Greetings Everyone

 

Once again, we are delighted to tell you about our Celtic Journeys to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall.   These trips continue to be a source of inspiration and enjoyment for countless people who have gone with us who return again and again.   For some, the time away is a kind of pilgrimage, for others a return to their roots, and for many simply a vacation.

Being on one of our trips is like an adventure of the spirit. There is always the possibility of the unexpected, and maybe a hint of mystery. The basic itinerary is certainly followed, yet we allow time for special stops along the way.   The pace is relaxed, enabling each person to be comfortable, stepping aside for reflection as well as being a part of the group.  One of the joys of this kind of travel is that we usually try to keep the number of participants to no more than 15, although there may be a few exceptions. Often, especially at dinner when we are all together the conversation is stimulating, with plenty of laughter. 

The accommodations are usually ensuite bedrooms with private bathrooms.   We try to stay in family run guesthouses or small hotels, where the hospitality is warm and friendly. Often there will be a fire going, and perhaps afternoon tea and scones served. In no time it becomes home away from home.

We try to create a kind of rhythm for the journey, whether it is riding on the coach, or exploring on our own. There is time for listening to the silence of the mountains, walking along sandy beaches, hiking through wooded paths, or sitting by the water's edge…   

A folder is given to each participant at the beginning of the trip, with a map, details of the places we are going, and supplemental readings. There is the opportunity to learn not only from this material, but from the professionals who are our guides along the way. Instructive booklets are also available at most places we visit. Hence, for clergy, our trips can certainly be considered under the umbrella of ‘extended education'.

Pilgrimage has long been a part of the Celtic psyche. Sacred mountains, stones and trees, revered islands and holy wells have all inspired poets and beckoned the would-be pilgrim. Pilgrimages to sacred sites continue today in the British Isles and Ireland, some maintaining an unbroken tradition dating back over 2,000 years to pre-Christian times. Visitors can sense the animae loci (spirits of place) still residing in these sacred sites. For many, this experience is one of "coming home”, where there is a deep connectedness, where inner and outer realities converge.

The UK and Ireland clearly show a deep commitment to restoring, preserving, and protecting their ancient historic places. It is not difficult to feel as if you are stepping back in time when you see and experience so many sites which have been revered throughout the centuries.   Have you ever had the experience of being somewhere when time stood still? The light seemed almost unearthly, and you felt transported from the here and now. In the Celtic tradition these moments are often called ‘thin places', where there is a thin veil between the worldly as we know it, and the divine. We experience many such moments on our Celtic Journeys.

We hope you can join us on one of our very special trips.   We assure you that it will be an unforgettable experience, hopefully an adventure of the spirit for you. You may return tired, yet refreshed… and perhaps transformed.

Come with us… you won't regret it!                

          What others have said about our trips:

“It was a trip of a lifetime.”

“Well paced tour.  I returned refreshed.  I felt comfortable not
doing everything.  I could make choices.”

“A very special experience with time for reflection, relaxation and fun.”

“ Ireland was awesome!!!  So much beauty.  Now I know why it
is called the Emerald Isle.”

“Spectacular scenery, wonderful companions,
great food, and lovely accommodations.”

“When standing in the middle of the courtyard of one
of the castles, I could just imagine all the activity
there! Even some jousting, with the sound of the horses’
hooves pounding along the earth…"

 

 

Greetings   Ireland 2009  Wales/UK 2008
Cornwall 2009     Scotland 2007
Future Trips   Photo Gallery     Who Are We?
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photographs and textx are copyrighted by Celtic Journey
revised 10/03/08