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Tour Leaders: Phil Cousineau is a writer, teacher,
independent scholar, documentary filmmaker, travel
leader, storyteller and author of many books including
the national best-seller The Art of Pilgrimage.
Currently, he is host of the much-praised 10 part “inner
travel” series, Global Spirit on Link TV. Read
more about Phil Cousineau on our
About Your Tour
Leader page.
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 Join author Phil Cousineau as he leads you on a
pilgrimage through the enchanted “Isle of Eire” where
the age of myth, mystery and magic live on. Captivating
Ireland is still a land where mysteries are etched as
runes within ruins. Treading the Irish mythic past
today, we encounter a rich culture that embodies the
preservation of its magnificent oral tradition, ancient
rituals, romantic poetry and literature, and vibrant
folklore and music. Meander along scenic roads that hug
the rugged Irish western shore, roam about the
undulating countryside and rocky plains, ferry to the
alluring Aran Islands, and journey deep into the very
heart of Ireland.
 Our journey will include visits to the towering
Cliffs of Moher, the limestone moonscape of the
Burren, Yeat’s Tower, Kilfenora, the
City of High Crosses, the ancient grave passage
of Newgrange, the literary shrines of Dublin,
and more! Together, we will walk in the footsteps of 15
centuries of pilgrims as we climb Croagh Patrick,
the holiest place in Ireland, and explore the ruins of
Clonmacnoise, the abbey where the Irish monks
“helped save civilization”, in the words of Thomas
Cahill. Stroll through charming seaside villages and
quaint country towns where the traditions of old are
still very alive today. Gaze at stunning panoramas from
soaring cliffs, discover ancient ruins and stone
structures, journey to sacred sites of pilgrimage, and
return to a time of romance and enchantment with visits
to majestic castles. Discover the vibrant culture of the
Irish with traditional entertainment, music and
fun-filled evening pub crawls. Indulge your creativity
with daily journaling, sketching, poetry readings and
traditional folktales, and enjoy the peace and serenity
of beautiful settings for personal reflection.
 Our journey to what was once called the “Island of
Saints and Scholars, Poets and Priests”, will combine
many of the myriad elements such as storytelling, music,
landscape and fierce independence that have made this
Emerald Isle one of the most beloved countries in the
world. This will also be a journey of questions: Where
does the myth of leprechauns come from? Who was Molly
McGuire? What role does the pub play in Irish Life? What
was the Irish Famine and how did it influence the Great
Irish Immigration to the North America? Why do the Irish
have such a reputation for being entertaining
storytellers, poets and musicians? Tour leader, Phil
Cousineau will discuss all these themes and more during
enlightening daily lectures, group discussions, and
informative talks so that the many myths and secrets of
Ireland can be revealed. We will also enjoy special
guest appearances along the way with one of Ireland’s
leading authorities on Irish music, P.J. Curtis
as well as leading expert on Celtic Mysticism, Dara
Molloy, and have the opportunity to meet other
wonderfully entertaining and knowledgeable locals to
fully enrich our journey.
Ireland is truly a land that reaches deep into your
heart, lifts your spirits and stirs you to your very
core. So come join your new “Anam Cara” (Celtic for Soul
Friends) and discover this fascinating island which
entices all the senses and leaves you craving more on a
journey that combines an exploration of Irish mythology,
poetry, literature, history and mysticism as well as
taking a look at the rapid changes in the new aspects of
the Celtic Tiger. This pilgrimage is designed to be a
meaningful, spirit renewing experience to nurture your
creativity and help you understand the myriad aspects of
one of the most inexhaustibly interesting cultures in
the world.
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