– An ancient County Kerry proverb
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.
Steeped in myth, history, and folklore, this is a place where the mountains meet the ocean, and where verdant green pastures meet the rocky wave-pounded cliffs. It is a timeless land where you, the pilgrim, comes to overhear yourself having a heart to heart with your past and future selves.
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.
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.
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 it 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 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.
The total cost for the this tour is $4495.
This includes your 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, 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.
Flights are not included in the cost of the tour.
There is also an optional add-on available to receive two virtual Zoom calls within a small group setting to help you prepare for and integrate the tour. The initial preparatory calls are scheduled for the 28th and 29th of April at 5pm Irish time (12pm Eastern). This add-on enables you to attend one of these preparatory calls with a follow up call one month after the tour. The cost for these two optional sessions is $500 and is available to add upon check-out.