Pilgrimage to Ireland:
The Land of Light and Shadow
Detailed Itinerary
** The itinerary is subject to change. The Goddess and Her world works in mysterious ways, and there are times where changes are necessary to ensure the smooth travel, safety, and comfort of the group. Any and all changes will be communicated as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Day 1: Sunday, September 10, 2023
Arrival Day – Dublin
~ Arrive in the morning and fight jet lag by exploring Dublin on the Hop On – Hop Off sightseeing bus. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.
Overnight: Dublin
Included:
- Airport Transfer
- Hop On, Hop Off
- Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Monday, September 11, 2023
NewGrange and Tara
~ Today we explore the passage tomb at NewGrange – or as the locals call it, Bru na Boinne. Afterwards, we’ll stand atop the Hill of Tara where ancient kings were crowned.
Overnight: Dublin
Included:
- NewGrange Tickets and Tour
- Tara Tour
Day 3: Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough
~ We leave Dublin and head south to Wicklow, a land of rolling hills, and visit the ancient monastic site at Glendalough.
Overnight: Kildare
Included:
- Visit to Glendalough
Day 4: Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Kildare, Cathedral of St. Brigid
~ Today, we meet Brigid for the first time at Kildare, the site of her Cathedral and one of her holy wells. Climb the tower and pay homage to the saint’s predecessor, the Celtic Brigid, at the foundation of her fire temple on the Cathedral grounds. Explore the charming walled city of Kilkenny.
Overnight: Kilkenny
Included:
- Cathedral of St. Brigid and Grounds
- Brigid’s Well
Day 5: Thursday, September 14, 2023
Cashel and Killarney
~ The ruins of the Rock of Cashel are magnificent, and one of the iconic sites of Ireland. Take your time to explore before we continue to Killarney in the southwest corner of Ireland, our home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Killarney
Included:
- Visit to Rock of Cashel
Day 6: Friday, September 15, 2023
Killarney and Dingle Peninsula
~ Sit back and enjoy the scenery and the numerous stops along the way as we explore the western wilds of the Dingle Peninsula, home to numerous archaeological sites and charming villages.
Overnight: Killarney
Included:
- Tour of Dingle Peninsula
Day 7: Saturday, September 16, 2023
Cliffs of Moher and Brigid’s Wells
~ We continue north on the Wild Atlantic Way to Ireland’s most famous and arguably picturesque cliffs, the Cliffs of Moher. Brigid continues with us as we visit one of her most holy wells. Leave a prayer for the goddess before we turn inland for the next two nights.
Overnight: Roscommon
Included:
- Cliffs of Moher
- Brigid’s Wells
Day 8: Sunday, September 17, 2023
Clonmacnoise
~ Clonmacnoise sits in central Ireland, an area that is treated more as a “fly over” than a destination. But these rolling green hills are home to some of Celtic mythologies greatest legends. Today we visit the monastic site of Clonmacnoise along the River Shannon.
Overnight: Roscommon
Included:
- Visit to Clonmacnoise
Day 9: Monday, September 18, 2023
Rathcroghan
~ Rathcroghan is the abode of The Morrigan, and today, we visit the site. For those comfortable with getting a bit wet, venture into the Oweynagat Cave, the Cave of the Cats, and the true home of The Morrigan. Afterwards, we return to the Wild Atlantic Way and base out of the lovely seaside town of Clifden for the next two nights.
Overnight: Clifden
Included:
- Rathcroghan and Oweynagat Tickets and Tour
Day 10: Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Kylemore Abbey
~ Nestled into the mountains of Connemara is an old estate-turned-abbey. The nuns still dwell in this magical place on the lake – on clear days, it is perfectly reflected. Enjoy the Abbey and the grounds before returning to Clifden.
Overnight: Clifden
Included:
- Visit to Kylemore Abbey
Day 11: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Galway
~ Explore Ireland’s largest city on the west coast with a city tour. This city is known for traditional music and wool sweaters – relax and enjoy the shops and restaurants and soak up the Irish charm.
Overnight: Galway
Included:
- Galway City Tour
Day 12: Thursday, September 21, 2023
~After taking the ferry out to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inismor, we’ll take time to explore this rocky, ancient land. Sparsely populated and windswept, walking the cliffs feels like stepping back in time.
Overnight: Galway
Included:
- Ferry and Tour of Inismor
Day 13: Friday, September 22, 2023
Galway
~ A last chance to enjoy the music, pubs, and charm of Ireland before departure. Tonight, we join together for a fond farewell dinner.
Overnight: Galway
Included:
- Farewell Dinner
Day 14: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Departure Day (Shannon)
Included
- Airport Transfer
Optional Pre-trip Extension to Northern Ireland: 4 Days
Day 1:
Depart Dublin upon arrival, taking a rest en route to St. Patrick’s in Armagh. After visiting the church and grounds, we continue to Belfast.
Day 2:
Belfast – Black Cab Tour, Pub Night
Day 3:
Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce, and Bushmills
Day 4:
Londonderry – Walk the walls and learn about the murals before enjoying shopping and a bite in the cultural area.
Day 5 (Day 1 of Group Trip):
Return to Dublin to connect with the group.