Journey to the Unique Genius of Ireland

County Cork, named after its city, Corcaigh,  is the largest and southernmost county on the island of Ireland. Referred to for over 500 years as the Rebel County, the genius of this land has always been associated with an alternative and staunchly independent identity; one opposed to centralized or colonial authority. Even today, the citizens of Cork city refer to Corcaigh as the ‘Real Capital’ in playful defiance to the Republic's official capital of Dublin. 

The Rebel County is the place where you claim your own rebel identity and invite that part of yourself into conversation around what it means to be independent. Do you continue to acquiesce to an old and worn rut of a story that you are subject to? Or do you yearn to welcome in a new story from the disregarded periphery of your inner heartland - one opposed to the centralized and colonizing forces you have unjustly placed upon yourself.  

The liberating energies of the Irish landscape await!

By far the best way to fly is in and out of Shannon Airport on the west of Ireland. 

I also recommend getting in to Ireland at least a day before we pick you up so that you have a bit of space to recuperate from the overnight travel - All flights from the US to Ireland are overnight flights. 

If you get in a day or more early, go to the taxi desk at arrivals hall and get a car into Limerick City. 

I recommend staying at One Pery Square, or if that's full The Savoy. 

Both are in the historic, walkable downtown of Limerick City. 

On the morning of Friday, Sept 4 we can meet you at Shannon Airport or at your hotel in Limerick city. 

The journey from Shannon to Fota Island takes about two hours. 

On the final morning of Sept 11 we will have to leave Fota Island by 7am in order to be back at Shannon Airport for around 9am. 

If you need to leave Fota Island earlier than 7am, then you will have to arrange your own transport to Shannon Airport. The cost of a taxi will be over $200. We can help you book that if needed. 

We will reach out to you about a month before this journey in order to confirm all your travel details. Then we will assign you a driver and an exact pick up time with a cell phone numbers in case there are any changes.

We are here to help you with your travel plans and offer any advice we can - just reach out any time :)

We create a village atmosphere for the week at the luxury self catering cottages on the grounds of the five star Fota Island Resort. 

You will have your own private room in a cottage with two or three other participants. Couples will have an attached bathroom and individuals will share a full bathroom with one other person. 

You will have full access to all of the hotel amenities, including use of the leisure facilities such as the indoor swimming pool, fully equipped gym and the award winning Fota Island Spa.

Your fridge is fully stocked and restocked throughout the week with the best Irish food and treats to keep you 'fed and found' for self-prepared breakfast and lunch. 

We have most of our evening meals in our Eating House cottage each evening. We bring the best quality and freshest food prepared and served to us by a dedicated local chef.

We will have a couple of evening meals and lunches out on our day trips. 

We are very happy to discuss your accommodation or dietary needs in more detail. We will do our best to meet your needs and expectations.

Each morning, we gather for an enriching session of song, story, poetry, and myth, opening our hearts and minds for the day ahead. We then explore the sacred and ancient lands that surround us. This shared experience of Celtic imagination deeply nourishes our spirits, leaving us with a sense of groundedness and soulful generosity.

Each day, we embark on a pilgrimage to ancient sites and breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes. The walks are gentle and accessible, with the occasional longer journey leading us to even more stunning vistas. We strive to accommodate most levels of fitness and abilities, ensuring that all activities are accessible and inclusive. Participants are welcome to join in as much or as little as they prefer, with the flexibility to opt out if desired. Afterward, we’ll gather for a warm, hearty supper, ensuring each day concludes with nourishment for both body and soul.

This island in the bay of Cork Harbor has been a maritime haven for flora and fauna since the end the end of the ice-age. Rich, fertile land and the natural defense of the water with easy access to the Irish Sea would have made this island a prized and enviable habitation for every era of human habitation in these lands. 

Fota's sheltered location and warm soil inspires the theory of the name coming from the Irish "Fód te" meaning warm soil. The unique conditions are appropriate for the growing and cultivation of rare trees and exotic plants.

Nine hundred years ago the de Barry family, hailing from Wales, arrived in Ireland during the Norman invasion of Ireland and were granted the stunning lands of Fota Island. Situated in one of Ireland's most picturesque regions, known for its breathtaking beauty, rich wildlife, and lush farmlands, Fota House began as a modest hunting lodge.

By the 1820s, it had been transformed into a magnificent regency mansion with over 70 rooms, standing as a testament to timeless elegance amidst the serene landscapes that continue to thrive around it. 

Fota Gardens are in the grounds of Fota House. These consist of a structured arboretum, walled garden and terraces. The gardens include rare and exotic shrubs and trees, along with an extensive rose garden.

Many of these plant collections are arranged in association with the National Botanic Gardens, and other botanic institutions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, Scotland.

In 1996 the Irish state was given control of the arboretum and gardens. They are now administered by the Office of Public Works in conjunction with the Irish Heritage Trust.

Fota Wildlife Park was opened in July 1983 by the President of Ireland, Dr Patrick Hillery, with the primary aim of conservation of global wildlife. It is a joint project of the Zoological Society of Ireland and University College, Cork.

With more than 70 species of exotic wildlife such as ostriches, giraffes, kangaroos, zebras and antelope, most of the animals are allowed to roam throughout more than 202,000 square meters (50 acres) of mature grassland.

The total cost for the this tour is $6200 + credit card fee (no fee if paid by bank transfer)

Payment can be made over four equal payments of $1550, or in full if you choose.

We offer a full refund within 14 days of your deposit—no questions asked.

This includes your own private room in a three-bedroom beautiful modern cottage, all meals --except two or three on your own -- and full access to all the hotel and spa facilities, all transport in-country during the trip [10am pick up and drop off to Shannon Airport] and the service of our charming guides, local experts and drivers. 

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. 

Each cottage has one en-suite bedroom, which is reserved for couples. The other two bedrooms share a full bathroom, and there is one other half-bathroom downstairs beside one of those two bedrooms.

Flights are not included in the cost of the tour.  

We understand that plans can change, which is why we offer a full refund within 14 days of your deposit—no questions asked. Just email us within that window, and we’ll process your refund right away. This allows you to “book now, decide later” with complete confidence. Whether you want to secure your spot while you do some research, consult with family and friends, or check your schedule, this flexible option gives you the time you need without any pressure.

Cancellation Policy

You have two weeks (14 days) from the time of booking to cancel for a full refund, no questions asked.

After that window, a non-refundable cancellation fee of $600 applies. This fee helps cover the upfront costs of securing your place and supporting our local team. In the event of cancellation for any reason, including pandemic-related disruptions or government travel shutdowns, this fee may be applied as a credit toward any of our online experiences or future journeys to Ireland, and we will gladly honour this credit indefinitely.

Should international travel become impossible due to a shutdown, we will issue a partial refund of 30% of any money paid and transition the journey to a 6-day immersive virtual experience, led by our team and designed to offer rich connection, story, and cultural depth from wherever you are.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment and provide peace of mind.

Our priority is to offer a meaningful and flexible experience while honouring the effort and heart that goes into each journey, for both you and our team.