Publisher’s Note: It has been several decades since I visited Ireland but I still remember that trip as if it were yesterday. This was a special trip as I was able to takemy 20-year son Rob with me. At this time I was a magazine publisher and was writing an article on Irish Tourism. We managed to visit quite a few of the places mentioned for this trip. I can tell you is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the workd and Trinity College in Dublin is like a time-machine to the past. I know it is a cliche but the greenest grass I ever saw was in Ireland. I would definitely recommend a trip to Ireland for those of you who haven’t experienced the Irish people and their countryside. Dirk
There is a magic about Ireland which is recognized by people worldwide, maybe because its name means Land of the Goddess Eriu. Be open to magic and it will happen! – our Celtic ancestors knew this and they are inviting you to do the same…
The varied landscape of lush green meadows, mountain ranges and spectacular coastline certainly lead one to believe that this land is blessed and stories of fairy folk and leprechauns also reflect the belief that the land has guardians. Our travels will take us back in time and into the realms of myth, legend and deep wisdom as we make a circular journey through the provinces of the Republic of Ireland visiting sites revered as sacred by Pagans and Christians for thousands of years. This opens a doorway for each of us to discover forgotten aspects of our inner world.
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After collection from Dublin airport we start our journey in the old town of Kells, famous for The Book of Kells and its five High Crosses, – the fifth one the locals are still looking for!
We are in the eastern province of Leinster where we get a bird’s eye view of seventeen counties from the top of Loughcrew or Slieve na Caillighe– the Mountain of the Witch. This site has been revered beyond memory.
Next we visit Newgrange and Knowth cairns, Ireland’s most famous Neolithic sites. We enter deep into the centre of Newgrange cairn, a place that was used for spiritual ceremony before Stonehenge was built! At Knowth we see some of the finest Neolithic stone carvings in Europe.
The ancient seat of the high kings of Ireland at Tara is the traditional center of this province, located by a holy well. What secrets will it share with us? We will use the wonderful acoustic properties of Fourknocks underground chamber where we have private access to connect through ceremony with the ancient energies of this land.
Making our way west we enter the province of Connaught. Here we explore the western center of Cruachain. At Rath Cruachain, the coronation site of the kings of Connaught, we hear from our local guide of Maebh, both queen and goddess, and her epic adventures in this land. Close by is Oweynagat, the Cave of the Cats or the entrance into the Underworld. Visiting County Sligo, in the west, we’ll explore Ireland’s largest megalithic complex at Carrrowmore and the spectacular site of Carrowkeel, set high in the Bricklieve Mountains.
Moving further south into Munster province we will be treated to spectacular scenery as we drive around the world-famous Ring of Kerry and stop halfway to discover some of Ireland’s early Christian heritage on the rocky isle of Skellig Michael. We take the ferry ride across to the island where we find monastic beehive huts perched seven hundred feet up the hillside exactly where two powerful earth energy currents cross – this is Ireland’s equivalent of Machu Picchu. We stay in world-renowned Killarney and sample traditional Irish music and maybe a pint of Guinness in one of the many local pubs. En route to County Wicklow we will stop at the Rock of Cashel where kingship was empowered by the land.
Heading across to County Wicklow in the southeast we stay in the oldest inn in Ireland. Nearby is the oldest working woolen mill in the country, Avoca Handweavers. Watch the traditional looms at work before browsing the selection of gifts and clothing on offer. We venture into the Wicklow mountains to visit Glendalough, an atmospheric former monastic community complete with a round tower set in a valley of outstanding natural beauty containing two lakes.
Our remarkable journey being complete we return to Dublin airport for flights home but the impact of your time in Ireland will stay with you forever!