The Journey Home ~ Rediscovery 2024

Day 1
“Art and History”

After breakfast we go northwards through Co Clare  to the O Dea’s Castle, a fine example of a Norman castle that has been restored. We take a walk from here to see the finest example of a Romanesque doorway in St Tola’s abbey that was  founded in the 7th century. Along the walk, you will have an opportunity to view the 12th century St. Patrick’s High Cross. Onward into Co. Galway to Brigid’s Peace Gardens. Here we will learn about the wheel of time and the ancient Celtic festivals and how the traditions evolved through the different faiths. We will stop for lunch before heading to the beautiful village of Cong where we can walk among the Ancient trees and Abbey ruins. Overnight and dinner Clifden Co Galway.  

Day 2
“Pilgrim’s Path & Tochar Phadraig”

We start our day with a morning walk, it is a time when we soak in everything around us, become familiar with the stones, trees and nature. Our first stop is to a stone known as Boheh stone. This Neolithic carved stone is set in a place where the sun rolls down the back of Ireland’s sacred mountain Croagh Patrick. This is the mountain where St Patrick fasted for 40 days and confronted the ancient serpent Caoranacht.

This afternoon we will visit Ballintubber Abbey. It has a long and continues history of being a place of service since the 12th century.  It is here we will take the steps on Tochar Phadraig the ancient chariot path that became the pilgrimage route to the Sacred mountain. As you walk the Tócha’, whether on foot or in fantasy, you will be going on a spiritual pilgrimage, as well as a cultural and historical journey through the ages. Both experiences, if entered fully present, should bring about a change of heart and mind that is essential for a pilgrim’s progress. Along this pilgrim path, we will stop at Tochar Phadraig and Clochan Phadraig. St. Patrick himself may have touched these stones as he made his way along the pilgrimage walk known as the Dragon’s back In this 4km walk we will takes the steps in reflection of our place in the world. For those that would prefer to spend time in the Abbey, we are happy to accommodate you. Overnight Westport.

Day 3
“Cultural Ways”

This morning you have in Westport town to browse around and take care of the shopping. We will meet for lunch and for the afternoon, we explore the magnificent northern coast of Co. Mayo with visits to Kilcummin Holy Well and beach, a wonderful energic Stone Circle and the Ceide Fields. The site is the most extensive Neolithic site in Ireland and contains the oldest known field systems in the world. Also the stunning Dun Briste (Broken Fort) home of the Old God Crom Dubh.

Overnight in Westport. Dinner Included.

Day 4
“Musical Traditions”

After our morning gathering we will make our way to the Country Life Museum, a first-rate collection of folklore artifacts set on the grounds of a lovely Victorian estate. After lunch, our venture is to visit Rathcroghan (Cruachan), an enigmatic landscape shrouded in myth and legend, an ancient capital of Queen Maebdh with the burials of long forgotten heroes and kings. Here we will meet local guide and be escorted to the Oweynagat – the cave of the cats. It is here that the great War Goddess The Morrigan, let the brown bull of Cooley Northwards.

If the time permits. We will pay a visit to Lough Key Forest Park on our way to Sligo.

Overnight Sligo

Day 5
“Social Connections”

After breakfast and our morning walk in Lissadell House and Gardens or a walk on the beach before our guided tour of Carrowmore, the largest group of megalithic tombs on the Cúil Irra peninsula. They were built in the 4th millennium BCE, during the Neolithic and are aligned with the other significant sites in the surrounding area.

This afternoon, we will visit Fiddler Gerry Harrington in the traditional cottage of legendary musician and composer Josie MacDermot. Here we will learn about the the music of Sligo and what makes it unique from other parts of the country. Tea, scones and tunes will be in place.

Overnight Sligo/Dinner

Day 6

Our first stop today is the Creevykeel court tomb. A superb example of a 4500 year old structure. Here we will meet Martin Byrne to share his wisdom and talents.

We have a real treat this afternoon. We will spend our afternoon toe tapping at a local Sean No’s dance festival called Cos Cos. Here we can take in the many delights, faces, tunes and storytelling. We will between the village of Rathcormac and Drumcliff and here we will also visit Yates Grave. Overnight Donegal

Day 7

Our first drive today is to Sliabh League. This is the second of Ireland’s Sacred Mountains and boosts the highest cliffs in Europe. After a stretch of the legs, we then visit the Cloghanmore Megalithic Tomb before making our way to the pilgrimage route (Taurus) in Glencolmcille.

We will be visiting the birthplace of Colmcille and meet a local guide to share his knowledge of Irish traditions within the area. Afterwards we visit the village of Ardara where the art and skill of weaving has spanned centuries. On we go to magnificent Kilcooley Dolmen, This outlandish dolmen is a sight to behold.

Overnight in Donegal

Day 8
“The Ancients Way”

Our first stop today is Loughros Point Waterfall and Beach. We are in the heart of weaving country so a visit to see the fine colors of Donegal tweed is in order. We will follow the process from wool to weave, a tradition that has flourished in Donegal since the 19th century. We then take the scenic drive through the most beautiful and rugged landscape to make our way North to Beltaine stone circle where we will gather in our circle and share what we have taken from this magical land.

Overnight in Donegal.