Ireland: Thin Places
A Soulful Celtic Journey

Ireland…just the name evokes the image of a country that welcomes, a people who are genuine, a landscape that beguiles…castles, song, poetry, folklore, sacred sites, mysticism and great ‘craic’ (fun).

Come with us as we journey to the ‘Thin Places’. The Gaelic name for thin places is CAOL ÁIT, “they are locales where the distance between heaven and earth collapses and we’re able to catch glimpses of the divine or the transcendent…Heaven and earth, the Celtic saying goes, are only three feet apart, but in thin places that distance is even shorter…These places relax us, yes, but they also transform us, or more accurately, unmask us. In thin places, we become our more essential selves…” writes Eric Weiner.

“I think the concept of Luxury, Adventure & Spirituality is brilliant. We love how we can experience the spirituality, heart and energy of the area in luxury & comfort…truly a unique idea and really fun!”

Nancy C

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A 5 night luxurious, soulful journey

Ireland…Thin Places, a Soulful Celtic Journey

 

Dublin (2 Nights)

  • Luxuriate for 2 nights in the city’s premier hotel, the iconic Shelbourne Dublin. This 5 star hotel is a timeless landmark and an Irish institution overlooking the beautiful St. Stephen’s Green. The perfect spot to explore the city centre and the Grafton St. shops.
  • Immerse yourself in the true spirit of the city on our exclusive Musical Pub Crawl. Have a pint or two as we take in the traditional sounds of local musicians at some of the city’s famous pubs.
  • Experience some of the legendary “Thin Places” as we explore the Hill of Tara and Newgrange with Padraigin Clancy, a graduate in Irish Folklore & History, she also specializes in the Divine Feminine.
  • Step back in time as we as we descend into the 12th Century Crypt of Christ Church Cathedral for a private cocktail reception with a few magical surprises.


Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare (2 nights)

  • Spend a blissful 2 nights at the stunning 18th Century Gregans Castle Hotel. This lovely manor house is the ultimate luxury and gourmet hideaway and offers spectacular views that stretch across the Burren to Galway Bay. Inside, you’ll find welcoming open fires, candlelight and striking décor perfect for a restful country getaway.
  • This evening you will have the opportunity to get to know the locals! We have arranged for everyone to dine with a local family…sit down at their dinner table for a delicious home cooked meal, wine and a good “chin-wag”.
  • Explore another aspect of Irish culture & tradition as we aboard the ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. Upon arrival Pádraigín Clancy will join us again as take in some of the many ruins on this stark wind-swept island.

Shannon (1 night)

  • Sleep like a king (or queen)… at the regal 5th Century, Dromoland Castle Hotel and Country Estate, originally the ancestral home to Gaelic Royalty. For 1 night experience the blending of Old-World elegance with contemporary luxuries…a dream come true!
  • Our final evening will be a casual Garden Party held privately in the age-old walled garden of the castle. Enjoy a delicious& buffet dinner with wine along with local entertainment (ideal for a sing-a-long). A perfect ending to an enchanted journey.

THE SHELBOURNE DUBLIN

The Shelbourne Dublin is a luxury hotel in Dublin city centre, overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, Europe’s grandest garden square. This 5 star hotel is a timeless landmark and an Irish institution, which has been an intrinsic part of Dublin’s literary, social, culinary and artistic tradition for the past two centuries. It is ideally situated very close to Dublin’s cultural and historic buildings and offers a great location, from where you can visit the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. Explore shops on Grafton Street or visit the Guinness Storehouse. The Shelbourne offers spacious accommodations with luxurious Egyptian cotton bedding, flat-screen TV, laptop-size safe, and marble bathroom. Enjoy a cocktail or Ireland’s own Guinness at the renowned Horseshoe Bar. Celebrate at the Oyster Bar or a prime cut steak at The Saddle Room Restaurant.

In May 1922, The Shelbourne played host to its most historic meeting – the drafting of the Irish Constitution. Bunreacht na hÉireann was drawn up in room 112, under the leadership of Michael Collins. This room is now The Constitution Room.

 
THE SHELBOURNE DUBLIN WEBSITE


 

GREGANS CASTLE HOTEL, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE

This stunning 18th century manor house is the ultimate luxury and gourmet hideaway and is set in its own established and lovingly-attended gardens with spectacular views that stretch across the Burren to Galway Bay. Inside, you’ll find welcoming open fires, candlelight and striking decoration ranging from modern art, to antique furniture, to pretty garden flowers adorning the rooms.

Gregans Castle has long been a source of inspiration for its visitors. Guests have included J.R.R Tolkien, who’s said to have been influenced by the Burren when writing The Lord of the Rings, as well as other revered artists and writers like C.S. Lewis and Seamus Heaney.

Simon and Frederieke manage this oasis of comfort and offer genuine Irish hospitality, award winning innovative cooking and elegant bedrooms free from the intrusion of televisions.

 
GREGANS CASTLE WEBSITE


 

DROMOLAND CASTLE HOTEL AND COUNTRY ESTATE, NEWMARKET – ON – FERGUS, CO. CLARE

With an extraordinary history stretching back to the 5th Century, Dromoland Castle was originally the ancestral home of one of the few families of Gaelic Royalty; direct descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland.

Approached by a meandering drive that passes acres of magnificent lawns, this luxury 5 Star Castle Hotel overlooks its own Championship Golf Course and a glistening lake which commands the panoramic beauty of the surrounds.

Seamlessly blending Old-World elegance with contemporary luxuries, Dromoland’s tradition of delivering impeccable, unobtrusive service is never compromised. Guests can relax under the careful attention of the staff and enjoy an exquisite selection of gourmet fine dining and delicious wines; unwind slowly in the Castle’s 5 Star luxury Health Spa or indoor heated pool; or enjoy a good book beside a crackling evening fire.

Situated just 8 miles from Shannon International Airport, and regarded as one of the top luxury hotels Ireland has to offer, Dromoland Castle Hotel Ireland is the ideal base from which to explore the vibrant cities of Limerick and Galway; the magical Shannon region and Ireland’s rugged West Coast. Look no further than Dromoland Castle for 5 star castle accommodations Ireland.

 
DROMOLAND CASTLE HOTEL AND COUNTRY ESTATE WEBSITE

Travellers depart North America on overnight flights to Dublin

  • DAY 1:

    Upon arrival at the airport in Dublin you will be met at luggage claim and transferred to the Shelbourne Dublin.

    We will immediately meet in the lobby to head out on a walking tour of the downtown core. We will see some of the capital city’s major tourist attractions; which include a visit to the famous Trinity College and to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the oldest in Ireland.

    Stop for lunch at a local pub before returning to The Shelbourne Hotel.

    This afternoon relax and settle in to your deluxe room and unwind from the journey before heading out on our own Private Musical Pub Crawl.

    A light dinner with wine will follow at Cliff Townhouse Restaurant.

  • DAY 2:

    Full Irish breakfast in included and at leisure in the hotel’s Saddle Room Restaurant.

    This morning we depart to explore some of the legendary “Thin Places” just outside Dublin like The Hill of Tara, the “holy well”, and Newgrange.

    Return to the hotel to relax or perhaps visit some of the many shops on Grafton St.

    Early evening offers a private cocktail reception in Christ Church Cathedral’s 12th Century crypt. Enjoy some Irish whiskey tasting, hors d’oeuvres and stirring entertainment.

    Dinner tonight is on your own and at your leisure.

  • DAY 3:

    Full Irish breakfast in included and at leisure in the hotel’s Saddle Room Restaurant.

    This morning is at your leisure to explore Dublin.

    Just before lunch we will depart Dublin and head west to Co. Clare. Everyone will receive their own deluxe lunch basket to enjoy as you take in the magnificent Irish scenery.

    Arrive in Ballyvaughan and check-in at the quaint and delightful Gregans Castle.

    Spend the balance of the afternoon relaxing in your “one-of-a-kind” guestroom or explore the hotel’s magnificent gardens.

    This evening we have arranged for everyone to dine with a local family…sit down at their dinner table for a delicious home cooked meal, wine and a good “chin-wag”.

    After dinner, Irish coffee will be served back at the hotel bar as everyone shares their dining experiences!

  • DAY 4:

    Full Irish breakfast in included and at leisure in the hotel’s restaurant.

    Today we will hop aboard the ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. We will tour the island via pony & trap (horse & carriage) and stop at the haunting ruins of the Seven Churches, the holy well of St. Enda and of course the famous Dún Aonghasa.

    A light lunch will be served at a local restaurant before we head back on the afternoon ferry.

    This evening join Simon & Bridget (the charming owners of Gregans Castle) for cocktails on the lawn.

    Dinner is on your own and at leisure. We recommend you experience the hotel’s gourmet award-winning restaurant…it’s not to be missed.

  • DAY 5:

    Full Irish breakfast in included and at leisure in the hotel’s restaurant.

    Today we will visit the spectacular Cliffs of Moher as well as St. Bridget’s Well before heading to Ennis for a lovely lunch at The Cloister Restaurant.

    This afternoon we arrive at the Dromoland Castle Hotel and Country Estate.

    Once you have checked in to your beautiful Queen Anne guestroom, feel free to explore the extensive grounds or have a cup of tea in the Library.

    Our final evening will be a casual Garden Party held privately in the age-old walled garden of the castle. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with wine along with local entertainment (ideal for a sing-a-long). A perfect ending to an enchanted journey. 

  • DAY 6:

    Full Irish breakfast in included and at leisure in the hotel’s restaurant, followed by a private transfer to the Shannon Airport.

    Ireland…a country that welcomes, a people who are genuine, a landscape that beguiles…castles, song, poetry, folklore, sacred sites, mysticism and great ‘craic’ (fun).

Interested in learning more about our private Ireland group trips? Click here to request a full itinerary.


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