Follow the fire of Brigid through Ireland’s sacred wells, ancient stones, and living stories on a pilgrimage of transformation, creativity, and deep spiritual remembering.

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 sacred journey through Ireland as we explore 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. Through hands-on experiences like jewelry-making, baking, and blacksmithing, 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 – as we visit St. Brigid’s Well and Cathedral in Kildare, honoring the deep feminine and her legacy of healing and hospitality.

• 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 rings and iron, kneading dough, 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 Fitzpatrick Castle to a working Irish farmwhere music, hot whiskey, and sacred fire await.

• Community and Communion – gathering in circle with fellow travelers, 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.

Come. Let’s be forged in fire, together.

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. Here, Celtic tradition and Christian spirituality meet in a way that feels both grounded and mystical, shaped by music, poetry, hospitality, and reverence for the natural world. To travel through Ireland is to encounter a place where history breathes, the sacred feels close, and every path 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.

Once the trip becomes active:

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

A schedule regarding payments and refunds will be posted as soon as the trip registration opens.

Transfers:
You may transfer your spot to another participant (with approval) before the stated date.

Payment Plans:
Refund amounts follow the schedule above; missed payments must be completed up to the refundable amount.

Travel Insurance Strongly Recommended
We encourage 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 2027

Location: Various locations in Ireland

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: Portugal.

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:

TBD

Not Included:

All costs not explicitly listed above are the responsibility of the Client, including airfare,

transportation, travel insurance, souvenirs, additional meals, personal purchases, and offsite

services.

2. Payment, Cancellation, and Refunds

Payments, deposits, cancellations, and refunds are governed by the published Cancellation

& Refund Policy. Any statutory right of withdrawal or refund required by EU or Portugueseconsumer 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:

Listed when Registration Opens

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 STATED DATE. 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 Portuguese 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 Portuguese 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 Portugal (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 yoga, hiking, walking, etc., 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 the American

Arbitration Association 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

Portugal 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 the chance to explore some of Dublin’s most iconic and meaningful sites, including Trinity College’s Book of Kells, where illuminated scripture meets sacred artistry, and an afternoon visit to Kilmainham Gaol, a powerful place of history, resilience, and remembrance. Alternative options such as Christ Church Cathedral or St. Patrick’s Cathedral allow space for personal interests and spiritual curiosity. This first day invites gentle arrival, cultural immersion, and grounding in Ireland’s rich story.

Today we journey beyond the city into the heart of Ireland’s ancient spiritual landscape. Traveling by coach through rolling countryside, we’ll visit the Hill of Tara, the legendary seat of Ireland’s High Kings and a place long associated with sovereignty, ritual, and myth. From there, we continue to Newgrange, the remarkable prehistoric passage tomb older than Stonehenge and the pyramids, where light, land, and sky have been in sacred conversation for thousands of years. This day invites awe, wonder, and reflection as we walk where ancestors once gathered, honoring the deep spiritual roots that still echo through Ireland’s hills and stones.

Today we travel from Dublin into the heart of Brigid’s homeland, making our way to Kildare through the charming town of Kilcullen. This day is devoted to honoring the sacred legacy of St. Brigid, whose spirit bridges ancient Celtic traditions and Christian faith. We’ll visit St. Brigid’s Well and Father Moore’s Well, places long associated with healing, blessing, and prayer. At St. Brigid’s Cathedral and the Fire Temple, we’ll reflect on Brigid as keeper of the flame—symbol of hospitality, transformation, and divine presence. Our time at Solas Bhride, a center dedicated to Brigid’s spiritual heritage, offers space for contemplation, storytelling, and connection. We end the day resting at the Silken Thomas, grounded in the warmth of place and community.

Today we journey west across Ireland’s heartland toward the vibrant coastal city of Galway. Our first stop is Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most sacred early Christian sites, where round towers, stone crosses, and monastic ruins rest along the River Shannon. This powerful landscape invites reflection on faith, learning, and devotion across the centuries. From there, we continue to Claregalway Museum & Forge for a hands-on blacksmith experience, connecting with the elemental art of fire, iron, and transformation that has shaped Irish life for generations. We end the day in Galway with free time to explore its colorful streets, music-filled pubs, and rich cultural energy before settling in for the night at the Park House Hotel.

Today we immerse ourselves in the beauty and spiritual symbolism of Brigit’s Garden, a peaceful Celtic garden and sanctuary dedicated to the legacy of Brigid as goddess, saint, poet, and healer. Wandering through themed gardens that honor the cycles of nature, the elements, and ancient Irish spirituality, we’ll reflect on Brigid’s enduring connection to creativity, fertility, and sacred fire. During our visit, we’ll also take part in a Saint Brigid’s Cross experience, learning the tradition of weaving this powerful symbol of protection, blessing, and renewal. The day invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the earth, imagination, and the quiet wisdom of the land before returning to Galway for rest and reflection.

Today we journey from Galway’s coast to the wild beauty of Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, where stone walls, ancient ruins, and sweeping Atlantic views create a powerful sense of timelessness. Traveling by ferry, we’ll cross the waters to this sacred island known for its deep roots in Irish language, tradition, and spirituality. Inis Mór offers space to wander, reflect, and take in the rugged landscape that has shaped generations of prayer, storytelling, and resilience. For those who wish, there is the option to arrange a guided experience focused on Celtic spirituality, exploring the island’s holy sites, myths, and sacred rhythms. The day invites us into simplicity, wonder, and connection with land, sea, and soul before returning to Galway in the evening.

Our journey comes full circle today as we travel from Galway back to Dublin, carrying the stories, reflections, and transformations gathered along the way. En route, we’ll pause near Tullamore for lunch and a restful break, before visiting the Durrow High Cross, one of Ireland’s finest examples of early Christian stone carving. This sacred monument, rich with biblical imagery and Celtic artistry, offers a final moment of contemplation and connection to Ireland’s spiritual heritage. As we continue on to Dublin, we begin the gentle work of integration—bringing the beauty of the land, the wisdom of the journey, and the fire of Brigid’s spirit back into everyday life. Your pilgrimage concludes with drop-off at your Dublin hotel, carrying forward all that has been kindled within.