Ireland: The Celtic Landscapes of the South
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Sept 18 – 25, 2011 (sign up by July 2011)
Cost: $1460 ($300 for single supplement)
Limit: 18 people
Ireland is a country that pulls on the hidden heartstrings of people around the world. Our Ireland voyage focuses on the vast and poignant beauty of Ireland’s southern landscapes. Explore quaint villages and walk near the burial mounds of ancient kings and bards. Hike up to hidden glacial lakes surrounded by cloud-shrouded cliffs, then meet in the local pub for a warm cup of chowder and a pint of Guinness. Imagine sailing out to an island that was once the hiding place of fierce pirates or finding primeval monastic ruins on remote islands. With Boundless Expeditions, every evening becomes a delightful gathering around the peat-scented fire where you can relax and enjoy a well-needed time of relaxation. Do you feel drawn to the Emerald Isle? Let the Celtic experts at Boundless Expeditions be your guide.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Cead Mile Failte – Ten Thousands Welcomes (September 18, Sunday)
The group arrives at Dublin ready for a week of Celtic adventures. On the way to the Leinster Way Hostel, we will stop at the Wexford Heritage Park, a proper introduction to the week ahead. This will set the tone for the history and rich culture we are about to experience in the coming week. Once we get to our home for the week, we’ll give the group time to settle in and have a brief orientation over tea and biscuits. The rest of the afternoon gives way to relaxation and any early evening meal. We’ll end every night with lively discussion, wine and cheese.
Day 2 – Circle of Friends (September 19, Monday)
After a relaxing morning we will head to beautiful little village of Inistoige for a bit of afternoon exploration. First, we will stop for a spot of tea and a visitation to the gardens at the gracious old Woodstock Estate. Then we will stroll along a grassy footpath by a wide and peaceful river, walk though the woods then explore the ruins of the former great house or of a riverside castle. Our evening meal will be a Stone Soup special and another great night of fellowship at home will take us to our evening rest.
Day 3 – A Walk through Time (September 20, Tuesday)
The team will begin the day for an Irish breakfast and a morning meeting over a cup of tea . The morning exploration will start at St. Mullins where we will give time to look around and spend some quiet time reflecting on our journey and the journey the Celtic church as a whole has been taking the last 1600 years. From the ancient burial mound of the Kings of Leinster to the remains of several churches through the centuries, St. Mullins will mystify you.
You then have a choice: a leisurely 5-mile hike along a beautiful river into the town of Graignamanagh or you can get a ride back to the Leinster Way Hostel for an easy afternoon. Either way, you will have a restful time to take on an Irish pace to life.
Day 4 – Into the West (September 21, Wednesday)
The team will head off toward the west of Ireland with a few surprises on the journey. We will stop at Ardmore and explore what we believe to be the earliest footprints of Christianity in Ireland- pre-Patrick. We will walk the breathtaking southern cliffs, visit a holy well and enjoy the southern coast breeze. If we have time we may explore an ancient castle. Back at our home base we will enjoy the distinctive culture of Ireland, with her music, food and laughter.
Day 5 – An Island Adventure (September 22, Thursday)
On the southern coast of Ireland lay the Saltee Islands. Once a haunt for pirates, today’s Saltee has claimed itself as an independent kingdom and bird sanctuary. Those who visit can sit on the great stone throne of King Michael and imagine being royalty. You will be one of a handful of people in the world that visit this magical location. Once back on dry land, the rest of the evening will take place in a warm little pub enjoying a seafood dinner, a toasty peat fire, good drinks and great fun.
Day 6– Awesome Creation (September 23, Friday)
Where is that hidden place where you get strength, peace and purpose? We start out early so we can reach Coomshannon just before noon, where we will enjoy a good hike and our picnic lunch. This glacier lake is a hidden gem that few ever get to experience. You have never been to anyplace like Coomshannon. Afterwards we will climb the 700’ foot Mahon Falls and for those who dare, take a dip into an icy pool. The team will surely want to take advantage of the sauna as we return back to the Leinster Way hostel.
Day 7– Final Hurrah (September 24, Saturday)
We have a busy day in three parts. One: we will give the team a few hours of free exploration in the beautiful Viking city of Waterford. Lunch will be wherever you would like to try. Do you want to visit the Cathedral? Go shopping? Explore a museum? Visit Waterford crystal? It is up to you. Two: the evening will bring us to a great Celebration meal and a great evening of conversation. Three: time to pack up for an early morning ride back to Dublin. But before the evening is over we will Pass the Candle and share our Moments of Wonder.
Day 8– Promises of Return (September 25, Sunday)
It’s an early departure to reach Dublin where we will all load on our planes and head back to the States. We have enjoyed an amazing expedition and Ireland will never be too far from these pilgrims mind. Though new adventure lies ahead, promises of return will remain steadfast in our hearts.
Your Guide
Shawn Small
Shawn, founder of Boundless Expeditions, will be leading the Ireland expedition. At age 23, Shawn took his first out-of-the-country trip to the Middle East and Italy where he explored ancient ruins, ate scrumptious seafood on the Mediterranean, sipped tea with desert Bedouins, and visited the catacombs beneath the sprawling city of Rome. By the end of his journey, wanderlust had become a permanent medical condition. By the age of 25, Shawn was leading groups of young people to indigenous tribes in the Guatemalan mountains, hiking through Alaskan rain forests to hidden glacieral lakes, and entering ancient Celtic passage tombs in Ireland. As an award-winning author, Shawn adds an element of storytelling and cultural immersion to Boundless Expeditions that sets us apart from other companies.
The Leinster Way Holiday Hostel
The Leinster Way Holiday Hostel
You will be staying at the gorgeous Leinster Way Holiday Hostel. Once the crossing point for the River Suir, this 400 year old converted farm is a taste of the real Ireland that you will never forget. Our friends, the Spencers, will show you what it is like to live in true Irish hospitality. Enjoy plenty of space to go and walk or take advantage of the warm sitting rooms, toasty fire, or sauna facilities. If you need a place to relax, the LWHH is the place to be.