What transforms a journey into a pilgrimage?
What compels us to become pilgrims?
How does landscape become sacred?
How do we connect to sacred landscape, and what does it ask of us?
Pilgrimage to the Otherworld explores these questions while journeying through some of the most powerful landscapes and sacred sites of both ancient and Christian Ireland. We will begin our ten-day exploration at the Hill of Uisneach, seat of the goddess �ri�, after whom Ireland is named and is the site of a 4,500-year-old fire ritual. We will then wander through a landscape of stone circles and passage tombs, of monastic ruins and Celtic crosses, of fairy forts and holy wells. We will travel by boat to a remote island and follow thousands of years of pilgrims� footsteps up a sacred mountain pathway. We will immerse ourselves in the music, art and stories of the land, and visit the site of the mythological battle between the Tuatha de Danann, the fairy folk, and the Fir Bolg, people of the earth. We will walk the landscape of Mebh, goddess of Connaught and visit sites of some of the most extensive raths and passage tombs in Ireland. Finally, awaiting us is relaxation in the gentle beauty of the hills and lake of �ine, goddess of Munster.
Kate Hennessy leads discussions on the pilgrim�s way, and Garry Jones offers his musical compositions, inspired by the Irish landscape and myths of the Divine Feminine. In forming this unique partnership, we hope to once again become active participants in this �knowing� that we are pilgrims who walk upon sacred land, no matter where we live or what faith traditions we follow. It is incumbent upon us to once again participate in this sacred relationship between humankind and the Earth.
There is no scheduled 2012 Tour for Pilgrimage to the Other World | Guides: Garry Jones, Kate Hennessy
Join one of our scheduled tours (below) OR schedule your choice of tour dates with your own group of 24-30 travelers. All tours are ten days in-Ireland, beginning on morning of arrival date and not including departure date.
IT IS EASY TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE ON ANY OF OUR TOURS!
The cost of an Irish Byways tour makes possible an uncommon cultural experience into the heart of Ireland. We employ brilliant guides as well as the best of local musicians, authentic storytellers, artists, artisans, historians and authors. Travelers are offered more relaxed “off-the-bus” adventure in contrast to fast-paced and lower priced site-seeing tours. Rather than a different hotel every night we extend our stay at several quality B&Bs set in beautiful Irish landscape with day trips out from these central locations. A review of our itinerary details the vast richness of our tours.
1. �Landscape & Lore, Music & Myth� $2650 plus airfare and travel insurance.
2. �University Study or Study/Service Tours� $2650 plus airfare and travel insurance
3. �Pilgrimage to the Otherworld� NO SCHEDULED TOUR FOR 2012
4. NEW! Tour of Ireland’s Monastic Tradition $2650 plus airfare and travel insurance
See our CONTACT page to reserve your place on any of our tours!
MANY OF THE SITES OF THIS TOUR ARE NOW INCLUDED IN OUR “LANDSCAPE & LORE, MUSIC & MYTH” TOUR
Given the nature and locations of many of these sites, there will be extensive walking. While distances are manageable, the climb to M�m Ean can be difficult, particularly in inclement weather (which is a given in Ireland). Alternate options can be arranged, but we strongly recommend that you come ready to tackle such challenges with a sense of humor, adventure and flexibility, in addition to rain gear and a stout pair of waterproof hiking boots.
Guides reserve the right to make changes to our Itinerary in the event of extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Arrangements can be made (at additional traveler�s expense) for self-chosen local activities such as horseback riding or for additional self-chosen taxi service.
Irish Music on our Tours
Ireland is steeped in traditional music; it feels as if it comes from the very rocks and mists of the land.
Fire Eye Music Suite
A unique and essential element of the Pilgrimage to the Otherworld Tour revolves around music. At the core of the tour lies "The Fire Eye Music Suite", composed by Garry Jones, Tour Guide.