Historical, Cultural and Religious Treasures of Ireland

Ireland is a land of immense beauty with cultural and religious history that beckons students and pilgrims to renewal and wonder. Illume has been hosting sojourners to Ireland for decades and invites you to share the rich heritage of this land with members of your organization. You will visit ruins of ancient Celtic centers and historic monasteries that helped shape European spiritual traditions for centuries. Visit world famous universities and colleges in Dublin where scholarship flourished. Trace the paths of visionary men and women who helped nurture the Christian faith in Ireland. In addition to visiting sites of great religious heritage, you'll be treated to the warm hospitality of the Irish countryside with its rich green hues and rocky hillsides. You will enjoy guided sightseeing of sites where traditional Irish culture is preserved and continues to flourish. Come renew yourself in this land of saints and scholars!

Program Objectives

Discover Celtic Spiritual Traditions
Learn about ancient Celtic culture and its unique Christian traditions. Visit historic monasteries such as Clonmacnoise, sites in the beautiful Connemara region, and Glendalough. The visionary men and women who forged early spiritual traditions come to life as local guides tell stories about their lives and the important institutions they helped found.

Discover the Dynamic and Historical City of Dublin
One of the most vibrant cities in Europe today is Dublin. Over the past several decades it has experienced a Renaissance with prosperous high-tech businesses, excellent centers of higher education, and a young exuberant population that supports a vibrant night life of pubs, restaurants and live music venues. Visit historic universities, cathedrals and abbeys.

Be Renewed by the Breathtaking Irish Countryside
There are few countries in the world as beautiful as Ireland. Prevailing ocean currents have made it a deeply verdant country with rocky coastlines, stone farm houses, thatch roofed villages, and pristine nature preserves. Hike along ancient paths and touch centuries-old high crosses in places of immense beauty. Visit villages where local artisans preserve traditional techniques for making lace, glass and wool.

Suggested Venues

Some highlighted venues in Ireland include: the 6th century monastic site of Clonmacnoise with ancient church, round towers, and high crosses. Visit Croach Patrick, traditional site of Patrick's prayer and fast in the 5th century. Visit areas known for their natural beauty such as Connemara, the cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry - where rocky hillsides plunge into the dramatic Atlantic ocean. Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Maynooth and Trinity College in Dublin. Visit Cork City and Finbarr's oratory, Cahir Castle and the famous Blarney stone before continuing on to Cashel Rock where Patrick converted King Aengus to Christianity. Visit the rich pasturelands of Kildare and travel through the Wicklow Mountains to the early monastic sites in Glendalough.

Email or contact us to learn more about how we can customize this program for your specific interests.