About This Pilgrimage

There’s a story beneath the surface of Ireland—woven through stone circles and cathedrals, whispered at holy wells, and carried in the rhythm of song and fire. It is the story of Brigid, both goddess and saint. And it is, perhaps, a story not unlike your own: one of transformation, resilience, and radiant possibility.

Join us on a nine-day pilgrimage across the island of Ireland, walking in the footsteps of Brigid of Kildare—flame-keeper, healer, poet, and patron of blacksmiths—as we trace her arc from her birthplace at Faughart in Co. Louth to her eternal flame in Kildare, west through the midlands and Mayo, out to the wild Atlantic edge of the Aran Islands, and home again to Dublin. Fifteen women will travel this sacred arc together, exploring the powerful intersections of pre-Christian and Christian spiritualities, grounded in the fierce and generous spirit of Brigid. She is the keeper of the hearth, the healer at the well, and the blacksmith at the forge—a figure who invites us to be remade from within, to live from the fire of our deepest truth.

On this pilgrimage, we’ll travel across the emerald landscapes of Brigid’s homeland, visiting holy sites, ancient tombs, and sacred wells, while grounding ourselves in the art of storytelling—Brigid’s and our own. Along the way, we’ll reflect on what it means to be shaped by beauty, by tradition, and by Spirit.

This is a journey of:

Belonging and Blessing — visiting Brigid’s birthplace at Faughart, and her holy well, cathedral, and fire temple in Kildare, honoring the deep feminine and her legacy of healing and hospitality at the eternal flame tended by the Brigidine Sisters.

Wisdom and Wonder — walking the Hill of Tara and Newgrange, where sky, sun, and earth have been in sacred conversation for thousands of years.

Creativity and Courage — forging iron at our own anvils, weaving St. Brigid’s crosses in the seasonal gardens of Brigit’s Garden, and holding space for the stories that have shaped us—and the ones we are ready to tell.

Rest and Reverence — staying in places of charm and welcome, from the Iveagh Garden Hotel in Dublin to the wild edge of Galway, with a joyful stop at Ireland’s oldest pub in Athlone along the way.

Community and Communion — gathering in circle with fellow travelers at Newgrange, Cong Abbey, and the cliffs of Inis Mór, weaving together the shared threads of womanhood, faith, ancestry, and desire.

This is not a tour. It is a pilgrimage of spirit and story—a time to remember what you’ve forgotten, reclaim what you’ve lost, and kindle what you’re ready to carry forward.

The forge is warm.

The land is calling.

And Brigid, in all her forms, is ready to walk with us.

Ireland invites you into a landscape where culture, spirituality, and story are woven seamlessly into the land itself. Rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, ancient stone circles, and quiet holy wells hold centuries of memory, myth, and faith. From the passage tomb at Newgrange to the wave-battered cliffs of Inis Mór, this is a country where the ground itself seems to remember.

Here, Celtic tradition and Christian spirituality meet in a way that feels both grounded and mystical—at Brigid's holy well and cathedral in Kildare, at the monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise, at the quiet apparition site of Knock. It is a meeting shaped by music, poetry, hospitality, and a deep reverence for the natural world, carried forward in traditions as old as the seasonal gardens at Brigit's Garden and as immediate as a pint poured at Seán's Bar in Athlone, pouring drinks since around 900 AD.

To travel through Ireland is to encounter a place where history breathes, the sacred feels close, and every path—whether across the Hill of Tara, through the forge at Russborough, or out to the edge of the Atlantic—seems to carry a story waiting to be heard.

Shannon Savage-Howie and Emily (Menter) Ebert met in 2021 through a shared faith community and quickly discovered a mutual passion for spiritual exploration, meaningful conversation, and walking alongside others on the journey of becoming. Over countless long walks—rain or shine—their friendship deepened into a shared vision for creating sacred, spacious retreats for the spiritually curious. Together, they now lead international experiences that invite participants into reflection, wonder, and connection through story, place, and community.

Shannon brings decades of experience as a certified spiritual director, contemplative coach, and pilgrimage guide, with a deep love for Celtic spirituality and sacred landscapes shaped by her time on the Camino de Santiago, Lindisfarne, Iona, and throughout Ireland. Emily, a queer, adventurous ELCA pastor and artist, offers a creative, inclusive, and curiosity-driven approach to spiritual care, rooted in community-building, movement, and soul-centered exploration. Together, they create retreats that honor diverse spiritual paths, celebrate embodied faith, and invite participants into transformation through presence, beauty, and shared journey.

Cancellation Policy — Ireland, August 1–9, 2027

To secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit is required.

Refunds (excluding the deposit):

• Before December 1, 2026: Full refund

• December 2, 2026 – February 1, 2027: 50% refund

• February 2 – June 15, 2027: 25% refund

• After June 15, 2027: No refunds

Transfers

You may transfer your spot to another participant, with approval, up until June 15, 2027.

Payment Plans

Refund amounts follow the schedule above. If you're on a payment plan, any missed payments must be completed up to the refundable amount at the time of cancellation.

Travel Insurance Strongly Recommended

We encourage all travelers to carry insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, medical care, and lost luggage.

Participant Agreement

(To be signed following registration)

Retreat: Rooted and Restless: Ireland

Dates: August 1–9, 2027

Location: Various locations across Ireland, including Dublin, Co. Louth, Co. Meath, Co. Kildare, Co. Wicklow, Co. Offaly, Co. Mayo, and Co. Galway

Thank you for choosing to join us for this sacred time away. Before completing your registration, please read the following agreement carefully. This helps ensure a clear, supportive, and safe experience for everyone.

By submitting your registration, you agree to the terms below.

1. Purpose and Description

The purpose of this Agreement is to outline the details, inclusions, and responsibilities for participation in Rooted and Restless: Ireland.

This retreat is designed to offer rest, connection, spiritual reflection, and gentle experiential practices. It is not a medical, therapeutic, or clinical program. Participation is voluntary, and participants remain responsible for their own well-being and personal boundaries.

The Retreat includes:

•       8 nights’ accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels, breakfast daily

•       Private luxury midi-coach transport with an experienced driver-guide throughout the itinerary

•       Opening dinner and welcome ritual (Day 1)

•       Closing dinner (Day 8)

•       All site admissions listed in the itinerary

•       Guided pilgrimage experiences, including the blacksmith forge workshop (subject to final vendor confirmation)

Not Included:

•       All costs not explicitly listed above, including airfare, transportation to/from the group meeting points, travel insurance, souvenirs, additional meals, personal purchases, and offsite services

•       Airport transfers

2. Payment, Cancellation, and Refunds

Payments, deposits, cancellations, and refunds are governed by the published Cancellation & Refund Policy below. Any statutory right of withdrawal or refund required by EU or Irish consumer protection law will be honored. The retreat deposit is non-refundable. All payment plans must be completed by [Stated Date at Registration]. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Payment Method: Payment shall be made via the Hosts’ designated booking platform or an authorized invoice.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that life can be unpredictable. Our cancellation policy is designed to honor the commitment of all participants, support the financial sustainability of the retreat, and remain as fair and gracious as possible.

Deposit

•       A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.

Cancellation by Participant

If you need to cancel your registration, refunds (excluding the deposit) are offered on the following schedule:

•       Before December 1, 2026: Full refund

•       December 2, 2026 – February 1, 2027: 50% refund

•       February 2 – June 15, 2027: 25% refund

•       After June 15, 2027: No refunds

Credit Option (At Hosts’ Discretion):

If the Client must cancel, the Hosts may, at their sole discretion, offer a credit toward other services or programs.

•       Requests must be submitted in writing.

•       Credits must be used within one year of the original start date.

•       Program availability is not guaranteed.

Emergency Exception (Optional):

In the case of a documented medical emergency, the Hosts may choose to offer a partial credit toward future retreats, minus administrative or unrecoverable costs.

Transfer Option

If you cannot attend and would like to transfer your spot to another participant:

•       You may transfer your registration to another woman you know, pending retreat approval.

•       Transfers must be completed before June 15, 2027.

Payment Plans

If you are on a payment plan and cancel:

•       Refund amounts follow the schedule above.

•       Any missed or incomplete payments at the time of cancellation become due immediately until your balance matches the refundable amount.

Cancellation by Facilitators

If the retreat is postponed or canceled due to circumstances outside the Hosts’ control, including natural disasters, government advisories, or global events, the Hosts shall not be held liable. The Client may be offered participation in a rescheduled retreat or a credit toward future programming.

Travel Insurance

We highly encourage participants to purchase travel insurance that includes:

•       Trip cancellation

•       Trip interruption

•       Medical coverage

•       Lost luggage

Insurance offers protection and peace of mind, especially for international travel. We encourage you to read the fine print on travel insurance plans.

3. EU Consumer Rights Notice

Nothing in this Agreement is intended to exclude, limit, or waive any mandatory consumer rights provided under applicable European Union or Irish law. Where such rights apply, they shall prevail regardless of any contrary provision in this Agreement.

4. Liability and Responsibility

Participants acknowledge that travel and retreat activities involve inherent risks. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the facilitators and associated organizations are not liable for loss, injury, or damage arising from participation, except where liability cannot be excluded under EU or Irish law, including cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

5. Travel & Documentation

I understand that:

•       I am responsible for booking my own flights to/from Dublin.

•       I must have a valid passport and any required travel documents.

•       I am responsible for understanding entry requirements for Ireland (e.g., visas, health requirements).

6. Health & Safety

I acknowledge that:

•       I am responsible for my personal health and for communicating any dietary needs, accessibility needs, or relevant health concerns prior to the retreat.

•       I will listen to my body and participate in movement activities — including but not limited to hiking, walking, cliffside walking (such as at Dún Aonghasa), ferry travel (to Inis Mór), and hands-on blacksmithing — at my own pace.

•       I assume full responsibility for my physical, mental, and emotional well-being during the retreat. I participate in all retreat activities voluntarily and at my own risk.

•       The Hosts do not guarantee specific outcomes or personal transformations; the retreat is intended for education, inspiration, and personal growth.

•       I acknowledge that COVID-19 and related variants remain a risk. The Hosts are not liable for illness or complications related to COVID-19. By signing, I assume all risks of exposure.

•       I will take reasonable care of my belongings and accept responsibility for personal items.

•       If I have any condition that may be affected by travel, physical activity, or retreat activities, I will consult my healthcare provider prior to attending.

7. Disclaimers

The Hosts and any guest facilitators are not medical providers, therapists, lawyers, or financial advisors.

•       Wellness practices offered are not substitutes for medical or psychological treatment.

•       The Hosts are not liable for outcomes or decisions the Client makes based on retreat content.

•       Any third-party providers engaged during the retreat operate independently; the Hosts are not responsible for their performance.

•       Testimonials are examples only; individual results vary.

8. Behavior & Community Expectations

I agree to:

•       Engage with others with kindness, respect, confidentiality, and compassion.

•       Honor the retreat as a space of rest and refuge for all participants.

•       Refrain from disruptive behaviors that could negatively impact the group experience.

Facilitators reserve the right to ask any participant to leave the retreat if behavior becomes harmful, unsafe, or substantially disruptive. In such cases, no refund will be provided.

9. Photography & Media

I understand that:

•       Photos may be taken during the retreat for general group memories and for promotional use.

•       If I prefer not to be photographed, I will notify the facilitators in writing prior to the retreat and again upon arrival.

We seek to honor your comfort and privacy.

10. Flexibility & Itinerary Changes

I understand that:

•       The itinerary may shift due to weather, local conditions, unforeseen circumstances, or the needs of the group.

•       Any changes will maintain the integrity and intention of the retreat.

11. Intellectual Property

•       All retreat materials remain the exclusive property of the Hosts. Materials may be used for personal use only and may not be reproduced or distributed without written consent.

12. Dispute Resolution

•       Both parties agree to communicate respectfully and refrain from statements that could reasonably be construed as damaging to the other party.

•       Parties agree to attempt resolution through good-faith communication.

•       Unresolved disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration through [Arbitration Body — confirm appropriate body for Ireland/EU] within 90 days.

•       Arbitration may occur via telephone or video conference.

•       The arbitrator’s decision is final and binding.

•       This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Ireland unless otherwise required by jurisdiction.

13. Communication

I agree to:

•       Provide accurate contact information.

•       Check email regularly for retreat updates and required forms.

•       Share travel details when requested to arrange airport transfers.

Welcome to Ireland! After arriving at Dublin Airport, you'll make your own way to your city centre hotel and begin easing into the rhythm of the journey. The day offers a free afternoon to rest and explore Dublin at leisure, with an optional visit to Trinity College's Book of Kells, where illuminated scripture meets sacred artistry. In the evening, we gather for an opening dinner and welcome ritual, where each woman names what she carries into this journey and what she hopes to find. This first day invites gentle arrival, cultural immersion, and grounding in Ireland's rich story.

Today we trace Brigid's story to its source, beginning at the Hill of Faughart in Co. Louth — her traditional birthplace, home to a holy well, healing stones, and the ruins of a medieval church. From here we travel to the Hill of Tara, ancient seat of Ireland's High Kings and Queens, a landscape charged with over 5,000 years of ceremony and sovereignty. The day closes at Newgrange, a Neolithic passage tomb older than the pyramids and aligned with the winter solstice sunrise — a place of threshold, rebirth, and deep time. An evening reflection invites us to consider what the land revealed.

We arrive in Kildare, the heart of Brigid's monastic legacy. Visit St. Brigid's Cathedral and Round Tower, built on the site of her 5th-century foundation, then wander to the holy well where pilgrims have gathered for centuries and the foundations of the ancient fire temple. The day may include time at a nearby contemplative centre where an eternal flame in Brigid's honor still burns — an intimate opportunity for quiet reflection or shared ritual, if arranged in advance.

Today is dedicated to one of the most distinctive experiences of the journey: a full day of blacksmithing at a historic estate forge, led by a skilled female blacksmith. Each woman will work at her own anvil, learning foundational techniques and forging a piece of iron to carry home. Brigid is the patron saint of blacksmiths, and this hands-on encounter with fire and iron offers a tangible, embodied way to connect with her legacy of transformation and craft.

We travel west into the midlands to Clonmacnoise, a great monastic city on the River Shannon founded in the same era as Brigid's Kildare — a place of scholars, poets, and healers, preserved in weathered stone. Continuing into Co. Mayo, we visit Knock Shrine, site of an 1879 apparition and a place of quiet pilgrimage for generations of visitors. We arrive in Mayo by afternoon, with the evening free to rest and settle in.

A slower, more contemplative day. We begin at Brigit's Garden, walking through four Celtic seasonal gardens representing the great turning points of the Celtic year, with time to try traditional St. Brigid's cross-making before lunch at the woodland café. From there we travel to Cong Abbey, atmospheric 12th-century ruins set in a forested village at the edge of a river — a place to wander, sit, and simply be, letting the land do the teaching.

A ferry carries us to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, where ancient stone forts, tiny churches, and windswept limestone landscapes meet the open Atlantic. Weather and arrangements permitting, the day may include a guided exploration of the island's Celtic spiritual heritage. The day's centerpiece is Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort perched on a 100-metre cliff — a place to stand, quite literally, at the edge of the world.

We depart Galway and travel east across the midlands, retracing a path pilgrims have crossed for centuries. A stop at Ireland's oldest pub in Athlone, dating to around 900 AD, offers a joyful and grounding midpoint before we arrive back in Dublin by late afternoon. The evening is free to rest before a closing dinner that brings the group full circle — a time to reflect on what each woman is carrying home, and what piece of this journey now lives in her.

A relaxed morning to gather your things and say goodbye. Each woman departs in her own time, making her way to Dublin Airport to begin the journey home, carrying with her whatever she found along the way.