Aran Islands: Mythology
and Spirituality Tour
April 15 - April 25, 2011
Experience ~ Explore ~Educate ~ Enjoy
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The Journey Begins
Arainn (Inis Mór) is a unique place. It has richness far beyond the
average tourist destination in its beauty, its archaeological heritage, its
local culture and its spirituality.
This tour is for the traveler ~ the person who wants to go to the island,
wants to engage with it, its people and its heritage and who will stay
around long enough to immerse themselves deeply in it.
To move forward into the future, we must know our past!
During our seven days on Inis Mór, we will learn about the folklore and
mythological history of the island which includes tales of warriors, ancient gods
and goddesses and great battles. Arainn is alive with thousands of years of
history and spirituality ~ stories that have been told over and over again by the
great poets and bards of our past.
On this tour you will experience the rich reservoir of Celtic spirituality and culture
that is Inis Mór as it invites you to enter into its mysteries, to experience its
monastic treasures and to meet its Celtic people.
This is the trip of a lifetime for the experienced traveler!
Highlights of the Tour:
Na Seacht dTeampaíll (The Seven churches) The ruins of
two small churches and some domestic buildings. This ancient
monastic site was founded by St Breacán and is the finest
example of monastic settlement on Inis Mór.
Traditional basketmaking with Vincent Mac Cearán.
You will participate in a workshop in traditional Irish
willow basketmaking with Vincent and have a
finished basket to take home with you.
Dún Dúchathair (the black Fort).
One and a half miles west of Kileanney via the
cliffs lies the only other fort on the island.
Originally it was probably the biggest fort on
the island, though now it is smaller than the
one at Dún Aonghus.
Clochán na Carraige
A clochán is a stone-roofed bee-hive hut. Though many
exist on the Island the one at Struthán, near Kilmurvey,
is the best preserved example. Hermit monks, as a form
of punishment and self-denial, occupied these huts in
isolation from the rest of the party.
Teaghlach Einne (lit translation, house of St Enda) is a little church,
half buried in sand in Cill Einne (Killeany) graveyard on the south-east end of
the Island. The graveyard is at least 1500 years old and is still in use as the
main burial ground of the Island. It contains the grave of St. Enda who dies
around 535 A.D. and is the patron saint of Inis Mór.
Poll Na bPéist (The Serpent Hole) is a perfectly
rectangular shaped pool, located near the village of Gort
na gCapall, which is connected to the Atlantic by an
underground channel.
Dún Aonghasa (Dun Aengus) (lit meaning Fort of Aongus) is a
spectacular stone fort sited on the highest point of the cliffs (300ft) on the
southern coastline; it offers an unrestricted view
down along the west coast of Ireland. Dún Aonghasa
is considered one of the most important pre-historic
sites in Western Europe; it became a national
monument at the end of the 19th Century and is
conserved by the Heritage Services. Recent
excavation found evidence of human activity dating
back over two and a half thousand years. Covering an area of 14 acres, the
interior of the hill fort is divided into an outer, middle and inner enclosure by
three curved walls terminating at the cliff face.
Cill Einne, situated near Kilronan are the remains of a monastery founded by
Saint Enda in 490 A.D. on his return from Scotland. The miniscule cells where the
monks retired in the evening can still be seen. There were once homesteads here,
where the monks worked as blacksmiths, gardeners and scribes. The monks had
a quiet lifestyle, which involved praying, interpreting holy manuscripts and
fasting. Rumours of this contemplative existence contributed in part to Ireland's
characterisation as a land of 'saints and scholars'.
Easter Lunch at An Charraig
An Charraig is the name of a thatched house on the northern slope of Inis Mor, a
spiritual center in the celtic tradition. Part of their vision is developing the right
relationship with the nature and with the others.
A Traditional Celtic Ceremony on Easter Sunday with Dara Molloy
Dara Molloy is a Celtic monk and priest. He lives on Inis Mór, Aran Islands, with
his wife Tess Harper and their four children Tuán, Macha, Surnaí and Anú. Dara
came to Inis Mór in 1985 to be a hermit in the footsteps of St Enda, patriarch of
Irish monasticism. Inspired by the Celtic monastic tradition, he has created
spiritually-based projects on Inis Mór that express that tradition in a
contemporary setting: hospitality, organic gardening, ecological building,
education, publishing and the development of Celtic ceremonies. Unwilling to be a
member of any institutional church or to create a monastic institution of his own,
he encourages people to follow their own spiritual path and to draw on the Celtic
tradition for their inspiration.
Ailwee Caves
This cave was formed by the glacial melt waters of an early
ice age. The erosive power of the waters carved out an
subterranean river deep underneath Aillwee mountain.
This river has subsided since the last ice age, leaving behind
one of Ireland's most stunning caves.
The Burren
The Burren is an area that lies south of Galway in County Clare, Ireland. The
name Burren is from the Irish - bhoireann meaning a stony place. Its formation
has lain unspoiled since the ice-age and is composed of karstic limestone. It is an
area of approximately 300 sq. kilometres and is very bleak in appearance at first
look. However it is home to a wide variety of the most unusual and rarest plants
and a favorite place of botanists, archaeologists and ecologists.
Please Note that most of the sites we will visit on this tour are located
outdoors and in differing terrains. Therefore, we will be exposed to the
elements at times. You will need to dress accordingly and be able to walk up
some steep terrain. This is a specialized tour which focuses on visiting these
sites.
Space is limited on this tour so don’t delay in reserving your spot on this one of
a kind experience!
Your Tour Price Includes:
• Accommodations for 9 nights
• 10 Irish breakfasts
• 9 delicious dinners
• Motor coach transportation
• Admissions to all group activities and sites including ferries and
sessions
• Baggage handling, gratuities and taxes for hotels and included
meals.
LAND ONLY PRICES*
$2,900 per person sharing
Single Supplement $300 ($3,200) **Limited number of single rooms
available so book early
*Due to the frequent change in airfares, the price of the tour is LAND ONLY.
Passengers are responsible for all airfares, departure taxes and airline
surcharges. Hy-Brasyl Musical Tours is very happy to assist you with your flight
arrangements though and can recommend a flight to you.
Not included in tour price:
• All Airfare
• Gratuities for your driver and guide
• Insurance per person (Optional but highly recommended)
• Lunches not included on itinerary
For more information contact:
337-564-4702 or 409-384-5864
hybrasyl@yahoo.com
To reserve your spot, mail your $500 deposit to:
(We cannot guarantee your reservation until deposit is received)
Make Check payable to: Hy-Brasyl, LLC
Hy-Brasyl Musical Tours
P.O. Box 1615
Jasper, Texas 75951
Payment by check or money order - Sorry, no credit card charges available
Note: $100 of your deposit is non-refundable
- $500 Deposit due to hold your spot
- 2nd payment due by 1/14/2011 $1,200 (for doubles)
$1,350 (for single rooms)
- Final payment by 3/18/2011 $1,200 (for doubles)
$1,350 (for single rooms)
Reminder: This itinerary is subject to change
"In ancient times there were no tourists but many travelers" Come with us on this journey as a traveler!
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