Golden Vale

Journey to the Heart of Ireland

APPLY now for tour in 2025

“Run along the way laid out above with the unspeakable sweetness of love”

– From the Rule of St. Benedict, c. 540 AD, translated by Owen Ó Súilleabháin

An Ancient Pilgrim Path

We gather together in a beautiful rural setting, on the banks of the River Fergus, near Clarecastle in Co. Clare. You reside within the renovated walls of an 18th century garrison, the surrounding lands once held by the indigenous King of Thomond, and subsequently the de Clare family.

It is within this ancient Gaelic kingdom of Thomond where our voyage will unfold as we venture to places of holy pilgrimage both ancient and contemporary. Given the moniker “the Golden Vale” because of its fertile and lush agricultural, it is the perfect setting for our journey which will in no doubt inspire your own contemplations beyond the “Golden Veil”.

The Daily Round

Each morning we gather for a session of song, story, poetry and myth, opening us up for a day of exploration through the ancient and holy lands of the surroundings. This lived and shared experience of the Celtic imagination can fortify us and nourish us with a renewed sense of grounded and generous soulfulness.

Each day, we 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 warm, hearty supper and the nourishment of Irish music.

Nourishing Body and Soul

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 when you will explore an Irish town and its offerings. You will be lavished by Ireland’s organic and indigenous ingredients! At certain feasts, we will learn about the artisan food culture from those leading the culinary resurgence in Ireland.

Secluded Historic Residence

We have reserved a magnificent group of luxuriously renovated historic buildings in the small village of Clarecastle in County Clare. We will have this wonderful secluded accommodation all to ourselves for the week. Each house has an extensive kitchen and well supplied fridge and breakfast and lunch food items.

The castle ruins and period buildings are situated on the River Fergus, with the ruins of a castle dating to the Middle Ages. We will create our own village of the soul in the three houses present; Thomond House, Castle House and the Coach House are all situated around a Courtyard with access to a fine garden space to the rear.

The village of Clarecastle is a five minute walk from our accomodation from Thomond House and Castle House. This village has a pharmacy, shop, cafe and some fine historical pubs.

Here we will create a circle of friendship , gathering in the living room of the house each morning for poetry, song, conversation and insight, or the gardens when the sun blesses us with its presence.

Cost

The cost for the this tour is $4950. 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. It includes your private room and all meals--except two or three on your own. It includes all transport in-country during the trip, and the service of our charming guides and drivers. Flights are not included in the cost of the tour.

Payment for this tour can be split into 3 equal payments.

There is a non refundable, cancellation fee of $500 to cover costs of administration if you have to cancel. This includes cancellation due to pandemic and shut down of travel for any reason. This cancellation fee can be used as a credit toward any of our virtual experiences. We will honor this credit indefinitely. Please secure travel insurance in case of an eventuality that causes you to cancel.

Next Steps

If you are curious about embarking on this experience with us, click the button below to fill out the simple application form. Owen will then reach out to you for a conversation. This conversation is an opportunity to get any of your initial questions or concerns answered and to ensure this experience is a right fit for you.