Thin Places Mystical Tour of Northern Ireland Mindie Burgoyne Guides Tour of Sacred Sites September 5-15, 2013

Thin Places Mystical Tour of Northern Ireland Mindie Burgoyne guides tour of sacred sites September 5-15, 2013

Author and expert on mystical places, Mindie Burgoyne will guide travelers on an nine-day journey to Northern Ireland’s thin places - places where the veil between this world and the other world is “thin.” -Antrim, Down, Tyrone, Armagh, Derry, Fermanagh, Donegal.

Guests will overnight in Enniskillen, Donegal, Derry and Belfast, and visit stone circles, passage tombs, monastic settlements, ancient druidic centers, holy mountains, sacred hills. Sites include the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Ardboe, Caldragh Cemetery, Slemish Mountain, Slieve League, and a full day on Inishmurray - a island in Donegal Bay.

For full tour information visit www.ThinPlacesTour.com

$2120 Price based on double occupancy, includes 3 star hotels, breakfasts, ground transportation, admissions, private guide, and some dinners. Visit website for details.

The places we visited each embodied a unique dimension of Irish spirituality. The soulfulness of Ireland and its people was revealed as one of the country’s great treasures. ~Kathleen Sweeney, guest on Thin Places Tour 2012

1 What’s Included? 8 nights in premier town-center hotels (3-star all w/ private baths) • Overnight accommodation (double room) in 3 star and higher hotels • Stays is popular City Centres including Donegal, Derry, Belfast, & Enniskillen • Intimate tour group – 12 to 15 people • All breakfasts • Admissions to all attractions • Land transportation to sites • Personal, full-time tour guide, Mindie Burgoyne • Site specific local tour guides at some sites • Trip to one off-shore island • Welcome dinner – 1st night • Alum Discount – $50 off for each previous Thin Places tour you’ve attended

Why is this tour so special? Much of the Irish travel industry is operated by the Irish government. And while they do a fabulous job and provide excellent attractions, the crowds are ferried to the same sites. This tour is a private tour, led by someone who knows Ireland, knows the sites and will also link with private, local guides. It’s an intimate tour - no more than 12 - where guests see the hidden side of Ireland’s north country - spectacular landscapes, amazing megalithic sites and vibrant villages and towns.

It was a glorious trip which, without your [Mindie’s] sensive leadership, might sll have been great but you truly made the difference in bringing it to the highest level. You are gied, lady. ~ Tom Quigley – Annandale, VA – Thin Places Tour of Southern Ireland 2011 2 Week-long Itinerary

DAY 1 - 9/5 - Welcome to Ireland! Arrive at Dublin Airport, bus to hotel in Enniskillen Enjoy a Welcome event at hotel. Meet other guests.

DAY 2 - 9/6 - Armagh, Tyrone Armagh Cathedral, Navan Fort, Altadaven Wood, St. Patrick’s Chair - Cliff of the Demons

DAY 3- 9/7 - Lough Erne & Boa Island Caldragh Cemetery where the famous Janus Figure stands, ancient graves, fairy trees, enchanted landscape.

DAY 4 - 9/8 - Inishmurray (of-shore Island - County Sligo) Boat trip to Inishmurray, an off-shore island that is no longer inhabited. 6th century monastic settlement ruins ascribed to St. Molaise and carved stones.

DAY 5 - 9/9 - County Donegal - Slieve League, Glencolumbkille, Killybegs Ancient settlement area dating back 5000 yrs. Enchanted landscape, fabulous cliff face of the north western coast. Charming fishing village - Killybegs.

DAY 6 - 9/10 - Inishowen Penisula - Grianan of Aileach - Beltany Stone Circle Full day of megaliths - Grianan of Aileach is dedicated to the goddess of light, Beltany is a large stone circle associated with Beltaine and more megaliths on the scenic Inishowen peninsula - some of the most dramatic landscape and scenery in all of Ireland.

DAY 7 - 9/11 - Derry, Beaghmore, Tullahogue, Ardboe Tour the old walled city of Derry, see the historic murals that illustrate the Troubles. Visit Beaghmore - a cluster of 7 stone circles. Then off to Ardboe with its famous high cross on the shores of Lough Neagh. Finally see Tullahogue royal site of the O’Neil clan.

DAY 8 - 9/12 - The Antrim Coast The Antrim Coast is magical. See Dunluce Castle ruins hanging on the cliffside, White Park Bay where the sand “sings” and the famous Giants Causeway with over 40,000 basalt polygonal columns.

DAY 9 - 9/13 - Belfast Town Tour , Slemish Mountain Tour Belfast City, the largest city in Northern Ireland, with incredible Victorian architecture. Then off to the legendary first home of St. Patrick - Slemish Mountain.

DAY 10 - 9/14 - Downpatrick, Nendrum Monastic Site Tour parts of County Down including Downpatrick which is the legendary burial site (one of several) of St. Patrick. Also tour Nendrum monastic site on Mahee Island.

DAY 11 - 9/15 - Depart for Home - bus to Dublin Airport

See a more detailed itinerary at http://thinplacestour.com/thin-places-ireland-tour-itinerary-2013/ 3 Activity Level Lots of Walking The Thin Places tours are active with considerable walking, standing and outdoor exploring. Guests should be in good health and be able to …

• walk on uneven pavement and open fields at least 2 miles • carry luggage several blocks, and up several flights of stairs. • be on your feet for 3 to 5 hours over the course of the day • ride comfortably in motor coach for several hours

A Weather is Mystical

Climate is temperate, rain likely, and the light is like no other place. The temperatures in Ireland are much like the USA’s Mid Atlantic region. September should be warm at mid-day and cool at night. Rain is likely, so a waterproof jacket and shoes are a must. The rain tends to come and go, and the clouds and Irish skies create some of the most beautiful light and landscapes in Europe. Rainbows are frequent.

Make Your Reservations Today

Register with Harrigan Holidays

Harrigan Holidays handles all registrations. Download the registration form at http://thinplacestour.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/thin-places-ireland-registation20131.pdf

Complete the form and follow instructions for registering. Deposits of $500 per person are due at registration and full payment is due by July 15, 2012.

*Itinerary is subject to change.

* Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

* For more information and look over the Thin Places Mystical Tour website for information on sites, guides and hotels.

* Email Mindie Burgoyne at [email protected] for specific questions.

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