Join Brad
and Rita
on an adventure into the Irish spirit
Contemplative Ireland:
A Pilgrimage
September
8 - 21, 2012
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 7, 2012
Participants fly to Dublin
September
8, 2012
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: in the Boyne Valley
 September
9, 2012
This day’s journey will take us to the most
extraordinary high crosses in all of Ireland at
Monasterboice followed by a short drive north
to visit one of the most evocative dolmen
stones in Ireland, the Proleek stone near
Carlingsford. Dinner at our retreat center
followed by an evening meditation.
STAY: in the Boyne Valley
September 10, 2012
Today we tour the ancient burial
sites of Newgrange and Knowth 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 an evening meditation.
STAY: in the Boyne Valley
The Hill of Tara, Co Meath
September
11, 2012
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. (This hotel has not tubs, pool and exercise equipment. You may want to bring swim wear and/or work-out clothes.)
STAY:
Sligo
September 12 , 2012
Visit the Carrowmore Megalithic monument near Sligo, one of the world’s most impressive prehistoric ritual sites. Back to the hotel in time for lunch, to rest and relax, walk on the beach or visit the Yeat’s grave to reflect on his life and poetry.
STAY: Sligo
 September 13
, 2012
We say goodbye to Sligo and drive toward Galway Bay for a night on the Aran Islands. Home to some of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland. On the Arans, we will discover how rugged, isolated landscapes formed a distinct spirituality that became a beacon of light for European Christianity in the Middle Ages.
STAY: Aran Islands (Inishmore)
Photo: The High Cross and Church at Drumcliff, Co Sligo
 September 14
, 2012
Following a guided exploration of the unique spiritual tradition of the Aran Islands, we board the ferry to Doolin where we'll enter the rugged beauty of the Burren and visit the cliffs of Moher, one of the most dramatic landscapes in Western Europe. Dinner and over-night at a seaside hotel in County Clare.
STAY: Spanish Point
September
15, 2012
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
16, 2012
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
17, 2012
Leaving Dingle, we enjoy a drive through the dramatic beauty of county Kerry, stopping for lunch in the quaint town of Adare, known for its thatched cottages, then travel through the heartland of Ireland to Kildare, the "Kentucky" of the Emerald Isle.
STAY: Kildare Town
September
18, 2012
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 feminine 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
19, 2012
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 20, 2012
Another day in Glendalough to
explore, relax and reflect. Meditations at the women's church, the upper lake
and St. Kevin's cell. A beautiful outdoor labyrinth is available all day for
your walking meditation. Dinner and closing celebration.
STAY: Glendalough
September 21, 2012
We say goodbye to the Emerald Isle, changed forever by its people and the depth of its spiritual tradition. A morning drive to Dublin airport for flights leaving after 9:00 am. (For flights leaving before 9:00 am, you will need to make your own arrangements for transportation from Glendalough to the airport. Cabs are approximately € 90)
Photo: 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 15 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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