Mystic Ireland Tour April 24-May 4
The Mystic Ireland Tour is not a sightseeing tour, nor will your experience be that of a typical tourist. You will travel with a small group; spend extended time in each site and two or three nights in each location. Each sacred place we visit is an opportunity to experience the culture and heritage of the Celtic people and to access ancestral energies that evoke memory and healing. We will be a tending presence in these ancient sites, supporting their continued blessing with respect and gratitude. In return their spiritual energies will support our renewal, transformation and healing. This land and these places have the power to stir your soul and change your life.
Day 1 - Arrive at Shannon Airport
Experience has shown that the first day after transcontinental air travel is very difficult since it almost always includes and overnight flight. I’ve seen passengers arrive at the airport bleary eyed only to be whisked away for their first day of tour barely able to keep their eyes open. I believe it is better for travelers to have an unscheduled first day to get grounded, tough out staying awake, go to bed early and start fresh the next day able to appreciate their experience. Our first night will be at Bunratty 10 miles from Shannon Airport, where you can visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park or stroll the village shops (or not!) at your leisure. We will gather at our guesthouse by 4 PM on April 24 for introductions, orientation and our first meal. Our journey begins in earnest on April 25.
Day 2 - Limerick
We begin by heading southwest to Limerick on the beautiful Shannon River. We will begin by setting our intentions at the Grange, the largest stone circle in Ireland - a magnificent experience! When satisfied here, we’ll explore the nearby Neolithic park at Lough Gur, home of the Goddess Aine. We travel on to Kerry for the night.
Days 3 4 5 - Cork
Kenmare, Kerry is a coastal town known for great food and lively music, our home for four nights. Kenmare is a picturesque town with beaches and shops to explore at the quieter pace of rural Ireland. Here we will collaborate with Jack Roberts, author of the Sun Circles of Ireland in exploring the most interesting of the one hundred stone circles in County Cork and Kerry. We will tune in, honor and celebrate these wonderful gifts from our ancestors.
Days 6 7 8 - Wicklow and Kildare
Now we head north to the holy well of Mother Goddess and Saint Brigit and the light of Her eternal flame in Kildare. St. Brigid, abbess of one of the largest monasteries on Ireland, also served as a healer, peacemaker and counselor to kings. We will visit the energetic and inspiring Brigidine Sisters of Solas Bhride who continue this mission of peacemaking and keep the sacred fire of Brigid burning as it has been since the 6th century. The tangible spiritual eminence of this flame has brought some on my tours to tears.
Come evening we head northwest to the hauntingly beautiful sacred landscape of Glendalough, the 6th century monastic community of St. Kevin in the Wicklow Mountains, now a national park. In addition to tours of the monastic city, Fr Michael Rogers will introduce us to the contemplative landscape features of Glendalough, used by pilgrims for a millennium as places of prayer. Nancy will bring you into closer relationship with the nature spirits of Glendalough, who are especially strong here. Alternatively you can choose to hike along the green road that transects the park or visit the nearby village of Laragh with its fine woolen mill. We spend 3 nights in Glendalough.
Days 9 10 - County Meath
Our final days in the Boyne Valley includes visits to Newgrange, the extraordinary restored passage cairn built 1000 years before the Pyramids, Slieve na Cailleach, another passage cairn where we will be undisturbed, and the Hill of Tara, ancient ceremonial site and seat of the high kings of Ireland. We will conclude with a final dinner together sharing our reflections of our time in Ireland.
Day 11 - Return to Dublin Airport
Please note we will be hiking in rural locations where terrain is rocky with sometimes-extended uphill climb. Reasonable mobility and stamina are important to enjoying this tour - and a good pair of ankle supporting hiking boots!
“I have been on all of Nancy’s 4 previous tours to Ireland. Met wonderful people on each tour. Nancy finds the “keepers” of the ancient keys allowing her groups into places “tourists” do not go. She brings speakers to her group to share their knowledge of the Irish land & her history. Ireland is beautiful, very spiritual & FUN! My experiences & memories will stay with me forever. A marvelous tour to be sure. You truly will not know what you miss unless you go! ”
Tour details:
- Accommodations for our tour will be in 3 star or better hotels or guesthouses. All are shared twin or double rooms with private baths serving a full Irish breakfast. It will fill the heartiest eater and sustain many until dinner. A private room supplement is available upon request. Three additional dinners will be provided leaving you the freedom to choose your dining location on other nights.
- All ground transportation in first class buses, pick up and drop off at airports.
- All teaching and on-site presentation by Nancy and guest contributors.
- All applicable taxes and entrance fees.
- Airfare is not included.
Cost:
- $2890. Airfare is not included.
Registration
- Email: nancy@nancylee-evans.com
- Phone: (907) 235-4770
- Mail: The AnamCara Program, 66665 Fry Ct., Homer, AK 99603
- Payment: You may send a check to the address above. We accept payment with any credit card through a PayPal invoice. You will not need a Paypal account pay with the PayPal invoice.
Note on flights:
Please note we begin our tour at Shannon Airport and end at Dublin airport. Our final tour night is one hour from Dublin Airport. Please book departures after 10 am.
While the Mystical Ireland Tour does not include airfare, here are some thoughts to consider when booking your travel. You might use airline miles to book some or all of your travel with carrier or its mileage plan partners. If you purchase a ticket you will earn nearly enough miles for a free award ticket if you book all the way from Alaska or the USA to Ireland no matter what company you fly with.