Day 1 – Sept. 14: We begin our journey with an overnight flight to Shannon Airport, Ireland. (Not included in trip price and individually booked.)
Day 2 – Sept. 15: After a morning arrival at Shannon, we board a coach to begin our adventure of exploring Ireland’s northwestern counties from which so many of our ancestors emigrated during the Great Famine. It is also home to historical strong women and warrior Goddesses. We will be riding through beautiful Connemara to our accommodation for the next three nights. Renvyle House Hotel is a luxury hotel surrounded by water. History and legends abound within the hotel walls. Relax by the fireplace or take a walk around the grounds. Join us for a welcome dinner (provided.) https://www.renvyle.com/index.php?lang=en
Day 3 – Sept. 16: After breakfast (provided each day), we will embark on a guided tour of the untamed wildness of Connemara in Mayo with stops at Croagh Patrick, a place of pilgrimage for centuries, and the haunting Famine Memorial. Lunch on your own in thriving Westport.
Day 4 – Sept. 17: Today we will visit Kylemore Abbey, a stunning manor house with gardens galore. After lunch at Kylemore’s Café (provided), it is on to the charming town of Clifden, with its famous castle ruin. After exploring, we head home via a scenic route known as the Sky Road.
Day 5 – Sept. 18: Today we bid farewell to Mayo and Renvyle House. Our coach will take us to our next stop, Sligo, via the mysterious megalithic complex of Carrowkeel on the banks of Lough Arrow. Our next home is the Riverside Hotel. The hotel is in the city and sits at the intersection of two rivers. A riverside path is right outside our door for those who wish to take a morning stroll. Sligo’s favorite son is William Butler Yeats, poet and mystic who collected local stories of faery sightings. Dine in the Pub or restaurant and perhaps even view the anglers wading in the waters to fish. https://www.riversidesligo.ie/
Day 6 – Sept. 19: After a leisurely breakfast we will head to Lissadell House, once home of the Countess Markievicz, poet, philanthropist and the only woman to play a major role in the historic Easter Rising, the protest that eventually led to Irish Independence. The home includes a museum, gardens, and a delightful tearoom for lunch (provided). As we make our way back home there will be stops at Glencar Waterfall and Carrowmore, the largest megalithic cemetery in Europe. With afternoon hours left, you may wish to walk along the river path or cross the sculptural walking bridge to view the University and Sligo Abbey.
Day 7 – Sept. 20: After breakfast, we explore Knocknarea, legendary grave of Maeve, a Celtic Queen, known for her strength and ferocity. Here we will ponder the legends of warrior Queen Maeve, and invoke her strong will and fortitude to empower us. Close by is Tobernalt Holy Well, known for eons by pre-Christians and Christians alike. At day's end, we will move on to Donegal to settle in at Gateway Lodge, a short walk from Donegal Castle.
Day 8 – Sept. 21: Following breakfast, we spend the day exploring Donegal. A scenic drive will take us to the magnificent cliffs that swoop down from the Slieve League Mountains. These are among the highest sea cliffs in all of Europe. On our way home we pass through Glencolmcille, a village that boasts strong spiritual associations with pre-Christian ritual dating back 5,000 years when St. Columba established a monastery near there in the 6th century. We return to our hotel via the Glengash Pass.
Day 9 – Sept 22: Today we bid farewell to Donegal. Enjoy the scenic countryside before stopping at the charming village of Cong, home of Cong Abbey. At the distinguished Ardilaun Hotel, we will gather explore the stroll through the fairy garden and perhaps share libation on the lovely terrace.
Day 10 – Sept. 23: Spend the day in Galway City with its whimsical shops or take advantage of the spa at the hotel with a massage or other treatment. In the evening we will reminisce about our experiences at a closing ceremony and farewell banquet.
Day 11 – Sept. 24: Morning departure for flights home from Shannon (transport to airport provided)