Day 1. Thursday June 3. Meet at Shannon Airport, County Clare (main International Airport in the West of Ireland). From here we will travel in our private coach to an ancient stone circle where we will participate in a simple Celtic Ritual. Begin to connect with the Land of Eire and to have a feel for our ancient landscape. Drive south to the beauty and wonder of County Kerry, arriving at our charming family run country house offering a haven of peace and tranquility, sitting in the heart of Killarneys national park. Our delightful guesthouse will be our home away from home for the first days of our Celtic Journey. Settling-in time before having our opening gathering, with an introduction to the Celtic World and details of our time together. Enjoy our welcome dinner.

Day 2. A gathering this morning to further unfold the natural gems of the Celtic tradition. We then take an enchanting boat journey on Killarney's glorious Lakes, stopping at a lakeside café for lunch and stepping onto the holy island of Innishfallen where a little time will be availble for contemplation. Continue to experience the majesty and beauty of the lakes before returning to the shore. A little quiet time this afternoon for reflection in this most magical of landscapes, absorb its gentle spirit, and allow your imagination be stirred. An evening journey to the wonderous Gap of Dunloe, where we will have dinner. This will be followed by an Irish night of traditional entertainment.

Day 3. Morning gathering going deeper into the soul of this ancient land. Travel to the sweet town of Kenmare, where you will have time for walking around or visiting the traditional craft and woollen shops. Then to the Beara Penninsula, County Cork. Stand within a sacred and spectacularly situated stone circle that sits in a glorious location between two lakes. Become acquainted with these rings of standing stones shrouded in mystery. Visit The Hag of Beara (Cailleach Bhearra)- a symbolic stone with Her deep cultural meaning, a place full of ancient presence, taking time to be at this place that holds so much mystery. Evening meal together at our guesthouse.

Day 4. Morning gathering touching into the importance of journeying in our tradition before we begin our travels through County Clare. We move through the Burren taking the time to stop at the Poulnabrone Dolmen and an enchanting sacred well dedicated to Brigid. While in County Clare you will have the opportunity to see one of the Ancient symbols of the feminine - the Sheela-na-gig. A ferry will bring us to one of our Western Islands - the Aran Islands. (The ferry will take 30 minutes.) Settling-in time at your guesthouse followed by dinner and an evening gathering.

Day 5. At our morning gathering we continue to deepen our understanding and feel for the Celtic World. We will have one of the Islanders join us to give a sense of our ancient language and learn a few words of Gaeilge. Walk around part of the Island--it's sacred treasures await us today while we explore and stand on this off shore Island. An evening of storytelling - and storytelling is close to the soul of Ireland, so come close to the spirit of our ancient land.

Day 6. Our morning gathering today is dedicated to Brigid, the Goddess and Celtic Saint. Begin to have a sense of the importance of this woman in the heart and soul of Ireland. Hear some of the myriad of stories about Brigid and the special place She holds in this land. Be blessed by water from Her Holy Well and Light from Her Sacred Flame. Retreat time to further bring this Celtic Journey inwards. Celebration meal together, followed by an Irish music session - allowing your senses be filled by traditonal Irish music and song.

Day 7. At our morning gathering we will weave together all the strands of this Celtic Journey in a closing ritual and begin the harvesting of the treasures. We take the Ferry back to the mainland and our coach will bring you to Shannon International Airport for your return journey or if you are staying a little longer in Ireland to Limerick City, where there are bus and rail links.

Each day we will have a Celtic gathering. Our gatherings give you an internal understanding and feel for the Celtic Tradition - a world filled with mystery and natural wonder.

On some of the evenings we will be hear traditional musicians and singers and /or a local storyteller. Let the poems, music, stories and blessings of this ancient land add an inspirational richness.

Throughout our Celtic Journey together there will be quiet time for contemplation allowing the landscape offer its spirit, reveal its story and to give space for integration.

Join us and allow the Celtic Spirit and mystery stir your imagination and nurture your heart...

Costs & Arrangements

The cost for this Seven Day Celtic Journey is 1595 Euro (2158 US Dollars as of March 23, 2010)

This includes all accommodations, all breakfasts, some lunches and evening meals, ground transportation in our own private coach, leaders, guides, traditional musicians, singers and pilgrimage activities. (If you wish a room on your own a small single supplement applies). If there is not a person to share a room with, a small single supplement will be necessary.

The price does not include airfare, and each participant will make their own flight arrangements. The itinerary may vary in order to provide the most worthwhile experience under the circumstances prevailing at the time.

We will be happy to answer any of your questions, so for further information or to reserve a place on this Celtic Journey, please email us here in Ireland at hellocelticjourneys@eircom.net or phone Sean Johnson at Wild Lotus Yoga in the USA at 504 899-0047.