The Soul’s Slow Ripening:
Monastic Wisdom for Discernment – A Pilgrimage in the West of Ireland

• 8 nights at Adare Guesthouse B&B with single en suite rooms (double if you are traveling with a partner) and a delicious hearty breakfast each morning in the heart of vibrant Galway City, walking distance to everything you need and five minutes' walk from the sea.
• 7 lunches on our outing days from simple picnics to heartier meals
• 4 dinners at Galway’s wonderful restaurants with commitment to locally sourced food
• Private van transport for our group
• Ferry ride outing to Inisheer, the smallest of the Aran Islands
• Our amazing guides including Tony Kirby of Heart of Burren Walks, Pius Murray  of Cosceim Anama, and archaeologist Michael Gibbons of Archaeology Travel.
• Immersion in some of our favorite holy places in Connemara and the Burren, rich in story and inspiration, with time for silence, ritual, poems, song, and reflection. These wild landscapes are known for their elemental and transformative effect on the human imagination.
• Daily gatherings at the end of each day in Christine and John’s home for poetry, song, reflection, sharing of the pilgrim way, and mutual discovery.
• Personalized care and attention from Christine and John which you just can’t get in those large tours.
• A Sabbath day in the middle to reflect, nourish, and integrate.
• A fabulous community of fellow monks and pilgrims.
• Option to join a secret Facebook group just for Abbey pilgrims.
• A detailed list of suggested books, many of which are less well-known titles, but some of Christine’s favorites.
• Access to the Celtic Spirituality online self-study retreat at the Abbey as part of your preparation.

Book of Days

subject to modifications and inspirations as needed due to weather, etc.

In March of 2014 my wife and I had the privilege of being on a pilgrimage to Ireland’s central west coast under the leadership of Christine and John. We were two of eleven pilgrims. I was drawn to the pilgrimage by the inner calling to encounter the sacred ground of Ireland and to be in a group of diverse pilgrims.

It was a time of community, solitude, feasting, praying/meditating, experiencing the holy wells of yesteryear and the present. As almost a year has gone by since the pilgrimage I just handled the rock that was personally presented to me by another pilgrim as a part of the closing rituals of our time together. The saying that was written on the rock, “Beannachd Dia dhuit,” (God's blessing to you) remains a significant reminder of the rock like foundation that we experienced during our sacred pilgrimage. Our spiritual leaders opened up their living space, their minds, their faith, their humor, and their non-judgmental and affirming approach to life to warmly lead us through the winds, waves, rocks, and crevices of many sacred places in the west of Ireland. I highly recommend this pilgrimage and its leaders, beautifully grounded in life and Celtic spirituality! —Bob Walk

Deep gratitude to both you and John for the Grace-filled, transformative time in Ireland. I have described my experienced as the most authentically rich, deeply spiritual experience of travel I have perhaps ever known. I wouldn't have changed a single moment! You touched me; I have grown. —Tammy Bell

Like any true pilgrim, I have returned home changed by my experiences with you on pilgrimage. I hungered for ritual and found it at the holy wells of the Burren and Inis Mor. I yearned for community and found it with my brave little band of fellow pilgrims. I searched for beauty and found it on the rocky, wild coast of western Ireland. I prayed for a deeper faith and found it in the lonely monastic ruins that dot the Irish landscape. My pilgrimage filled a place in me that longed to find God in all things; it opened a place in me that will allow me to travel even deeper into the mystery of faith. — Evelyn Jackson

This pilgrimage was an unforgettable experience with unique guidance from deeply spiritual leaders. Christine and John subtlety wove together a transformational experience for each individual and the temporary community of monks. —Judith Hammond

This is not your average tour. It is an opportunity for taking a journey to various sites but also for journeying within, and making that connection with nature and source.  For those who are ready, it may well be the most important journey you will ever take. —Laurette Comeau and Rob Hemingson

What a beautiful journey our pilgrimage has been. Christine and John provided superb leadership with grace, patience, and joy. I am changed for the better by the beauty that is Ireland – this remarkable thin space of holy wells, the chorus of prayers and praise echoing through generations, sacred landscapes, invitations to the holy and the mundane. I depart with joy and deep gratitude for the days here and with our unique tribe. —Margie Waldo Simon

One-of-a-kind. Well thought out and researched. This pilgrimage requires something from the individual joining it other than just showing up for the day's outing. Sophisticated. Spiritual. Intelligent. Supportive. Not for everyone. Approaches Ireland in a reverent way, utilizing monastic themes, but really leads the participant in an exploration of their own specific belief systems. History and culture is also addressed. And excellent food is provided! —Nancy Fuller

Download our Pilgrimage Preview Call recording here (or listen online below) ›

This call was recorded on May 16, 2016, the feast of St. Brendan the Navigator and it offers some information about pilgrimage, we lead you in a guided meditation practice, talk about St. Brendan who is the archetype of the pilgrim and answer questions. Make some time to listen in and see if your heart stirs in longing to join us.

We want your pilgrimage experience to be soulfully enriching, stretching and challenging in the best ways, radically hospitable, inspiring, and wildly supportive of where you are. If you're not sure if this program is right for you or your fit with Abbey of the Arts please be sure to review everything here carefully, listen to the call recording above, read more about the Abbey, about Christine and John, about the Holy Disorder of Dancing Monks, sign up for our free Monk in the World online course, read one of Christine's books, and if you feel a YES rising up within we eagerly welcome you to join us!

If you still have questions please get in touch by email. If you want to have a brief Skype session to make a live connection, let us know that as well.

When you register you are making a commitment both to yourself as well as to us and the community that forms. We limit participants to a small intimate group, so dropping out affects the group experience and us as small business owners. We know sometimes life intervenes and cancellations happen. Please be clear on our cancellation policy. But also please be clear on your commitment to this experience.

Pilgrimage Fee

1. Please read through this entire page including Policies and FAQs (below) and contact Christine with any questions or concerns.

2. Go to the Ireland Pilgrimage Registration page, fill out the requested details and submit payment for your deposit.

3. Sign the Terms and Conditions (click the link to preview them, you will be asked to sign them electronically once your deposit and registration form are completed.) Paying your deposit implies consent to these and all the information on this page.

5. Purchase travel insurance to include trip cancellation (“cancel for any reason” highly recommended), repatriation of remains, medical, and loss of property. We recommend purchasing as soon as you make the deposit. While we can't make recommendations for specific travel insurance providers, this website can be helpful in comparing different options.

You will need a passport to travel to Ireland.  U.S. citizens can visit for up to 3 months on an automatic travel visa.  EU citizens can enter visa-free.  Citizens of other countries should check with your local Irish embassy.

This pilgrimage will require some hiking and walking over rough and muddy ground.  You should be able to walk 3 miles comfortably over very uneven terrain and be able to climb stairs and over things. The hike to Maumeen Pass has 170 metres of elevation gain on uneven ground. Pack sturdy waterproof hiking boots and clothing suitable for both cool and warm temperatures, and rainy weather. Rain trousers and a good rain jacket are both essential for comfort.

Where is the B&B located?
You will be staying 3 blocks away from Galway City center, close to the famous Spanish Arch, the Long Walk, shops, and pubs, as well as from the beautiful Promenade along Galway Bay.  It is about a 10-15 minute walk to Eyre Square and the bus station.

What is the weather like?
Bring layers to wear.  Ireland is often rainy and cool, even in the summer, but we can also have sunny and warm days.  Umbrellas are often useless in the wind, so best to have a good rain jacket, rain trousers, and waterproof boots (we highly recommend all three).  It is a temperate climate and rarely gets very hot or very cold (although the damp and wind can make it feel colder).

What is included with the meals?
Meals will all be at different restaurants that we love, so there will be options.  Your meal includes a main course/entree.  Servings in Ireland are generally pretty hearty.  Beverages, appetizers, and desserts are an additional cost.  Pitchers of water will be provided to the table. We cover the gratuities for the meals we provide.

What payment forms do you accept?
You can pay by credit card, cheque, or bank transfer (we will send details upon request).  If you would prefer to pay the amount in USD$, please let us know and we will send you the exchange amount and instructions.

What happens if I have to cancel my participation?
The €500 deposit is an administrative fee that secures your space in this small pilgrimage and is nonrefundable. There are no exceptions to the refund policy. The balance of the program fee is due by the dates mentioned above and is nonrefundable after that time.

We require that you obtain travel insurance to include trip cancellation (cancel for any reason coverage will give you the widest leeway for cancellation) which will cover financial losses from any personal emergencies or other events which require your cancellation.

What happens if the organizers have to cancel the pilgrimage?
In the unlikely event that we either do not have enough participants registered four months prior (by the final payment due date) or if there is an emergency which prevents Christine and/or John from leading the experience, all of your pilgrimage fees paid will be refunded or we will offer you a space on a future pilgrimage (your choice). However, we are not responsible for any other losses, including your travel expenses which you may incur due to this cancellation. We require that you obtain travel insurance at the time of your booking confirmation to cover this possibility.

What is the schedule of the day like?
Our days will be full, but we hope to provide a sense of spaciousness within the rhythm of our time.  Breakfast is served at the B&B between 8 and 9. We will leave the B&B each day at 9:00, boarding our private van, and head out to our morning site. Almost all the sites (except for Inisheer where we catch the ferry) are within an hour’s drive. In each place we plan to spend a couple of hours (depending on our time and schedule) to really sink into the gifts it offers to us.  Lunch will be provided at local restaurants on all of the outing days or we will bring a picnic with us if there aren't any nearby options available.

In the afternoons, we will sometimes visit a second site, or linger at the first, again with a sense of slowness governing our time.  We plan to be back to Galway city each day by 4:00 (the only exception to this is our day out to Inisheer, when we will return around 7:00).  There will be time for an afternoon nap or walk break until 5:30 when we gather to share about what we are discovering, before heading to dinner at one of Galway’s many fabulous restaurants.

Keep in mind as well that because we are heading out into wild places, there isn't always a bathroom readily available, especially on our hikes. So keep this in mind, going in nature is always an option, and we do our best to offer restroom breaks as often as possible.

Will you match me with a roommate?
Everyone who participates will have a single room with their own bathroom, unless you are traveling with a friend or partner, in which case you can share a double room for a reduced program fee.

How much walking is there?
Our outings to Inisheer and Maumeen Pass all require the ability to walk about 3-4 miles over uneven with the Pass also at an elevation of 170 meters.

How do I best prepare for this time?
Once you say yes, the pilgrimage has already begun! Pay attention to the dreams of your waking and sleeping life in the coming months to see what is being stirred.  Christine and John will be sending some suggested reading and reflection.

Can you suggest some additional places to visit in Ireland?
Absolutely, we are happy to recommend several other key monastic sites for you to visit before and/or after your pilgrimage. This will be sent with your orientation materials.

What is the best way to get to Galway?
You can arrive either to Shannon airport to the south (bus runs every hour and takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Galway) or Dublin airport to the east(at peak hours buses run every half hour and take 3 hours to reach Galway ).  The buses from both locations are direct to the city center.  Galway is served by several bus and train lines.  The coach and train station is about a 15-minute walk or short taxi ride away from your lodging.  More specific travel directions will be sent after registration. Please allow an additional 2-3 hours travel time to get from the airports to Galway city.

Travel to Galway is not included in your pilgrimage fee.

A little video I made with some images of places you will be visiting (and song by Noriana Kennedy, a Galway musician)