Exploring our Celtic Spirituality

Led by:

Ms Susie Clifford and Ms Sarah Sheely
Christ Episcopal Church
Coronado, CA

June 14 – 25, 2009

DAY 1, Sunday, June 14, 2008, - Depart the United States for our trans-Atlantic flight to Dublin, Ireland. D

DAY 2: Monday, June 15, 2008 - Our Pilgrimage to Ireland begins:  Upon arrival in Dublin, we will clear immigration and depart for Glendalough, stopping along the way to purchase groceries for our meal preparation at the retreat house.  We will enjoy lunch at the Glendalough Hotel and then visit the Heritage Centre and Museum where we see a video entitled “Ireland of the Monasteries”.  This evening we will have a group meeting followed by dinner at our retreat house.  Dinner and overnight Sli an Chroi, St. Patricks, Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow. LD

DAY 3: Tuesday, June 16, 2008 - St. Kevin’s Monastic City:  We will have an early morning in order to tour St. Kevin’s Monastic City before the crowds arrive.  We will visit St. Kevin’s Church, Kevin’s Cross, The Cathedral, The Round Tower and St. Mary’s Church.  We will then return to the retreat house and the rest of the afternoon will be free.  Dinner and overnight at Sli an Chroi. BLD

DAY 4: Wednesday, June 17, 2008 - Today we will enjoy a day in Dublin where we will visit Trinity College to see the magnificent Old Library and the 1200 year old Book of Kells, the beautifully illuminated version of the Gospels, designed by monks in the 9th century.  We continue on to the National Museum, housing a rich collection of Irish antiquities from the prehistoric times to the end of the medieval period.  This afternoon we will be free for shopping and personal exploration in Dublin.  We will enjoy a traditional Fish and Chips dinner before we depart Dublin and return to Sli an Chroi for overnight. BLD

DAY 5: Thursday, June 18, 2008 - Depart for a full day in Kildare, site of the 6th century St. Brigid’s Monastery, St. Brigid’s Cathedral and St. Brigid’s Well. We will have some time for prayers and a Pilgrim Liturgy at the Well.  We continue on to Clonmacnoise to visit St. Kieran’s Monastery, a tiny 9th century church believed to contain the tomb of the founder.  We continue to Rossaveal where we will take the ferry to Inishmore, Aran Islands.  Overnight Tigh Fitz Guesthouse. BLD

DAY 6: Friday, June 19, 2008 - Today we will meet with Padraigin Clancy, Clancy, has lectured extensively and has facilitated retreats and seminars throughout Ireland, appearing frequently on Irish national radio and television.  Originally drawn to the Island by her studies, she has made it her home since 1990.  In that time she has documented an extensive collection of Irish folklore and cultural history.  We will rent bicycles (weather permitting) and visit Dun Aengus, an 8th century B.C. fort.  We will reflect on the pre-Christian tradition as well as the monastic heritage on Aran.  After lunch, we continue to the Seven Churches, the Viking Mound, St. Kierans and the Seal Sanctuary.  After dinner we will enjoy traditional Irish set dancing lessons with an expert instructor from the Island.  Overnight Tigh Fitz Guesthouse. BLD

DAY 7: Saturday, June 20, 2008 - Today we will be free to explore the island on our own in small groups.  You may choose to visit Dun Eoghanachta which dates from the 1st century BC or take the pilgrim's walk to St. Enda's Church, Cromwell's Castle and St. Benan's Church, the site of Enda's famous 6th century Monastery.  You may also choose to hike to the Black Fort.  In the 5th century, St. Edna brought Christianity to the islands which began the monastic traditions for which the Aran Islands are so famous.  This evening we visit with Padraigin Clancy, Irish folklorist.  Overnight Tigh Fitz Guesthouse. BLD

DAY 8: Sunday, June 21, 2008 - Morning worship with Fr. Dara Malloy at St. Kevin’s Church.  Fr Dara is a former Catholic priest who has developed his teaching and Celtic resources on the Aran Islands.  Our journey continues as we say “goodbye” to Inishmore traveling by ferry and transfer to Galway City.  We will have some free time in Galway City to shop or explore on our own in small groups.  Dinner and overnight Killary Centre, Connemara. BD

DAY 9: Monday, June 22, 2008 - This morning we tour through Connemara.  We visit Kylemore Abbey, the only Irish home of the Benedictine Nuns.  Built originally as a Castle in 1868, it is one of the best examples of Irish neo-gothic architecture.  The estate features a Victorian Walled Garden, restored Abbey reception rooms, a Gothic Church, tranquil walks, craft shop, pottery and restaurant.  We continue on to Maumturk Mountains to the sacred place of Maumeen, a place of pilgrimage and the site of a small church, holy well and a statue of St. Patrick.  Dinner and overnight Killary Centre, Connemara. BD

DAY 10: Tuesday, June 23, 2008 - Today we will travel to Croagh Patrick, Patrick’s sacred mountain.  We will climb the mountain under the direction of an experienced guide.  It was on the summit of this mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation ever since.  This afternoon we will return to the Killary Centre for dinner and evening activities.  Overnight Killary Centre, Connemara. BD

Croagh Patrick will take about 6 hours to climb to the top and back down.  Please note that this is a hard climb and you may not be able to complete the climb.  You must have appropriate attire including climbing boots with ankle support, rain jacket, layers of light clothing which can be put on and removed as required, backpack, plenty of water and snacks.

DAY 11: Wednesday, June 24, 2008 - Today we travel to the Burren, which means “rocky land” in Gaelic.  The rare Burren is a unique botanical environment in which Mediterranean and alpine plants rare to Ireland grow side by side.  In the southern part of the Burren, limestone gives way to the black shale and sandstone that form the dramatic Cliffs of Moher.  We continue on to Ennis to visit Ennis Cathedral.  Dinner and overnight Park Inn Hotel, Shannon Airport. BD

DAY 12: Thursday, June 25, 2008 - After breakfast we walk across to the Shannon Airport for our return flight home.  A hotel porter will arrange for trolleys to transfer our luggage to the airport. B

Price: $3,359.00  Price is based on double occupancy without airline taxes and fuel surcharges.  Roundtrip air from San Diego, CA.  Air transportation available from other cities.  Single supplement $99.00.  The price is not guaranteed and may change due to the fluctuation of the Euro and the US dollar.  We make every effort to avoid any increase and will only do so if the value of the dollar falls against the Euro.  Your pricing was based on the exchange rate of $1.386 to the Euro

Final Payment due by March 13, 2009.

Cancellation Penalties
◊ October 9, 2008 – March 13, 2009 - $175.00 plus any unrecoverable fees.
◊ March 14, 2009 – May 14, 2009 - $275.00 plus any unrecoverable fees.
◊ After May 15, 2009 : NO REFUND

Price includes Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

Meals: B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner

The itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions or at the discretion and direction of the leader or guide.

During this itinerary, you will shop, plan and prepare your meals while in the Glendalough area.