The Celtic Path to Ireland
May 17th to 26th 2026
10 Days and 9 nights
Tour Price:
$4,589
Click on pay now to pay the deposit amount of $889.00
Embark on a 10-Day Transformative Odyssey
ThroughIreland with Seamus (Jim)
Tour Highlights
- In Galway, we’ll embark on a guided tour through the city’s beauty, history, and quiet magic. We’ll stroll along the banks of the River Corrib, then wander the vibrant walking streets alive with music, buskers, and the aromas of great food. Along the way, we’ll visit ancient sites, including the Spanish Steps, where Galway’s storied past meets the pulse of the present.
- Cross the waters to the island of Inis Mor with a 1-night stay in the port town of Kilronan. Upon arrival, explore the port town, and at 3:00 pm, depart to visit the ancient sites on the island.
- The next morning, we will transfer to the west end of the island to take a meditative walk to Dun Aonghasa, perched on a sheer sea cliff. It is the largest of the prehistoric forts on the Aran Islands. Afterwards, enjoy the island’s stark beauty with solitary walks along the beach or rocky paths.
- Two nights in the town of Doolin, staying at the Fiddle and Bow Hotel. The hotel is situated in the heart of Doolin, renowned for its stunning scenery and vibrant music scene in the local pubs. In the festive atmosphere of Doolin’s pubs, we will find ourselves immersed in the heartbeat of Ireland.
- A morning of Song and Stories with No’ir’n Ni Riain and a journey to the Burren, visiting wells and ancient sites. The Burren is a world-renowned destination known for its unique Karst landscape, created by acidic rain dissolving limestone.
- Make a pilgrimage to St. Brigid’s well before a walk along the sheer majesty of the Cliffs of Moher..
- Four nights in Dingle, a charming seaside town nestled on Ireland’s rugged southwest coast. Known for its warm pubs, fresh seafood, and friendly locals, Dingle offers a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.
- Enjoy a trad music session at one of the many pubs in town, and walk the labyrinth at St. Mary’s church.
- Walk with Seamus to see the sights of the town and along the colorful harbor to the lighthouse.
- Take a private charter with views of the Blasket Islands and the beautiful Trá Bán [White Strand], as well as the resident population of grey seals at Carraig Fhada. Return via “Wild Bank” in Dingle Bay with a chance to see dolphins and minke whales.
- An unforgettable drive along the spellbinding Slea Head Drive. Highlights include a visit to the Blasket Island Center, with its moving tribute to the islanders’ unique culture and literature; a reflective stop at Gobnait’s holy well; and the ancient mystery of Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian beehive hut church that has withstood the Atlantic winds for over a thousand years.
- 1 Night in Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities, a gem in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Kilkenny is famed for its medieval history, its majestic castle, and charming cobblestoned streets and laneways.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: May 17, 2026
Arrive in Shannon, Ireland, and transfer to Galway city to check into the Galmount Hotel. Galway is a harbor city on Ireland’s west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s hub is 18th-century Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs that often offer live Irish folk music. Galway is a hotbed of traditional Irish music, as you’ll find out walking the lively pedestrian streets of the Latin Quarter, where buskers abound and there’s always music in the pubs. Nearby, stone-clad cafes, boutiques, and art galleries line the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, which retain portions of the medieval city walls. We will have the day to explore Galway on our own.
Day 2: May 18, 2026
We will begin the day with a mythological walking tour of Galway, led by our guide Candela, as we delve into the mythology surrounding Galway and its Celtic influence. Have a free afternoon to enjoy Galway on your own: With a mix of bohemian cool and traditional culture, this city on the edge of the Atlantic has a lot to offer. Visit the Galway City Museum, check out the market, or walk along the Salthill promenade overlooking the Atlantic.
As the day draws to a close, we will have a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant. Afterward, your time could culminate in the lively and atmospheric neighborhood of a local pub.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: May 19, 2026
Enjoy your morning in Galway before we transfer to the ferry terminal for the next leg of our adventure – Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Its mystical allure, ancient ruins, and rugged landscapes make it a truly captivating destination. The time on the island seems to stand still, and ancient legends whisper in the wind. Allow yourself to be carried away by the silence and serenity of this sacred place, where every stone tells a story of a bygone era.
The island has a history of hermitage and solitude, attracting those seeking peace and serenity to these shores. We will visit some of these sacred sites.
We will stay at the Aran Island Hotel in the port town of Kilronan. Breakfast
Day 4: May 20, 2026
Awaken in the still silence of Inis Mór, where the echoes of ancient times reverberate through the rugged landscape. Optional choice to hire a bicycle and explore the island to join us on a soulful, silent walk to the enigmatic Dún Aonghasa, a World Heritage site perched precariously on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Feel the power of the elements as you stand on the precipice of history, surrounded by the primal forces of nature. Spend the morning exploring the island’s hidden gems: take a walk to the beach, stroll along a rock-walled pathway, or write poetry and immerse yourself in its timeless spirit. This is the perfect setting to cultivate silence and solitude in the soul. After lunch on our own, we will venture back to Kilronan and board our ferry to the coastal town of Doolin. We will then check into our hotel, the Fiddle and the Bow, in Doolin town before having dinner together. Meal Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: May 21, 2026
Enter a realm of spiritual enlightenment as you join the internationally acclaimed Nóirín Ní Riain, whose melodic voice and profound wisdom will elevate your soul.
The Celts aligned themselves with nature, invoking the primal energy that governed their lives. Through ritual and symbol, they sought to bring balance to their world.
After spending time with Nóirín, we will embark on a journey to the breathtaking Burren, a world-renowned destination renowned for its unique Karst landscape, created by acidic rain dissolving limestone, making it one of Ireland’s most captivating landscapes and an internationally recognized sustainable tourism destination. We’ll then return to our hotel in Doolin and have dinner on our own in one of the restaurants or pubs in the village. You’ll not want to miss the opportunity to enjoy traditional Irish music and a pint of Guinness at one of the pubs for which Doolin is famous. Breakfast
Day 6: May 22, 2026
We continue westward toward the Atlantic coast, and our first stop will be at the Cliffs of Moher! The Cliffs are genuinely one of Ireland’s most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. Towering up to 214 meters (702 feet) above the Atlantic. What a majestic sight they are, standing proudly against the crashing waves of the Atlantic. On clear days, you might even spot the Aran Islands or the distant peaks of Connemara.
Walking along those cliffs is a soul-stirring experience, with the vast expanse of the ocean stretching out before. The sheer beauty and raw power of nature are awe-inspiring. On clear days, you might even spot the Aran Islands or the distant peaks of Connemara. Afterwards, we will make a pilgrimage to St. Bridgid’s Well. Brigid is the Lady of Healing Waters; many wells in Ireland are dedicated to Brigid, and the waters are believed to be blessed with her healing grace. The wells are where the power of the underworld erupts to the surface. This connection point, where the blood of Mother Earth is freely offered to heal the wounds of humanity, and we will be given a red ribbon called” clouties” to tie to the trees around the well. This is a quiet, private act of communion between human beings and the local spirits of the land.
Our next destination will be Dingle. We will follow the Wild Atlantic Way, crossing the River Shannon, as we travel south to Dingle. On the way, we will stop for a late lunch at the South Pole Inn, a landmark building located in Annascaul, County Kerry, Ireland.
Arriving in Dingle, you’ll find yourself immersed in the heart of West Kerry, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle Benners Hotel is a charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Dingle town, Ireland. As the town’s oldest hotel, dating back to the early 1800s, it seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern comforts.
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch.
Day 7: May 23, 2026
Today is a wonderfully freeing day! You may take the Blasket Island cruise (depending on weather), which will pass by Dunbeg prehistoric fort, Slea Head, and Coumineoil Beach, heading towards Blasket Sound. They will moor for a few minutes off Blasket Island (no landing) with views of Blasket village and the beautiful Trá Bán [White Strand], as well as the resident population of grey seals at Carraig Fhada. Return via “Wild Bank” in Dingle Bay with a chance to see dolphins and minke whales. Or you may take the time to reflect and tune inward amidst the beauty of Dingle, sounds like a perfect way to recharge and appreciate the journey thus far. Take time to explore the charming streets of Dingle, browsing through its eclectic shops, and perhaps take a walk. Indulging in some local cuisine or a pint of Guinness at one of the cozy pubs can offer an authentic taste of Irish hospitality. A visit to the Dingle distillery can be arranged in the late afternoon, and end the day with traditional Irish music, which adds a magical touch to your time in Dingle, immersing you in the rich cultural heritage of Ireland.
Meal Included: Breakfast
Day 8: May 24, 2026
Today, visiting Saint Gobnaits’ holy well along the stunning Slea Head Drive promises to be a spiritually enriching experience, surrounded by the beauty of the Irish countryside. The journey itself along this iconic coastal route offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, rolling green hills, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Visiting the Blasket Island Center provides an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the history and culture of the Blasket Islands. Afterward, we will take a short walk to Saint Gobnaith’s well, offering beautiful views of the Atlantic. We will next visit Kilmalkedar’s church, where we may delve into the rich tapestry of Ireland’s spiritual heritage, surrounded by ancient walls and timeless beauty. Celebrating the tradition of journeying in Irish culture at St. Brandon’s house is a fantastic way to celebrate the spirit of venturing forth into the unknown. Ireland.
Day 9: May 26, 2026
Today, we will depart Dingle and, on our way to Dublin, make an overnight stop in the beautiful city of Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities, a gem in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Kilkenny is famed for its medieval history, its majestic castle, and charming cobblestoned streets and laneways. Upon arrival, we will have the day to explore Kilkenny on our own. Begin with a visit to Kilkenny Castle, then stroll along the Medieval Mile, where you can discover historical sites such as the Black Abbey and St. Canice’s Cathedral. You can also enjoy local crafts at the Kilkenny Design Centre or relax in the Butler Gallery Gardens.
After exploring, we will check into our hotel and have a farewell dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast,
Day 10: May 26, 2026
We will depart for Dublin airport for our return flight home. (Optional days in Dublin, if requested. Jim can arrange your visit.
PRICING FOR 10-DAYS and 9-NIGHTS LAND PACKAGE$4589.00
What’s included:
All hotels with a daily breakfast
Transportation and Guides: 10 days private coach. Galway walking tour, Aran Island Guide, Burren exploration walk, Blasket Island boat tour, and Blasket Island Center.Slea Head Drive tour, Cliffs of Moher,
Meals mentioned in the itinerary are included. 5 Dinners/1 Lunch
All entrance fees
Seamus’s leadership and Guest Noirin Ni Rian
Not included
Airfare to Ireland, to Shannon Ireland, and return from Shannon
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included
