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Join Brad
on an adventure into the Celtic spirit
Contemplative Ireland:
A Pilgrimage
September
16 to September 29, 2006
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 15, 2006
Participants fly to Dublin
September
16, 2006
Participants arrive in Dublin
in
the morning. By noon, we meet our bus and driver and head North for one stop and
an introduction
to Celtic Spirituality. The
afternoon at our Retreat Center in Navan is yours to walk the beautiful grounds
or to rest. Short evening welcome reception.
STAY: Dowdstown House hear Navan
Dowdstown House is a splendid 17th century mansion situated on the banks of the river
Boyne in the grounds of Dalgan Park in County Meath. It is a peaceful
haven to soothe body, mind and spirit. The area is rich in wild life, with
scenic woodland and river walks.
 September
17, 2006
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. In the afternoon we visit the town
of Kells. Dinner at our retreat center followed by meditation and prayer.
STAY: Navan
September 18, 2006
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 Hill of Slane and the famed Hill of Tara and it’s mysteries. We return
to our retreat center for dinner followed by meditation.
STAY: Navan
The Hill of Tara, Co Meath
September
19, 2006
We spend the day in Dublin visiting
Trinity College, the Book of Kells and the "treasury" at the National Museum and return to our
retreat center in Navan for dinner and an evening meditation.
STAY:
Navan
September 20, 2006
This morning we say goodbye to the
Boyne Valley 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 near Sligo.
STAY: Sligo
September
21, 2006
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, time in Sligo or recreation at our hotel. A free evening
will allow you to walk on the beach, rest, or venture out for
traditional Irish music.
STAY: Sligo
The High Cross and Church at Drumcliff, Co Sligo
September
22, 2006
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.
September
23, 2006
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. Free
evening.
STAY: Dingle Town
The Gallarus Oratory, Dingle Peninsula
September
24, 2006
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
September
25, 2006
Leaving Dingle en route to Kildare, we stop in the quaint town of Adare, known for its thatched cottages. We'll
arrive at the Abbey of Glenstal, near Limerick, for noon mass to enjoy the
singing and prayer-style of this modern Benedictine Abbey. With many
recorded CDs, the monks of Glenstal sing the hours beautifully. Following
lunch, we'll explore the wooded abbey grounds and visit the oldest terraced
gardens in Ireland.
STAY: Portlaoise
September
26, 2006
Following a short drive to Kildare
Town, we begin our day with meditation at the Christian Community Center called Solas
Bhride. 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 and visit the Cathedral.
In
the afternoon, we travel the short distance across the
Wicklow Mountains. An ancient pilgrim route 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.
STAY: Glendalough
September
27, 2006
Our guides to Glendalough will be authors and Celtic
specialists, Marcus Losack and Kevin O'Kelly. We’ll stay next to Glendalough so you can visit these magnificent
ruins early in the morning or late in the evening.
STAY: Glendalough
September
28, 2006
A day in Glendalough to explore,
relax and reflect. A beautiful outdoor labyrinth is available all day for your
walking meditation. Dinner and closing celebration.
STAY: Glendalough
September
29, 2006
We say goodbye to the Emerald Isle,
changed forever by its people and the depth of its spiritual tradition.
St. Kevin's church and round tower, Glendalough, Co Wicklow
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.
What
are people saying about Illuminated Journeys?
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
fifteen participants, we
recommend sending your deposit early to ensure a place.
Cost
and Details Register
now! Request A
Travel Brochure
Currency
Converter Check
the Weather in Ireland
For More Information Contact Brad
Berglund
at
Illuminated
Journeys
8273 E.
Davies Avenue • Centennial, Colorado 80112
Toll
free: 877.489.8500 • Phone: 720.489.8073
www.illuminatedjourneys.com
• brad@illuminatedjourneys.com
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