Ireland’s Druids, Saints, and Kings
A Spiritual Tour of Ireland’s Sacred Sites
across the North of Ireland.
April 25- May 4, 2025 – 9 days – $2950 + Air
Book online now!
In Ireland, Stories are Woven Into a Transcendent Landscape
In Ireland — every hill, every river or stream, every mountain, every stone and castle has a story. Ireland is the land of stories. The Druids, Saints, and Kings tour will connect place to story, and move across a landscape filled with myth and legend. You’ll climb the mound at Emain Macha, the ancient ceremonial mound near Armagh – one home base to the Knights of the Red Branch and Cú Chulainn. You’ll draw water from St. Brigid’s Holy Well near the place where she was born. You’ll walk the path traversed by druids who once met in a sacred oak grove, and stand where saints toiled, prayed, and crafted brilliant manuscripts in their scriptoriums.
You’ll enter the Sun Palace – Grianan of Aileach – and stand where the O’Neils and O’donnells had their fortress in County Donegal – and from there be able to survey the landscape where the last Earls of Ireland took flight leading to the British occupation of the country. Sit in the very spot where C.S. Lewis overlooked a landscape that became his setting for Narnia.
This is a tour of stories both mystical and historical.
ITINERARY & DETAILS
Explore places tied to Ireland’s ancient heroes (and some villains) who were Druids, saints, and kings dating back 7000 years. Every site has a spiritual vibration that will pull each guest into its energy, and ignite his or her imagination. This offers unique insight into the ancient Celtic spiritual practices that are still relevant today.
Enter into this enigmatic landscape and listen to the land speak.
In Ireland, the outer landscape becomes a metaphor for the inner landscape.
~John O’Donahue
Royal Sites
Druids, Saints, and Kings 2024 includes ancient royal capitals and sacred sites where ancient kings and queens were crowned and bishops were consecrated including Armagh, Rathcroghan, and the Hill of Tara. Also included are druidic pre-Christian ritual sites Grianan of Aileach (the Sun Palace), Beltany Stone Circle, and Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery. Also included on tour are ruins of Sligo Abbey, St. Brigid’s Holy Well in Faughardt (Brigid’s birthplace), and the site where St. Columba founded his most iconic Irish monastery in an oak grove … now located in the walled city of Derry. On the final day, guests will visit the Hill of Tara — the most famous of the royal sites in Ireland where the high kings were crowned and where – still today — the Tara energy is alive.
In the shadow of Tara’s ancient mounds, the heartbeat of Ireland echoes through the ages, a rhythm that resonates with the soul of a nation. ~ author unknown
Additionally, there will be the stunning, pristine, undeveloped landscape of the North with visits to the Inishowen Peninsula, Malin Head (the northern-most point in Ireland), and the Altadaven Forest where St. Patrick’s Chair and holy well is hidden among the tall spruce trees. Guests will also visit the Restrevor Forest where the landscape around Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains inspired C.S. Lewis to create the setting for Narnia in his book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Guests will visit the Narnia park — complete with a life-size wardrobe door and characters from the first book and arranged along a 14-station trail.
If you love magic and mystery and a landscape full of giants, fairies, and old remnants of people who erected temples and ritual sites in the Irish landscape ages ago, you’ll love this nine-day tour of thin places in the North.
Ireland has always been holy. Even the climate of the place, a disturbed alliteration of clarity and blur, seems made for mysticism … I am more contemplative in Ireland than almost anywhere else. ~Jan Morris
What’s Included?
- Full-time tour guide / Private Coach – Mindie Burgoyne will be the full-time tour guide. A private motor will be secured for the entire duration of the tour.
- All Accommodations in 4-star hotels.
- All breakfasts
- Five dinners – Welcome and Farewell dinners on the first and last nights, plus one dinner at the luxurious Castle Grove Country House. (2 nights staying there)
- All private tours/ guides & attraction admissions
- Over 15 Group Excursions traversing four of the six counties in Northern Ireland and five counties in the Republic of Ireland.
What’s Not Included?
- Air Fare
- Lunches and 4 dinners
- Any alcoholic beverages with included meals
- Shopping, incidentals, and expenses incurred on free days
- Tips for hotel staff, private guides, and driver
Other Includes
Some Expert local guides will be with your group in some locations for a more in-depth visitor experience.
Ground Transportation – We enjoy the comfort of our own motorcoach for the entire 9 days. Guests are free to leave things they use daily (walking sticks, jackets, etc) on the bus.
Free Day in the Medieval Village of Carlingford – The seventh day of the tour, guests will wake up in the 4 Seasons Hotel and Spa in Carlingford and will have the day free to explore all day at their leisure. Carlingford, located in County Louth on the east coast of Ireland, is a charming village known for its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere. Several aspects make Carlingford special:
- Historic Charm: Carlingford is steeped in history, with medieval streets, preserved buildings, and a rich heritage. The village dates back to the Norman period, and its architecture reflects a blend of medieval and Georgian styles.
- Carlingford Lough: The village is situated on the shores of Carlingford Lough, a stunning fjord-like inlet. The lough provides a picturesque backdrop, and the surrounding mountains enhance the beauty of the landscape.
- King John’s Castle: Dominating the village skyline is King John’s Castle, a medieval fortress built in the 12th century. The castle offers panoramic views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains, adding to the historical charm of the area.
- Scenic Surroundings: The village is surrounded by scenic landscapes, including the Cooley Peninsula and the Mourne Mountains. Hiking trails, coastal walks, and outdoor activities are plentiful, attracting nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Lively Atmosphere: Carlingford has a vibrant atmosphere, with traditional pubs, shops, and restaurants lining its narrow streets. Visitors can experience the warmth of Irish hospitality and enjoy traditional music and cuisine.
- Adventure Activities: The location provides a range of adventure activities, such as water sports on Carlingford Lough, hiking in the Cooley Mountains, and exploring the nearby Táin Way walking trail.
More Specifics:
TOUR START and END – The tour begins when the tour guide and coach driver meet the guests at Dublin International Airport (DUB) at 10 am on April 25, 2025. Guests are responsible for getting themselves to DUB at that time in order to meet the tour. A map and exact location will be provided. On the last night of the tour, guests are booked into the hotel located near Dublin Airport. On the morning of May 4th after breakfast, they may take a free shuttle to Dublin Airport or extend their stays and continue touring.
NOTE: PRENIGHT RECOMMENDED – Because guests coming in from the USA and Canada have overnight flights, it is wise for guests to consider a PRENIGHT(s) on May 4th in Dublin for a little extra time to unwind, adjust to the time change, and visit some sites in Dublin. Arriving a day early would also protect against missing the first day of the tour if a flight is delayed or circumstances upset your scheduled arrival on April 25th. For guests who expect to spend a few extra days in Ireland, it is best to put those days on the front end of the tour.
COST – $2950 + AIR
Cost of $2950 (based on double occupancy) is for the land only. A deposit of $1000 per guest is due at registration and secures your space on the tour. The full cost of the tour includes lodging, all breakfasts, and five dinners, and one lunch. It also includes land transportation, admission costs to all attractions, and private guides. In addition to the cost of the tour, guests would be responsible for airfare, lunches, and dinners that are not included, plus any incidental expenses unrelated to the group tours and accommodations.
Single room supplement is $750, and is due with the registration deposit of $1000. There are a limited number of Single rooms available. Single supplement will go up when the limit (6) is reached. We will try to pair people who request a roommate but cannot guarantee a roommate.
Booking the Tour –Deposit of $1000 per guest (plus $750 single supplement if applicable) must be paid at registration to hold the spot. Deposit is refundable for 10 days. The tour balance is due by March 25, 2025.
Travel Insurance –We suggest guests purchase travel insurance on their own. Thin Places Mystical Tours does not sell Travel Insurance or represent any travel insurance vendor, though we can make recommendations based on what other guests have used.
Tour is limited to 20 guests.
Book online now!
Itinerary
Pre-night – April 24
We suggest you come in the night before as we will be leaving Dublin at 10am on April 25 and heading across the country immediately. If you have any glitches with arrival it would be difficult to catch up. We can book you a prenight at a hotel near the airport.
Day 1 – Dublin to Sligo
Guests will visit Rathcroghan royal site and museum have lunch then have a guided tour of Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery Martin Byrne. Learn about the obscure, enigmatic landscape stretching from Carrowmore to the Hill of Tara.
Welcome Dinner and overnight at Riverside Hotel, Sligo
Day 2 – Sligo to Co. Donegal
Visit the ancient court tomb at Creevykeel, have a quick lunch in Donegal, and then go on to Beltany Stone Circle. Finally, settle at our favorite place to stay in Ireland – Castlegrove Country House, and have a delicious group dinner in this manor house setting. Overnight and dinner at Castlegrove Country House
Day 3 – Derry and the Inishowen
Journey to the Grianan of Aileach – also known as the Sun Palace – in the early morning. Then guests will have a quick tour of Derry and see the site on the Medieval wall where St. Columba founded his most influential monastic settlement in Ireland. After a quick lunch in Derry, guests will spend the rest of the afternoon on the scenic drive around the Inishowen peninsula landing at Malin Head – the most northerly point in Ireland.
Overnight at Castlegrove Country House
Day 4 – County Tyrone
Guests will head to Beaghmore Stone Circles in County Tyrone – an ancient site with five stone circles set in the shadow of the Sperrin Mountains. From there guests will visit the Altadaven forest and St. Patrick’s chair (ancient druidic site) and holy well.
Overnight and dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel and Spa – Monaghan
Day 5 – County Armagh
Guests will visit the sacred, ancient site of Navan Fort – home of the Knights of the Red Branch including the Irish hero – Cú Chulainn. This will be a guided tour up the ancient hill with its mystical trees. Guests will have lunch in the Interpretive Center and then visit Armagh Cathedral located on the hill where St. Patrick founded his bishopric establishing the first official Christian church in Ireland. This is also the site where many royal figures and heroes are buried including Brian Boru and his two sons – all killed in the Battle of Clontarf.
Overnight at the Four Seasons Hotel and Spa – Monaghan
Day 6 – Ballykeel Dolmen and the Ring of Gullion
See one of Ireland’s best preserved and largest dolmen located in the enchanted landscape known as the Ring of Gullion
Overnight and dinner at Four Seasons Hotel and Spa – Carlingford
Day 7 – FREE DAY IN CARLINGFORD
Guest will have the day to explore the Medieval village, King John’s Castle, hike many of the local trails, or walk the shores of Carlingford Lough…. or rest up and enjoy the spa for the day.
Overnight at Four Seasons Hotel and Spa – Carlingford
Day 8 – Restrevor Forest and the Narnia Trail
Restrevor Forest borders Carlingford Lough. Guests will walk the path in a part of the forest thick with oak trees that descend from the ancient oaks loved by the druids in pre-Christian times. The forest trail opens up into a clearing with gorgeous views of the Lough. Then guests will walk up the hill and take in the same views that inspired C.S. Lewis’ setting of Narnia, and later walk the Narnia trail after a quick lunch in the cafe.
Overnight at Carrickdale Hotel and Spa
Day 9 – the Hill of Tara
Guests will start their final day visiting St. Brigid’s Holy Well in Faughardt – a mystical site surrounded by Ash trees. Then the final site of the tour will be a visit to the Hill of Tara here guests will have their lunch and be able to explore the hill and its magnetic energy. There will also possibly be a visit with Courtney Davis, the well-known creator of Celtic sacred art at his Tara Open Studio.
Overnight and Farewell dinner in Dublin
Day 10 – May 4th – Depart
After breakfast at the Dublin Hotel, guests depart for Dublin Airport or extend their stay on their own
NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change based on availabilities at certain localities.
Download and sign the Agreement of Understanding (required for registration)
Book online now!
MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY. CALL 301-648-2010
$1000 per person deposit (plus $750 single supplement if traveling as a single) is needed to reserve your spot Final balance is due by March 25, 2025.
Still have questions? Email contact @ thinplacestour.com or call Mindie at 301-648-2010