NOTE: No journeys to Ireland with Phil Cousineau are scheduled at this time, but thank you for your interest. Join writer and filmmaker Phil Cousineau as he leads you on a journey that spirals into the heart and soul of one of the most unique cultures in the world, a place where Celtic folklore and Viking legends exist side by side with Christian mysticism, the Irish literary revival, and the geni
us of its music, dance, filmmaking, and crafts. Our spiral approach reflects the iconic Irish symbolism etched on ancient megalithic monuments, painted in illuminated manuscripts, and incised on swords and jewellery, variously representing the life force itself, the journey of the soul, from birth to death, as well as the movement between the three realms of Earth, Sea, and Sky. For us, it will represent the subtle and respectful way we will seek the presence of Ireland’s great trilogy of “myth, poetry, and magic” through its incantatory storytelling, hypnotic music, and the sheer beauty of glorious countryside. Meander with us along Ireland’s scenic roads that hug the rugged Irish western shore, roam about the undulating countryside and beautiful boglands, and ferry to the luminous lunarscape of the Aran Islands, as we spiral into the mythic heart of Ireland. Highlights include visits to the towering Cliffs of Moher, the limestone moonscape of The Burren, Pinnacle Holy Well, Yeats’ Tower, Nora Barnacle’s Home, Clonmacnoise, and Clifden Arts Fair. We will also visit the vibrant city of Galway, visit Croagh Patrick, and spend two nights on the serene Aran Islands. We will then visit Donegal Castle and wet our whistle at the one of the finest traditional pubs in Ireland, The Forge, before travelling across Northern Ireland to experience the eerily beautiful basalt formations of the Giants Causeway, and the fine city of Belfast. As we explore the ancient and modern Celtic world Phil will guide us in discussions and devote time each day along our route to writing and drawing in our journals: a lasting, creative souvenir of our spiral journey into the heart of Ireland. Our journey will also be enriched with the many guest appearances we'll encounter on our way including: One of Ireland’s leading authorities on Irish music, P. Curtis, leading expert on Celtic Mysticism, Dara Molloy, founder of the beloved Clifden Art Festival, Brendan Flynn, Ireland’s most famous drum maker Malachy “Bodhrán” Kearns, and more.
