Summer 2025
Sunday, July 20 - Saturday, July 26, 2025
JOIN THE CELTIC CENTER ON A PILGRIMAGE THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO LEARN AND GROW LIKE NEVER BEFORE.
PILGRIMAGE TO INISHMORE, IRELAND
Step back in time with us to the land that holds the ancient Celtic story deep within its landscapes, ruins, stories, and perhaps most importantly, in the heart of its people.
The west coast of Ireland, because it was out of the reach of the Roman Empire, maintained many pre-Christian understandings of our vital relationship with Earth, the cycles of Nature, and the interplay of our lives with the unseen world of the Spirit. Christians allowed these perspectives to live on in their perspective of God’s love, participation in the union with Christ in and through Nature, and beliefs that the sacred is available in all activities of daily life and relationships.
The island of Inishmore, off the west coast of Ireland, was one of the most influential locations for the development of this Celtic Christian perspective. The early monks, teachers, and leaders were among the most prominent people who influenced the development of this perspective and encouraged its spread throughout the world. They developed communities on the island based on care for one another and the study and practice of Celtic Christian ways. They prepared many to go into the world with the message of love, redemption, and the art-filled and creative practices of a life well lived in the service of the God who is Love. In fact, St. Columba of Iona, came to Inishmore for aspects of his preparation before venturing into the world with this beautiful way of living and practicing the faith.
The island of Inishmore contains many ruins of churches, monastic communities, hermit cells, graveyards, Celtic crosses, and sacred wells that call our attention back to those early beliefs that are so profoundly needed today. The island is also home to many ruins dated far before Christianity that illustrate the essential human desire to be in relationship with the Spirit, the hope for eternity, and the interplay of Nature, God, and Soul.
We explore many of these ruins together and pause within the landscape to allow the ancient wisdom, the ancestors, and the Spirit of God to inform our faith and our understanding of how to live out these vital perspectives in our modern world.
Join Dr. Kirk Webb for learning and discussion about the roots of Celtic Spirituality, times of prayer and spiritual practice, and an exploration of the land and history that holds the foundations of Celtic Christianity. The pilgrimage also provides many moments for silent contemplation, rest, and enjoyment of the natural wonders of the island and the wild Atlantic ocean.
THE PILGRIMAGE INCLUDES
Two preliminary online gatherings to prepare for the pilgrimage and begin considering the history and themes of Celtic Christian Spirituality and Practice.
Teachings and discussions on the essential history and themes of Celtic Christianity and pre-Christian spirituality.
Celtic spiritual practices.
Consideration of poems and other inspirational writings.
Significant time for silent contemplation.
A labyrinth walk at one of the most influential early monastic sites.
A guided hike along the magnificent cliffs to experience the power of the Atlantic ocean meeting land and to enjoy unparalleled natural beauty.
Breakfasts and Dinners together from our initial evening through our departing morning.
Plenty of time for sleep, rest, exploring the island, and enjoying the village of Kilronan, the beach, country roads, and the inspiring landscape of this ancient Irish island.
COST:
Single room - $2550
Shared room - $2050 per person (2 people per room - 1 large bed or two twin beds)
Registration Deadline - June 1, 2025
Note that space is limited so registering early helps to secure your place on the pilgrimage
Deposit - $500
Due at the time of registration to secure your place on the pilgrimage
Non-refundable.
Full payment due by May 1, 2025
Non-refundable.
DETAILS:
WHERE:
Inishmore, Aran Islands, Ireland - Aran Islands Hotel Chalets
INCLUDED:
Two preliminary online meetings.
Lodging
Breakfasts and Dinners from the initial evening to the departing morning
Transportation to and from program events.
NOT INCLUDED:
Participants are responsible for their own transportation costs in getting to the island of Inishmore, Ireland. Those costs will likely include:
Airfare
Bus and/or train fare
Ferry to the island
All lunches are on your own (your expense). An easy walk into the village of Kilronan offers several lunch options and a grocery store.
Transportation outside of programmed events. Note that several afternoons are set aside for you to explore the island on your own. You are responsible for these plans and expenses (including transportation).
Please consider registering early to secure your spot due to the smaller group size. It is usual that the groups are completely filled, but if a minimum number is not reached, then the group will be cancelled by April 1 and you will receive a complete refund or an offer to apply any received payments toward a future pilgrimage. It is wise to get plane tickets several months in advance so please contact us if you need to know if we have met the minimum number for the group.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / LIMITATIONS:
Inishmore is home to many incredible and fascinating early Christian and pre-Christian spiritual sites and ruins as well as beautiful displays of Nature’s wonder and power. We will be visiting these amazing places each day and having our times of learning and spiritual practice in these locations. They are all outdoors and exposed to the weather (sun, wind, and rain). Additionally, some of these locations require a certain level of fitness, balance, and walking ability. You are not required to join us at every location, but if you are unable then you may need to wait at a comfortable location for the group to return or skip that particular event. As a measure, it is strongly recommended that you able to:
Walk 1 mile on paved, dirt, or rocky roads that are a combination of flat surface and gentle inclines. (Up to 2 miles in a day.)
Walk up and down a flight of stairs without help or equipment
Negotiate a stair rise (up and down) of 12 to 16 inches.
Walk across rock surfaces that are cracked and uneven without poles, canes, or other equipment. Although hiking poles are certainly helpful and allowed, it is best if you are not completely reliant upon them.
Walk up and down a hill of 100 foot elevation. Hills are both road surfaces and inclines that require stair stepping ability.
Feel confident in your standing and walking balance.
If you need guidance in making your decisions about physical abilities and the requirements of this trip, then don’t hesitate to ask us.