Day 2 Morning introductions, orientation & beginning teachings of the world of the Celts including tree lore. Then visit to Torc Falls, magical Yew Groves at Muckross Estate, Muckross Gardens (incredible gardens with ancient trees, beautiful flowers, vast lawns, yew groves, bordering the lakes); and the Franciscan Friary - there will be time for walking along the lakes & in the National Park. this is SummerFest time in Killarney, so lots of music everynight as well as other things going on!
Day 3 Continue teachings this morning and then later morning trip south to the Beara Peninsula via Kenmare - brief lunch and freetime in Kenmare. Also visit various ancient sites on the Beara Peninsula - may include (depends on weather & what we have time for) Derrintaggart West Circle & Ardgroom Outward Stone Circle.
Day 4 - Continue teachings this morning and then free time this afternoon
Day 5 - Today we will take a wonderful jaunting horsecart journey into the magnificent Gap of Dunloe (a beautiful gap/valley in the mountains) to include a peaceful boat trip on the lakes which is an incredible experience not to be missed. Experience nature that so inspired the Celts - you may even have a glimpse or experience of Tir na ‘Og (the otherworld). (or optional free time on your own)
Day 6 - Day trip to the Dingle Peninsula &; town of Dingle. The Dingle Peninsula is filled with incredible scenery as well as archaeologic& historic treasures - churches, forts, standing stones, cairns, & more. We will visit the 1200 year old little stone chapel, Gallarus Oratory to name a few sites. Dingle is a little harbor town with lots of shops. This is a land rich in Irish legend, especially the scene of the fateful battle between invading Milesians. The Tuatha De Danaan were then banished to the hollow hills and became the fairy folk. The western end of Dingle is Gaelic speaking.
Day 7 - Free day in Killarney on your own - time for shopping here; bike riding; horseback riding, walking, Ross Castle and other options to be explained. We should be able to find some
Day 8 - Leave Killarney this morning and travel to Shannon area for 1 overnight. While in Shannon area we will visit Bunratty Folk Park and experience a wonderful Medieval Castle Banquet at the 15th Century Bunratty castle this evening - lots of music, food & entertainment. Bunratty Folk Park recreates rural and urban life in 19th century Victorian Ireland. There is an extensive array of buildings; indicative of all of the social strata from the poorest one roomed dwelling to Bunratty House, a fine example of a Georgian residence for the gentry. Traditional jobs and crafts are also represented, milling, the forge, pottery, printing, baking, farming etc. Costumed characters that recreate the traditions and lifestyle of a bygone age animate the Folk Park. The characters include the Bean a Ti (woman of the house), R.I.C. policeman, Schoolteacher, Blacksmith and so on. Overnight near Shannon.
Day 9 - Leave and travel into a small portion of the Burren area of County Clare - a 200 square mile lunar-type landscape of grey limestone with its fantastic rocks, over 700 dolmans, forts & exotic wild flowers. We will visit one dolmen, have lunch and then continue on to the east of Ireland. After arrival late afternoon visit to Hill of Tara, the most sacred place in Ireland for many millennia - an incredible site with mounds, sacred well, and mystery - famous Mound of the Hostages with remains of a young prince. Interesting connections with Egypt. Also new findings here in the last year. Overnight the next 3 nights in this area.
Day 10 - 11 - Continuation of Celtic teachings & history's mysteries. While here we will visit Newgrange, an earth mound in the historic Boyne Valley, 36 feet high dating from about 2,500 B.C. The front of this incredible mound is covered with quartz crystals. This incredible mound contains an 60-foot long entrance hall, 20 feet high circular chamber, corbelled roof & many stones with spiral carvings on them. There are many other special features of this place. We also will visit Knowth, another earth mound surrounded by dozens of smaller mounds, still under excavation. There is a wonderful visitor center associated with these sites with museum & displays. During these days we will also visit Loughcrew. This is an amazing place & it is so special to be here, relatively alone in these incredible ancient cairns. Loughcrew is isolated, an ancient site with lots of cairns with spectacular carved stones high on hills with incredible views. Teachings on these ancient sites & their history.
Day 12 - Tour ends for flights home or optional time on your own in Dublin (can assist with details)