We’ll also have time along the way back around the Ring to commune with the water element as we stop for magnificent views of the ocean. Later afternoon return to our B and B. Dinner on your own with the group in Killarney. Overnight Killarney.

Day 6. Thursday, July 1. Bridget's Well, Grange Stone Circle, To Bunratty, Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle (B/D)
After breakfast we check out and begin our journey to Bunratty, stopping first at Bridget's Well outside of Newcastle West. The shrine is venerated for the healing properties of the water, which are in a small stone cave-like structure that is filled with holy statues and a multitude of varied offerings left by visitors. Andrea will facilitate a sacred ceremony to honor Bridget, Mother Goddess of all Ireland, and to ask for Her blessing. Also known as Brigit, Brigid, Brighhid and Bride, She is often considered the Triple Goddess, representing the Maiden, Mother and Crone aspects of femininity. She is the goddess of poetry, healing, fertility, childbirth, and unity. As the warrior goddess, she was the goddess of fire was the patroness the forge and the hearth. Regardless of their differences, with their love and respect for Bridget, all Celtic people agreed upon her goodness and compassion. Once Christianity came to the Isle, she was incorporated into it as St. Brighid. Her main center of worship was at Kildare, where 19 priestesses representing the 19-year cycle of the Celtic year each tended the sacred fire through a 20 day rotation. On the 20th day it is said that the fire was tended by Brighid herself. To this day, the sacred flame has continued to burn, although during its lifetime it has been put out during political upheavals. In many Irish homes today St. Brigit's-Cross is used cross for protection, and is made from rushes as in the old days. There is a saying that Brigid rewards any offering to her, so offerings of coins were often tossed into her wells - the forerunner of the modern custom of throwing a penny into a fountain while you make a wish.

Lunch on your own at a local pub in the area. Then we continue to the Grange Stone Circle, the largest stone circle in Ireland. A grange is the name given in Ireland to a ring-fort or stone circle. The word "grange" is an English rendering of the Irish word Grian, which means "Sun". This relates to the theory that stone circles in Ireland were connected with sun worship. At the summer solstice, the sunrise comes over the nearby hill of Cnoc Aine and in through the two dolmen stones into the center of the circle. The entrance stones were aligned with the sunset on the festival of Samhain on November 1st. This stone circle is dedicated to Aine (pronounced onya or enya) the Goddess of love, growth, cattle, and also associated with light and the Sun. In her Maiden aspect, she is the muse of poetry who bestows that gift to those she loves, or madness to those she rejects. In her Mother aspect, she is associated with lakes and wells with great powers of healing. In her Crone aspect, she is the dark Goddess with the ability to appear to mortal men as a woman of great beauty, known as the leannan sidhe, or "Fairy Lover". (In Ireland fairies are called Sidhi, (pronounced shee). She would bind her subjects in a fatal attraction, with death as the likely outcome. In all her aspects she is not to be offended. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" could have been coined to describe her rage. She can seek revenge, and with ultimate patience. One legend says that when the Irish High King offended her, she caused a great battle to ensue in which he was killed. At his death her mocking laughter could be heard over the din of battle. In her expression of her sexuality she became a great enemy of the early Church. They viewed her freedom of spirit as promiscuity; it was thus a threat to the self denial of the womanless monks. Andrea will facilitate a meditation to connect with the various aspects of Her life-giving energies.

We arrive later afternoon at our hotel next to Bunratty Castle, on the banks of the Rathy River, built in the 15th century. Bunratty has a charming traditional park, showing the houses and clothes of the bygone era. Time permitting you can visit on your own. This evening we attend the world-famous Bunratty Medieval Banquet, complete with delicious dishes that will transport us back to the Middle Ages, when the Lords and Ladies of the castle were served these same dishes. Plus, we’ll be entertained by the castles musicians and singers. A delightful evening of good food, music, song and laughter!
Overnight Bunratty.  

Day 7. Friday, July 2. To Dublin, Free Time (B)
We check out of the hotel and depart to Limerick, where we board the train to Dublin for our trip through the lovely Irish countryside. Lunch on your own. We arrive early afternoon in Dublin, the capital of and largest city in Ireland, located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey. A city with humble beginnings as a Viking trading port, Dublin evolved into a walled medieval city and then into an elegant Georgian metropolis with wide streets, gracious squares and great houses, neatly bordered by its two canals. We meet our driver and transfer to our hotel located near the heart of the city.


You have the afternoon and evening free to explore Dublin on your own. Perhaps you'd like to visit Trinity College to view the Book of Kells, housed in the Old Library. Or the National Museum of Archaeology and History, with its phenomenal collection of artifacts from every period of Irish history. View the famous Sheela-na-Gigs, as well as the famed Tara Brooch, an exquisite example of Celtic gold and silver metalwork dating to the beginning of the 8th century; the early 9th-century Ardagh Chalice made of silver, gold, and bronze, found with other smaller treasures in a Limerick potato field in 1868, as well as a replica of the Gundestrup Cauldron, found in a peat bog at Gundestrup, Denmark and believed to be of Celtic art. You can also view several bodies that were recovered from bogs! Dinner on your own. Overnight Dublin.  

Day 8. Saturday, July 3. Newgrange & Knowth, Round Tower, the Hill of Tara (B)
Today we visit one of the world's most famous archeological valleys, the Boyne Valley, 30 miles north of Dublin. Here the development of man can be traced back over 9,000 years to Neolithic times, with many well-preserved sites, buildings and monuments. The highlight of our visit is to Newgrange, one of the world's most important sacred sites, with its spectacular world-famous passage grave containing kerb stones engraved with megalithic art. The most stunning example of this ancient art at Newgrange is the beautifully carved entrance stone with its Triple Goddess spiral. In 1993, Newgrange and its sister sites Knowth and Dowth were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

First we'll visit Knowth, with its fabulous collection of megalithic art, believed by many researchers to be the finest in all of Europe! What do al the symbols mean? What were the people who lived there expressing as they carved them into the stones? Excavations at the site reveal that human  habitation there began in 3,000 BCE and continued through the Iron Age, the early Christian period of the 8th - 12th centuries CE and through the Norman occupations of the 12th and 14th centuries CE.

Then on to the passage tomb at Newgrange, where we enter inside. (Since no photography is allowed inside, the photos to the left and right were taken from www.Newgrange.com.) While inside we'll be able to observe the re-enactment of the yearly winter solstice Sun entering into the roof box over the door (see photo at left) and shining down the passage into the back chamber of the tomb.

The advanced technology of the ancient people who built this structure and aligned it with the annual rising sun on this date shows a very high degree of sophistication in both engineering and archaeoastronomy. Who were they? And why did they erect this magnificent stone structure? Some say the Tuatha Dé Danaan, who ruled Ireland in ancient mythology, erected Newgrange as a burial place for their chief, Dagda Mór, and his three sons. According to the most reliable carbon 14 dates available, it was constructed around 3,200 BCE. With this dating, some archaeologists believe it to be the oldest engineered building in the world! We'll discuss the possible theories as to who these ancient builders were and how they reached such a high degree of civilization during a time that history calls the Neolithic, or Stone Age period.

Once we're outside you'll have a bit of free time to walk this hallowed ground. Call in the Ancestors! Connect with the land! And do take time to go all the way around the passage tomb, so that you don't miss more excellent examples of the megalithic art.

We return to the Visitors Center, where you can visit the excellent exhibits about the site, have lunch on your own in the cafeteria, and visit the gift shop for souvenirs.

Our next stop will be at the Donaghmore Round Tower, built in the 11th or 12th century CE. A monastery was founded here in the 5th century by St. Patrick, though the only part that remains are the ruins of a small 16th century church built beside the tower. These towers are a unique type of architecture that have been puzzling archaeologists and antiquarians for centuries! Most of them are located in Ireland, with a very few in Scotland and on the Isle of Man. Though researches cannot agree as to their purpose, many think they were principally bell towers, places of refuge, or a combination of these. Usually they're found in the vicinity of a church or monastery, with the tower door facing toward the west doorway of the church. To read more about these fascinating structures, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_round_tower

Our last stop for the day is at one of Ireland's most important sacred sites, the Hill of Tara, which is said to represent the mother womb of Ireland. The Hill was the ancient seat of power in Ireland - 142 kings are said to have reigned there in prehistoric and historic times. In ancient Irish religion and mythology it was the sacred dwelling place if the Tuatha Dé Dannan, and was the entrance to the Otherworld. Sitting on top of the King's Seat is a replica of the most famous of Tara's monuments, Ireland's ancient coronation stone, known as the Lia Fail or Stone of Destiny, which was brought here according to mythology by the Dannan as one of their sacred objects. It was said to roar when touched by the rightful King of Tara.

During our Closing Circle in this powerful place, we connect with the ancient and other-worldly energies and come full circle in the Irish Spirit Wheel, as we've come back to the Center - the place of Sovereignty. According to the legend of the Stone of Destiny shrieking when the rightful King sat on it or leaned against it, this act proclaimed his rulership as part of his destiny. Thus he accepted the mantle of leadership,and merged with the sacred energy of the land, bonding with the Goddess of Sovereignty. Married to the land, he bacame a good steward for his own life, as well as that of the people. For us today, living in our Sovereignty means being a good steward with what our life path bestows on us, and working with those energies to create ourselves more authentically so that we live each moment in our integrity, for our best and highest good and the best and highest good of all. 

Later return to our hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight Dublin.

Day 9. Sunday, July 4. Dublin - Free Time (B)
Take time to rest, relax and/or explore more of Dublin on your own today. Perhaps you'd like to take a stroll to nearby St. Stephen's Green, one of the loveliest city parks anywhere. Sit and meditate on the Gifts of Spirit you've received during your Shamanic Journey around the Irish Spirit Wheel.

Or if you're up for some last minute Retail Therapy, head out to the city center for souvenirs, music, and more!

On our last evening on the Emerald Isle, we'll share dinner with the group (price not included in tour package), as well as more of our sacred travel experiences, hugs and fond farewells. Overnight Dublin.

Day 10. Monday, July 5. Depart Ireland (B)
We check out in the morning and transfer as a group to Dublin airport to check in for our international flights.

Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.

The information about the Irish Spirit Wheel
is adapted from The Celtic Way of Seeing: Meditations on the Irish Spirit Wheel
by Frank MacEowen

A Few Words from Sacred Sites Journeys Pilgrimages to Ireland

"My experience in Ireland was WONDERFUL! Our local guide made the trip an exciting experience with her genuine enthusiasm and extensive historical knowledge for her homeland. The innkeepers at our B and B  Country House in Killarney really made us feel at home, making sure each of us was comfortable and helping with any obstacles that came up. The sights were breathtaking and, with one small itinerary change, I got to see one of the most beautiful landscapes in my lifetime with the horse cart ride through the Gap of Dunloe. Our drivers were very accommodating and knowledgeable. Andrea was wonderful at coordinating and leading our group, not only to the sights but with the group activities at each sight.   Of course, last but not least, was the great people I met going on this trip. It was truly a fantastic experience."  Laurie W., MI

" I had a wonderful time. Andrea made it very peaceful and positive and nurturing just by her presence. I am so glad that I went again. Our B and B in Killarney was a wonderful country house and the opening meditation in the green room was awesome!" - T. Gorman, CA

"This was a wonderfully planned sacred journey. Having all of the accommodations, pre-paid gratuities and transportation details taken care of made the trip worry free.  The timing and amount of activities were perfect each day and I didn’t feel hurried or stressed.  I thoroughly enjoyed Andrea’s gentle and spiritual energy guiding us through the sacred sites.  I appreciated the smaller group as we got to know each other better and were able to bond, making some good friends. I also liked going to dinner nightly as a group." - J. Stella, FL

"I believe, for now, my biggest "Ah Ha" from the Sacred Sites Journey to Ireland is about time. How absolutely brief our time is here. Seeing structures, artifacts and those stones, those solid pieces of Ireland, stacked, piled and gently set in place in walls, towers, graves and monuments or carved into beautiful signs, symbols or statues, it made me think, no, it made me feel eternal/ infinite and yet small and instantaneous. Seeing objects 800, 1200, 5000 years old and than knowing that those structures, those objects, represent even more years and centuries of thoughts, beliefs, and values before they were put into "solid" form. That is what woke me up.

And then the kick in the shin was that it was all about a belief in something greater, something bigger, something more powerful than all that stone, more determined than all those generations of workers, teachers and leaders. No matter what you call it or how you perceive it or how you express or honor it, it is all the same. That power, that force, that idea or entity is what is holding all of this together, this humankind. From floating 10 ton rocks up a river or creating a beautiful tapestry to warm a castle wall or sending someone to another planet. It is all about honoring and know "the One"." - T. Cathcart, WA

"The spiritual pilgrimage to Ireland with Andrea was very rewarding. I especially enjoyed the sacred sites of Newgrange and Skellig Michael, and the sacred wells. Ireland its people are beautiful. We even had great weather!" - L. Merrill, KS

"My journey to Ireland with Andrea was a good one for me on many levels and in different aspects. First, generally it is good to get out and meet and see how other people are actually living their lives. The Irish seem to be doing quite well without the innumerable distractions we are exposed to here. I appreciated their graciousness and friendliness towards us. On a more personal level, this is the first trip I had taken where I knew absolutely no one other than corresponding with Andrea. It was fine. I even chose not to email my roommate beforehand, as I  knew it would be alright; and it was. Ireland is such a beautiful country, one where you cannot ignore the connection to nature. That was certainly reaffirming for me, especially since my work is with wildlife. But the connection is on a very deep level too. I know the country is really mother earth and just seeing those green hills felt very sheltering". - J. Cohn - AZ

"We had a wonderful time in Ireland on the journey with Andrea! There really wasn't a single thing about the vacation that we didn't appreciate and enjoy. We would go back in the proverbial heartbeat. We loved the beauty of the place, the fun, and the history, and heaven knows, the food (especially Bridget's brown bread and porridge, and the salmon!). But especially we loved the sacred ceremonies, which sustain us in ways we would probably never be able to articulate". - A. Joyce and J. Dennison, MD

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Your Sacred Sites Journey to IRELAND Includes:
- Accommodations in charming 3-star Irish B and B's and hotels (includes taxes, service charges & daily breakfast)
- Roundtrip transfers from airport / train station to accommodations
- 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- Motorcoach and train transportation 
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary, including entrance fees
- Pre-Paid Gratuities
- Local Guides in Killarney area and Newgrange/Hill of Tara

Special Features
- Travel in a smaller group with other spirit-centered people
- Fully escorted by SSJ's Director, Andrea Mikana-Pinkham  
- Meditations facilitated by Andrea Mikana-Pinkham 
- Optional Sharing Circles 
- Welcome Dinner 
- Special Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle

NOT INCLUDED:
- Roundtrip international air to Ireland (Arrive Shannon/Depart Dublin)
- Meals not included, as indicated in the itinerary
- Cost to obtain valid passport
- Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on the SSJ website or final trip itinerary

This tour is LAND ONLY. You are responsible to book your international flights to and from Ireland.
IMPORTANT: Book your air to arrive in Shannon and to depart from Dublin.
ARRIVAL on Saturday, June 26th: Please book your international air to SHANNON to arrive by 9:00AM  in order to connect with our group transfer to Killarney at 10:30AM.
DEPARTURE on Monday, July 5th: Please book your international departure from DUBLIN to depart no earlier than 10:00AM.

DISCOUNT! Make ALL of your payments by check or money order and receive a 4% discount! This discount is INCLUDED in the prices below listed for this payment option.
NOTE: We are only able to take credit cards for payment up until 35 days before the tour departure date. After that you can pay with a credit card check, bank cashier's check, or money order. Or wire funds to our bank account (additional $50.00 bank wire fee applies for wires originating from countries outside the US).

Shamanic Journey around the Irish Spirit Wheel (June 26 - July 5, 2010)
Per Person, double occupancy, LAND ONLY
$2,495.00 for payments via check or money order
OR $2,599.00 for payments via credit card

Plus:
Pre-paid Gratuities
$100.00 for payments via check or money order
OR $104.00 for payments via credit card

Single Room Supplement:
NOTE:  This is the additional amount you will pay if you choose to have your own private room throughout the tour. The number of single rooms for our group is limited, so book early if you want to reserve this rooming option.
$495.00 for payments via check or money order
OR $516.00 for payments via credit card

ROOMMATES: Would you like to meet and make a new friend on your journey? If you're not traveling with anyone you know, and would like for SSJ to try to match you up with a suitable roommate, we'll be happy to try to do so.
Per our Terms and Conditions, we will hold the registration for the trip open until 30 days before the departure date (or later if possible) in order to try to match you with someone. If by that date we have not been able to do so, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. If you would like to be matched with a roommate, please register early.

TOUR REGISTRATION

We will post information on our website and send out an E-news Bulletin with information
about our September 2011 Sacred Sites Journey to IRELAND soon.
If you are not already on our list, you can Sign Up Here!
It's free and you can easily unsubscribe at anytime.

Questions? Email Andrea Mikana-Pinkham at info@SacredSitesJourneys.com
Or call our office at 888 501-3853 (Toll free in the US) or 928 284-2384

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