Pilgrimage has long been a part of the Celtic psyche. Sacred mountains, stones and trees, revered islands and holy wells have all inspired poets and beckoned the would-be pilgrim. Pilgrimages to sacred sites continue today in Ireland and many maintain an unbroken tradition, dating back over 2,000 years to pre-Christian times. Visitors to Ireland can sense that the animae loci (spirits of place) still reside in these sacred places. For many, this experience is one of "coming home." This is the place where the inner and outer landscapes can converge.

Celtic Wayfarers' pilgrimages are inspired by our interest in the Neolithic, Celtic and early Christian sacred places of Ireland and our personal experiences of coming home to the spirits of place there. We are also inspired by the rich mythology that has grown up around these places. In these tumultuous times of social, cultural and ecological transformation, we find wisdom and encouragement in the ancient native stories and indigenous spirituality of our European heritage.

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Additionally, as ethnic, religious, and economically vulnerable groups too often are vilified, feared, misunderstood, and otherwise regarded as Other, we attempt to learn something about how Ireland is addressing these issues. We meet and learn from guides who are on the forefront of working class economic and social struggle, Northern Ireland reconciliation, and refugee-welcoming efforts.

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Our tour includes immersive experiences of Ireland’s spectacular landscapes and tastes of her rich cultural life—including music, theatre, storytelling, poetry, food and drink. A highlight of our cultural excursion is visiting the Gaeltacht—that is, Gaelic-speaking outposts along the Western seaboard. We weave into the warp of eco-cultural threads, the weft of Ireland’s history of struggle, strife, reconciliation, and transformation. With the inclusion of some time for reflection and contemplation along the way, we hope the overall experience of Ireland will leave you with an inspiring, soul-satisfying sense of place, and with new insights into a people searching for ways to integrate ecological integrity and economic prosperity, with cultural and economic inclusion.

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See our "musings" page for more on our philosophy.