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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
The High Cross and Church at Drumcliff, Co 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
The Gallarus Oratory, Dingle Peninsula
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 closing celebration.
STAY: Glendalough
October 10,
2003
A morning drive to Dublin and a
flight to JFK.
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
twenty participants, we
recommend sending your deposit early to ensure a place.
Cost
and Details Register
now!
Request A
Travel Brochure
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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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