Dublin and a flight to JFK.

If you want to learn the difference between religion and spirituality, this is the tour for you!

— Vicki, A social worker from Denver and participant in the 2001 tour.

Please take note:

Accessibility: Many of the places we visit and explore reflect the rugged, isolation of early Irish hermits. In order to reach these sacred prayer cells, passage tombs and monasteries, we will travel part way by foot. This pilgrimage is not recommended for those who have severe health problems or limited mobility.

Group size: Because this pilgrimage is limited to twenty participants, we recommend sending your deposit early to ensure a place.

Cost and Details

Register Now! (with Illuminated Journeys)

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