West of Ireland
September 27- October 3, 2009
Also see our Frequently Asked Questions for more info about this trip!
Throughout this journey we will contrast the new with the still unspoiled natural rural landscape as we traverse the back roads and modern roads of West Ireland. At the heart of our journey is the vast terrain of mountains and ancient sites and forts in this magnificent area. We will make a connection with the warm-hearted and spontaneous nature of the Irish people and local guides, many of who still take part in the traditional ways of rural life that can still be found here in many places. We will travel through some of the most rugged and lush mountains through Connemara into the northwest town of Westport, set in the hilly terrain of County Mayo and at the base of the Holy Mountain of Ireland, Croagh Patrick. The mountain received 
its name from Ireland’s Patron St. Patrick. To this day people from around the world make the pilgrimage to climb the 2,510 foot glaciated mountain. Westport and the surrounding area suffered great hardship during the famine years and we will make visits to historical sites and visit the Famine Memorial. Westport is one of Ireland’s first planned towns, a charming bayside village adjacent to Clew Bay and many neighboring islands and castles. You will experience that the local people worship living here and can’t imagine ever leaving!
From Westport we will ferry to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór, one the three Aran Islands where the lyrical native tongue is still spoken. We’ll take a dramatic walk to the remains of Dun Aonghusa, a large eleven-acre pre-historic fort built between 800 BC and 400 AD. Our time on Inis Mór is enhanced by a well know author, archaeologist and storyteller that will share his knowledge and love of living on Inis Mór. We have wonderful experiences planned for your visit with plenty of time to enjoy the island’s natural setting, and an opportunity to meet the local folks.
We then venture into the vibrant and ancient medieval City of Galway for the next two nights of our journey. Galway is surrounded by Galway Bay and Lough Corrib, one of the largest rivers running through Ireland. Many wonderful options in Galway City are to be discovered. It’s a city both traditional and cosmopolitan and you will find an abundance of excellent restaurants and lively pubs with some of the best traditional Irish music. There will be ample time to enjoy great shopping along its pedestrian malls or walks by the river. Theatre, music and art abound in Galway and you will be able to savor its character before you soon leave for home.
We conclude and share our stories and images, spending our last night just beyond the view of the stunning Bunratty Castle, an impressive castle built in 1425 and completely restored in 1954 to its medieval splendor. A walk around the surrounding houses and cottages stretches the imagination to experience life in the medieval past. We will do our last minute packing and enjoy our last evening of newfound travel and friendships with good food and all raise a pint – to a great journey!
The 2006 and 2007 trips SOLD OUT quickly! We encourage you to reserve your place early! Please read the itinerary for registration details.