Land of Myth and Mystery

A Pilgrimage into the Heart of Sacred Ireland

 

September 13 - 24, 2010

 

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Join author Phil Cousineau as he leads you on a pilgrimage through the enchanted “Isle of Eire” where the age of myth, mystery and magic live on. Captivating Ireland is still a land where mysteries are etched as runes within ruins. Treading the Irish mythic past today, we encounter a rich culture that embodies the preservation of its magnificent oral tradition, ancient rituals, romantic poetry and literature, and vibrant folklore and music. Meander along scenic roads that hug the rugged Irish western shore, roam about the undulating countryside and rocky plains, ferry to the alluring Aran Islands, and journey deep into the very heart of Ireland.

Our journey will include visits to the towering Cliffs of Moher, the limestone moonscape of the Burren, Yeat’s Tower, Kilfenora, the City of High Crosses, the ancient grave passage of Newgrange, the literary shrines of Dublin, and more! Together, we will walk in the footsteps of 15 centuries of pilgrims as we climb Croagh Patrick, the holiest place in Ireland, and explore the ruins of Clonmacnoise, the abbey where the Irish monks “helped save civilization”, in the words of Thomas Cahill. Stroll through charming seaside villages and quaint country towns where the traditions of old are still very alive today. Gaze at stunning panoramas from soaring cliffs, discover ancient ruins and stone structures, journey to sacred sites of pilgrimage, and return to a time of romance and enchantment with visits to majestic castles. Discover the vibrant culture of the Irish with traditional entertainment, music and fun-filled evening pub crawls. Indulge your creativity with daily journaling, sketching, poetry readings and traditional folktales, and enjoy the peace and serenity of beautiful settings for personal reflection.

Our journey to what was once called the “Island of Saints and Scholars, Poets and Priests”, will combine many of the myriad elements such as storytelling, music, landscape and fierce independence that have made this Emerald Isle one of the most beloved countries in the world. This will also be a journey of questions: Where does the myth of leprechauns come from? Who was Molly McGuire? What role does the pub play in Irish Life? What was the Irish Famine and how did it influence the Great Irish Immigration to the North America? Why do the Irish have such a reputation for being entertaining storytellers, poets and musicians? Tour leader, Phil Cousineau will discuss all these themes and more during enlightening daily lectures, group discussions, and informative talks so that the many myths and secrets of Ireland can be revealed. We will also enjoy special guest appearances along the way with one of Ireland’s leading authorities on Irish music, P.J. Curtis as well as leading expert on Celtic Mysticism, Dara Molloy, and have the opportunity to meet other wonderfully entertaining and knowledgeable locals to fully enrich our journey.

Ireland is truly a land that reaches deep into your heart, lifts your spirits and stirs you to your very core. So come join your new “Anam Cara” (Celtic for Soul Friends) and discover this fascinating island which entices all the senses and leaves you craving more on a journey that combines an exploration of Irish mythology, poetry, literature, history and mysticism as well as taking a look at the rapid changes in the new aspects of the Celtic Tiger. This pilgrimage is designed to be a meaningful, spirit renewing experience to nurture your creativity and help you understand the myriad aspects of one of the most inexhaustibly interesting cultures in the world.

The Sacred Earth Journeys tour, Ireland - Land of Myth and Mystery with Phil Cousineau was a spiritual journey that will continue to reverberate within my mind and my soul for some time.  The tours, the daily conversations facilitated by Phil and the world-renowned musicians, writers and artists that he introduced us to helped to interpret the soul of Ireland and make the experience intensely personal but also joyful.  The aspect of pilgrimage was reinforced through Phil's discussions that drew on his experience as a soulful traveller, writer and film maker.  As a result, the journey was a literary and visual exploration of Ireland but also a mystical one.  We had access to spiritual sites:  holy wells, ancient tombs, hill forts and burial mounds,  that came alive to us thanks to the wisdom and insight of people like Dara Molloy, an author and Celtic Christian spiritual leader, who helped us understand the Celtic view of the land as intimately connected to nature, and respectful of the sacred spirit in mountains, lakes and trees that is lost in our modern worldview. Our journey was also filled with beauty - as one of the pilgrims noted "every where you look is like a postcard" which is why we came away with a treasure of photos - we wanted to record every view, every moment, every image to mull over when we returned to our daily lives and remember the magic.  We were also blessed with many serendipitous moments - such as the opportunity to attend a rare concert with Christy Moore and a performance by Sean Tyrell, both well-known Irish folk musicians.  As Phil said, Ireland will make a poet and a mystic out of anyone who journeys there and we all came away feeling that we were touched with the gift of story and mystery. I would definitely recommend this tour and I hope that I can return to Ireland with the knowledge and insight I have gained through this pilgrimage.
Susan Birley, Regina, Saskatchewan (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)

Helen, I wanted to write you personally to thank you for organizing the Ireland pilgrimage. Phil was a gracious and knowledgeable host. He provided a container for the sacred and numinous to enter into the journey, and a meaningful community to grow. I will be processing my own experiences for some time ~ such were the daily riches. My fellow pilgrims were bright, creative, kind, and fun-loving spiritual seekers who I learned to treasure and hope to encounter along the road again.
Elaine McCracken, Santa Barbara, CA (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)

Phil Cousineau’s leadership shaped this journey into Ireland’s Land of Myth and Mystery so as to make it also a pilgrimage journey into the heart and soul, both at an individual level and also as a community.  It was fun. It was a time of learning. It was authentic. It both stretched and reassured. It was culturally rich, spiritually inspiring, and historically multi-layered.  Thank you Scared Earth Journeys for making this experience possible; for choosing such an awe-inspiring destination and itinerary; and for bringing along side such an able guide and anam cara!
Elaine Foulkes, Halfmoon Bay, B.C. (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)

Our trip to Ireland was well laid out and organized. We had a remarkable and wonderful experience. I'd highly recommend the trip to anyone who wants to explore the magic and beauty of the Emerald Isle.
Lynn Thalman, Santa Barbara, CA (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)

From the initial contact and making all the arrangements seamless, Sacred Earth Journeys was a joy. I rarely travel with a group, but I appreciate the philosophy of Sacred Earth Journeys and enjoyed my trip to Ireland more than I dreamed was possible. Tour leadership, accommodations, meals and itinerary were outstanding. This was no ordinary tour, but a pilgrimage for the soul and spirit.
Joan Ishibashi, Lakewood, OH (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)

A pilgrimage can be a profound experience, especially in a country with beauty that is both terrible and inspiring as that found in Ireland. Phil Cousineau is a pilgrim in his bones, and his storytelling, curiosity, charm, and love for literature make for a magical connection with a marvelous country and people.
Marianne Werner, Chico, CA (Ireland - Land of Myth & Mystery - Sep/10)