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Join Brad
and Rita
on an adventure into the Irish spirit
Contemplative Ireland:
A Pilgrimage
September
13 to September 26, 2008
The spiritual riches of Ireland await you in what many 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 western 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 12, 2008
Participants fly to Dublin
September
13, 2008
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 Indigenous Irish 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
14, 2008
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 15, 2008
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
16, 2008
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 17, 2008
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
18, 2008
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
19, 2008
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
20, 2008
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
21, 2008
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
22, 2008
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: Kildare Town
September
23, 2008
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 a 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
24, 2008
A day in Glendalough. Rita and Brad lead optional
meditations at the monastic city and walk to the woolen mill. We’ll stay next
to Glendalough so you can visit the magnificent ruins early in the morning or
late in the evening.
STAY: Glendalough
September
25, 2008
Another day in Glendalough to
explore, relax and reflect. Meditations at the women's church, the upper lake
and St. Kevin's well. A beautiful outdoor labyrinth is available all day for
your walking meditation. Dinner and closing celebration.
STAY: Glendalough
September
26, 2008
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
What
are other 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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