Modern Ireland is a place where spirituality, history, mystery, and art are woven together to create a rich tapestry. Our time in and around the small harbor town of Ballyvaughn located on the shores of Galway Bay on the West Coast of Ireland will be a journey to ignite our creativity, experiencing the wild, magical landscape of the western coastline and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Through contemplation and creative expression using creative photography and book making to record our experience, Jane Dalton and Catherine will guide you to explore art as a contemplative practice with the Irish landscape as our source of inspiration.
“By creating art we participate in the creation of ourselves.”
From our creative art space at the Burren College of Art we will venture outwards with our cameras to visit the Burren National Park, the Cliffs of Mohr, St. Brigid’s Well, the ancient Cistercian Abbey of Corcomroe and other ancient sites to explore the thin places where the physical and eternal worlds meet to deepen our understanding of the ancient history of this land and open doorways to our inner world and creative process. We will also take a day trip by ferry to explore the nearby Aran Islands of Inisheer.
Included in the cost of this adventure is:
7 nights shared accommodation at the Hylands Burren Hotel in Ballyvaughan
Breakfast each day
All lunches (except on day of arrival) and two dinners
Transport from Dublin Airport to Ballyvaughan on May 25th
Transport from Ballyvaughan to GalwayTrain Station on June 1st
Transport to and from the Hotel to our creative space at the Burren College of Art
Visits to Cliffs of Moher, Burren National Park, St Brigid’s Well, Poulnabrone Dolmen, High Crosses of Kilfenora and other sites by coach
Day trip to Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands, by ferry
Creative photography instruction each day by Catherine
Creating a visual journal instruction by Jane Dalton
A memorable experience with a local farmer poet
And more
Not included are airfares and travel costs (except those specifically mentioned), drinks and alcoholic beverages, cost of travel insurance, personal items and purchases.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be staying at the Hylands Burren Hotel in the Center of Ballyvaughan, chosen because it gives you the freedom to visit the restaurants and shops in the village without needing transport. The cost includes accommodation in a shared room. Single rooms are available at an additional single supplement cost of $550.
“Cultivating sacred eyes is what Celtic Spirituality holds as a silent wish for each of us.”
COST
The cost of this creative pilgrimage experience is $3,450 per person. The cost includes all the items listed above. Five dinners are on your own. Excluded is airfares and travel costs (except those specifically mentioned), drinks and alcoholic beverages, cost of travel insurance, personal items and purchases.
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your place. The balance is due by March 30th, 2024 and is payable by check or direct bank transfer.
Should you wish to book a single room, you agree to pay the single supplement of $550.along with the balance due on March 30th, 2024.
To reserve your space please pay the non-refundable deposit of $500 and sign and return the Travel Agreement. Registration closes on April 12th, 2024.
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR GUIDES
Jane Dalton is is a Professor of Art Education at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, and author of many books, including her latest, The Mindful Studio: Cultivating Creativity and Well-Being in the Art Classroom. Jane is particularly interested in the intersection of contemplative practice and creativity. You can find out more at Janes’ website www.contemplativeartist.com.
Catherine Anderson has been leading creative pilgrimages, trainings and workshops for the past fifteen years. She is the author of a number of books including The Creative Photographer and Contemplative Photography Retreat. She has trained as a Spiritual Director and loves guiding others to see the world through eyes of wonder and beauty.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Your deposit is non-refundable. It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance on the day you book this trip to ensure that your deposit is covered should you need to cancel.
There are no refunds after March 31st, 2024, but you may find another person to take your place on the trip provided they agree to the terms of the agreement.
Written cancellation is required to process a refund.
In the event of it being necessary for us to cancel the retreat for any reason, all payments made to us will be refunded in full. Please read the Travel Agreement for more information in this regard.
