Kingdom County
Journey to the West Coast of Ireland
Saturday June 1 – Saturday June 8, 2024
Monday Sept 2 – Monday Sept 9, 2024
“Fáilte roimh torann do chos, ní amháin thú fhéin.”
The sound of your foot is as welcome as yourself.
– An ancient County Kerry proverb
Experience the Presence of Threshold
County Kerry, known as the Kingdom County, extends into the North Atlantic ocean in a series of peninsulas. The most westerly point of Europe, and the end of the ancient world, this part of Ireland was always perceived as a portal between the known and the unknown, between the seen and the unseen - a place on the threshold.
In Celtic Christian times, monastic communities founded here lived very closely with this artistry of threshold. St. Brendan the Navigator was one of the great druid-monks from this region, and his pilgrimage was recounted in mythological detail through medieval manuscripts and folklore.
This is a place where the mountains meet the ocean, and where verdant green pastures meet the rocky wave-pounded cliffs. This is where you, the pilgrim, comes to overhear yourself having a heart to heart with your past and future self.
The Daily Round
Each morning you will gather for a session of song, story, poetry and myth, opening you up for a day of exploration through the ancient and holy lands of the surroundings. Here the landscape and the soulscape conspire to compose the perfect symphony for this journey of your soul.
Each day, you will walk the pilgrim path to ancient sites and places of stunning natural beauty. The walking will not be strenuous, but on one or two occasions, we will lead a longer walk — to be followed by a delicious supper and the nourishment of Irish music.
Nourishing Body and Soul
All the makings for a hearty self-prepared breakfast are provided daily. We share an abundant lunch and dinner each day, except for two or three meals on your own. At certain feasts, we will learn about the artisan food culture from those leading the culinary resurgence in Ireland. We will explore the nearby charming town of Kenmare, known across Ireland for its gourmet restaurants, full of local fare and the freshest Atlantic catch.
Historic, Artistic Accomodation
We stay on the grounds of the Parknasilla estate on the Atlantic coast, a retreat for Irish artists and leaders for over 150 years. George Bernard Shaw regularly retreated to Parknasilla and its 500 acres of, in his words, "long sea views and intricate walks between ferns and fuschias, rock and rhododendron, castles lost within the woods..." As he put it, "This place does not belong to any world that you or I have ever lived in... it is a part of our dream world."
We will takeover a cluster of villas at Parknasilla, tucked into the woods, beside trails that lead to boardwalks and breathtaking bridges spanning tidal inlets and tiny islands - yet less than a ten minute stroll from the main hotel and all of the luxurious amenities it has to offer.
You will have your own private bedroom in a modern three bedroom cottage, with a shared living room and a well-stocked kitchen.
Cost
The cost for the this tour is $5000. This includes Nóirín, Owen, and Moley's service as lecturers, singers, and workshop leaders, and the time of the friends and experts who will meet us along the way. It includes your private room and all meals--except two or three on your own. It includes all transport in-country during the trip, and the service of our charming guides and drivers. Flights are not included in the cost of the tour.
Payment for this tour can be split into 3 equal payments or paid in full.
There is a non refundable, cancellation fee of $500 to cover costs of administration if you have to cancel. This includes cancellation due to pandemic and shut down of travel for any reason. This cancellation fee can be used as a credit toward any of our virtual experiences. We will honor this credit indefinitely. Please secure travel insurance in case of an eventuality that causes you to cancel.
Next Steps
If you are curious about embarking on this experience with us, click the button below to fill out the simple application form. Owen will then reach out to you for a conversation. This conversation is an opportunity to get any of your initial questions or concerns answered and to ensure this experience is a right fit for you.
To fill out the Application Form click here
