Nature and Mystery: Connemara, Inishmore and the Burren

15 – 24 April 2024

Dates

10-days

Duration

12 to 14

Groupsize

NATURE AND MYSTERY

in Connemara, on Inishmore and in the Burren

A journey with leisurely hikes in three very different magical landscapes, accompanied by the words of local writers and philosophers on the ideas of Celtic wisdom and Celtic Christianity, encounters with local personalities, Irish music and plenty of time at your disposal.

The tour will be led by Elizabeth Zollinger, founder of the project “Celtic Spirit” on Inis Mór, Aran Islands and the theologian Brigitte Fuchs

More detailed tour information is given in the Itinerary Section.

PROGRAMME DATE

15 – 24 April 2024

BOOKING

The number of places is limited and the flights are cheap if one can book early. We will confirm the trip as soon as we have 10 registrations. Please do not book flights until we can confirm the trip.

TRAVEL / FLIGHTS

flight to Dublin Airport and direct bus from airport to Galway (flight individually or with other participants), meeting in Galway around 4 pm.

INCLUDED

9 nights in comfortable B+B’s, self catering accommodation and guesthouses, sharing

All transport (excluding flights)

6 full Irish breakfast

4 evening meals

Guided tours and other activities in accordance to program.

NOT INCLUDED

Flight to and from Dublin, bus to Galway

5 evening meals, 3 breakfasts, lunches (mostly picnic)

Beverages and tips, insurance

ACCOMMODATION

3 nights in friendly B+B’s in Roundstone or in a luxurious self catering house

3 nights in the comfortable Kilmurvey Guesthouse on Inis Mór

3 nights in the cosy O’Connors Guesthouse in Doolin

COST

Approx. CHF 1860. – (Euro 1860.-, depending on exchange rate) from Galway and back to Dublin Airport.

Additional nights in Galway, Dublin and in Doolin can be booked: starting from Euro 50.- (CHF 50.-), B+B sharing.

SUPPLEMENTS

Single rooms: CHF 280.- (Euro 280.- dep. on exchange rate)
(As the hotels/guesthouses are small there are not many single rooms available and we would appreciate if people are willing to share, maybe even part time)

Small group supplement: 10/11 participants: CHF 120.- (Euro 120.-), if there is a substantial change in the exchange rate we will adjust the prices.

CANCELLATION

Up to 90 days before departure: 10% of the total price
59-31 days before departure: 60% of the total price
30-1 days before departure: 80% of the total price
On the day of departure or no show up: 100% of the total price

Elizabeth Zollinger, an artist from Zurich, lives part-time on Inis Mór since 1974 and is strongly connected with the island, its people and its culture. In cooperation with some Islanders she created the project “Celtic Spirit “in 1996, offering Cultural Weeks which aim to retain the culture and heritage of Inis Mór while developing and promoting a sustainable tourism on the island.

Brigitte Fuchs grew up in Bavaria and has lived in Switzerland since 1990. She has travelled regularly to Ireland over the last 15 years and is fascinated by the unspoilt nature, the Celtic spirituality and the people she finds there. Between 1996 and 2015 she worked as a pastor in various parishes in Switzerland, but is currently self-employed, offering funeral and other rites and support to people during difficult periods of life. She also works as a substitute pastor in the Canton of Berne. For more information about Brigitte and her work, see : www.corpore-et-anima.ch.

download pdf: Nature and Mystery

Additional information

Physicality	Language: English and German, Walks can be adjusted to suit ability
Age	12+

Day 1

Individual journey to Galway (plain to Dublin and direct bus from airport to Galway), meeting in Galway around 4 pm and transport with private bus through magical Connemara to the picturesque village of Roundstone, dinner.

Day 2

Introduction into life and work of John O’Donohue, walk with guide Paul Phelan along wide sandy beaches.

Day 3

Visit Ballinahinch Castle, lunch and stroll in the beautiful park, afternoon: walk with Paul through the mysterious endless moor of Connemara.

Day 4

We walk on the old pilgrimage path to the holy Maumeen Pass and down into a wide green valley, continue to Rossaveal harbour and cross over to Inishmore, Aran Islands. dinner in Kilmurveyhouse.

Day 5

Meeting at Elizabeth’s house and introduction to the ideas of the Celtic Christian Church, walk to the Seven Churches and along the cliffs to the famous prehistoric Dun Aonghasa, dinner in Catherines Coffee Shop.

Day 6

Meeting with Dara Molloy, the Celtic-Christian priest, ritual at the holy well, visit to the megalithic tomb and hike to the legendary Worm Hole (Poll na bPéiste) under the cliffs.

Day 7

In the morning time for shopping or coffee in Kilronan and boat to Doolin, afternoon at your disposal. dinner and music session in O’Connors Pub.

Day 8

Scenic bus tour in the Burren and meditative walk with guide Mary McGaugan to the holy well of St. Coleman, evening: music session in one of Doolin’s famous pubs.