A Celtic Journey to Ireland with Dr. Petra Weldes

Join  Dr. Petra Weldes on a journey to Ireland where we will discover ( Celtic ) spirituality is in all the tales that nature has to tell. In the winding rock walled roads , or the green beyond green landscape , or the wild Atlantic way with its rocky wind and surf worn shores and the  Irish mist on a ‘soft day.

On our Celtic journey, we wish to fill your minds and hearts with ancient Celtic wisdom, while exploring beautiful Ireland country side, the culture and sites of Dublin, the mysterious isle of Inish Mor and the small west coast towns of Doolin and Dingle, which are both famous for their music venues.

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“Natural is a constant presence to the Irish that whispers gently and some times not so gently that life is here and now and full oh so full of laughter and love.” Seamus

Day 1: Transfer – Airport to Hotel  Check into Dublin  hotel – Evening Free

Day 2:  Optional Tour Day. Free to explore Dublin on your own. Suggested options include; The “hop on hop off” bus is a convenient way to take in the sites of the Capital City (it has 23 stops including The book of Kells in Trinity College), a Dublin Bay cruise, visit galleries or simply explore. Spirit Tours is happy to assist you in planning activities for the day. Evening dinner together.

Day 3: After our morning Celtic gathering, we will depart Dublin and travel to the beautiful west coast and arrive in the musical town of Doolin. We will visit the Bunratty Castle along the way. After our arrival and check-in in Doolin, you will have the evening free to explore nearby pubs and restaurants where you can find traditional live music playing.

Day 4: Morning Gathering with our Celtic guide who will explain the importance of holy wells in the Celtic tradition. We depart for St.Brigids Well where we will have the opportunity to participate in the custom of tying wool on the bushes above the well as a symbol of our intention.

Day 5:  Morning Gathering with our Celtic Guide. We will travel to Galway city for lunch and will have time to visit the town. Afterwards the group will take a 1 hour ferry ride to the mystical Aran island of  Inish Mor. On this special Island, which is world famous for its stark beauty, Hermit monks once lived in isolation. We will stay at a small guest house on the island.

Day 6: We will take the form of a soulful silent walk to visit Dun Aonghasa, a World Heritage site, perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  Dun Aonghasa is a magnificent semi-circular fort that rests on the edge of a high cliff  300 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. That afternoon we will visit Clochan na Carraige, a hermit’s hut and have time to walk on a nearby beach. Group dinner in town that evening. Afterward we will take an optional two-hour walk in the magical half-light of evening, along the coast back to our guesthouse (transportation is available for those who do not wish to walk).

Day 7: Depart by Ferry back to the mainland. We will travel across the Shannon River and along the Great Alantic way to Dingle which is located on the Dingle Peninsula. Afternoon and evening on your own to explore Dingle Town, which is famous for its music, shops and pubs.

Day 8: After breakfast and Celtic Gathring, we will walk as a group, along the harbor to the nearby ancient tower on the peninsula. We will walk by eclectic little fashion and jewelry shops on Green street and cozy pubs along the Dingle harbor. The afternoon and evening are free for you to dine and explore on your own.

Day 9: We will travel along the beautiful Slea Head Drive, forming part of the Great Alantic way,  around the Dingle Peninsula. We will visit Saint Govenath’s holy well before visiting the Blasket Island Center for our final Celtic gathering. After lunch we will visit St. Brandon’s house and take a one-hour pilgrim’s walk toward the sea. We will dine together in Dingle for our Farewell Dinner

Day 10: We arise early today for our transfer to Shannon Airport which is approximately 3 hours north for our flight home.