Day 1 – Haunted Pub CrawlDalton with Fiona
Day 2
Belvedere House/Athlone Castle/Galway
Belvedere House:
Belvedere House is a Georgian villa on the shores of Lough Ennell near Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Open to the public, the estate features several striking follies, including the so-called “Jealous Wall,” which bears testimony to one of the most sordid family squabbles in Irish history.
It all started in 1936, when an ambitious aristocrat, Robert Rochfort, (later the 1st Earl of Belvedere) decided he wanted to marry a popular young woman in Dublin artistic circles, the 16-year-old Mary Molesworth. She evidently sensed he wasn’t quite the catch he appeared, as she resisted his initial advances, but her family, seduced by his power and great name, arranged the match. For a few years, the relationship worked, and the couple had two children.
Robert lost interest in her. There are suggestions that his mistress poisoned his mind against his wife, and other suggestions that it was his brother, George.
He locked her away in her bedroom for 30 years until he died. During this time she never saw her 4 children.
After being murdered at his home, Lieutenant Commander Robert Rochfort took to haunting the roads around his former home. A priest by the name of Father Timothy Shanley encountered the ghost, and after a brief but fierce battle that included holy water and brimstone, but be careful, you never know if you will see him around the Estate.
Athlone Castle:
The first real signs of settlement at Athlone grew up in Anglo-Norman times around the castle which was built for King John of England by his Irish justiciar Bishop John De Gray of Norwich. Though not the first castle to be built at Athlone this castle has endured like no other. It is just a short stop on the way to Galway.
Galway city:
Upon arriving in Galway in the afternoon, you can take some time to explore the city before settling into your hotel. You’ll find a plethora of great little shops, museums, restaurants, shopping centers, galleries, and usually music in the streets and pubs for you to enjoy.
Day 3
Fairy farm/Leap Castle
Pat Noone’s Fairy Farm:
Fairies, she-wolves, and fertility stones: Strange tales from a hidden Ireland,
Pat Noone will welcome you to his farm with a warm Irish welcome, he will bring you on that hallowed ground past the standing stone, the fertility stone down the path to the cairn, and then you walk into the fairy field. You will stand at the portal between the hawthorn trees which is where the Fairies come and go. It truly is a magical place and we know you will enjoy it and the stories Pat has to tell.
Pat is also an amazing healer.
Leap Castle:
One of the longest continually inhabited Castles in Ireland, Leap Castle has a rich and fascinating history. Leap Castle is thought to have been built in the early 1500s by the O’Bannon clan. The O’Bannon clan were the secondary chieftains under the ruling of the O’Carroll clan. the site was used by Druids for initiation ceremonies. The castle has been home to much bloodshed and violence over the centuries.
The Elemental is one of the most interesting spirits that reside at Leap Castle. It is an entity that is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The first encounter, origin, and exact nature of the Elemental are unknown but many theories have circulated over the years.
Two young girls have also been seen at Leap Castle. Emily & Charlotte. Emily is thought to be aged around 11 or 12 and Charlotte around 6 or 7. They are mainly seen playing in the main hall and running up the stairwell. They are believed to have lived at the castle during the 1600’s and are thought to be the last of the O’Carrolls or the first of the Darbys. These are just two examples of spirits in this place, Sean Ryan will tell you all the stories and his experiences, and he might just play a few tunes for you too.
Day 4
Nenagh Castle/ Killarney
Nenagh Castle:
Visitors have reported hearing unexplained noises and feeling sudden cold spots within the castle. There have been sightings of shadowy figures moving around the tower and of course you could expect such things when you look at how old the castle is and its tragic history.
Nenagh Castle is a stunning 13th-century castle that is nestled in the heart of Nenagh town in County Tipperary. The tall castle tower overlooks the bustling town of Nenagh while also offering spectacular views of the nearby Tipperary countryside.
The castle was built in 1216. Once completed, Nenagh Castle served as the main seat of the Butler family until 1391. The Butler family would become the Earls and Dukes of Ormond, who would eventually rule from Kilkenny Castle for the next 500 years.
In 1332 a group of prisoners who were captured here escaped and managed to take over the castle. Some of the castle was burned before the prisoners were recaptured and returned to their cells.
Killarney town:
This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. Take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park to Muckross House and Gardens. Tour the house with a local guide to learn about the history and lifestyles of previous owners and perhaps stroll through the gardens on the shores of Muckross Lake. As well as being a perfect location from which to explore the southwestern region of Ireland, for centuries the Killarney Valley has been recognized far and wide as Ireland’s most beautiful destination – being aptly titled “Heaven’s Reflex”.
We stay in a beautiful hotel on the outskirts of the town where we will be well looked after.
Day 5
Workshops with Rachel Scoazec Brennan
Rachel Scoazec Brennan
2-day workshop with Druidess, medium, Celtic Shaman and holds a PhD in Irish studies Rachel Scoazac. We will re-create the Celtic traditions and rituals associated with Samhain/Halloween. This is when the veil between the dead and the living is thinnest, we invite you to communicate with ancestors and friends on the other side. The workshops will focus on the well-being, knowledge, wisdom and activation of people’s best potential. Rachel will offer a Samhain blessing, Samhain rituals, and we will kindle the sacred Samhain fire.
We will also celebrate Halloween (Samhain) in a very special Irish traditional way with Rachel (our Druid) in her home on the night of Oct 31st.
You will gather around a big fire in the grove at Rachel’s healing center, which will be well decorated, in the old style and will have a Shaneachie and musicians, singers too. Rachel the Cailleach and help group make masks and carve turnips as was the old Irish style and tradition. She will do a blessing and then you will go to an Feile Eile a new Halloween festival in Killorglin.
Feile Eile Festival Halloween Event:
A yearly event to celebrate Samhain, or Halloween in the town of Killorglin that we are sure you will enjoy. This is a parade through the town of Killorglin where you will see many magical things happen
Day 6
Workshops with Rachel Scoazec Brennan
Day 7
Drombeg circle/Charles Fort.
Drombeg Stone Circle:
Drombeg stone circle, also known as The Druid’s Altar, is a small megalithic site located in County Cork, Ireland. It is one of the most visited megalithic sites in Ireland and is protected under the National Monuments Act..
As an axial stone circle, it contains two taller entrance stones placed opposite a recumbent axial stone. Its axis is oriented southwest towards the setting sun. The most westerly stone is the long recumbent and has two egg-shaped cup marks, one with a ring around it.
This was a very important site to visit during the winter solstice. The early morning sun will come over over the hills and shine through the two large standing stones and the light will then land on the Druids alter or the flat stone on the opposite side of the circle. It is indeed magical.
Charles Fort:
The White Lady of Charles Fort Ghost Story
At some point of time in the fort’s history, a ghost story was attached to the site. The incident allegedly took place sometime during the 17th century and involved the commander of the fort, his daughter, and her husband, who was one of her father’s officers. The stories do not mention the names of these characters, though one source states that the commander was supposed to be a man named Warrender.
In any case, the commander of the fort had a daughter, who fell in love with one of the father’s officers. After a short period of courtship, the two got married. On the night of their wedding, the couple took a stroll on the fort’s ramparts and spotted a single white rose growing below. A sentry on duty volunteered to get the flower as a wedding gift for the couple, if the officer would take his place while he was gone. The officer agreed, and the sentry went off to get the rose. For one reason or another, the sentry took much longer than expected, so the officer sent his wife back in and continued to stand guard.
As a result of all the festivities that day, the officer grew tired and dozed off. Not long after, the commander was making his rounds and saw the sleeping officer. As was the protocol of the day, he shot the sleeping officer, realizing only too late that it was his son-in-law. Seeing what he had done, the commander committed suicide by jumping of the ramparts. When the new bride woke up, she went to look for her husband, and saw his corpse. Looking over the ramparts, she saw the body of her father as well. The bride, unable to bear her grief, jumped of the ramparts herself, and her ghost, dressed in a wedding gown, is said to haunt the fort ever since.
Day 8
Rock of Cashel:
Of course, the history of the Rock of Cashel isn’t complete without discussing the legend behind it. At the time, Ireland was known as the end of the known world with an intricate system of tunnels and caves leading from hell to Earth. In these caves and tunnels, both Satan himself and other creatures from hell passed through frequently.
St. Patrick was set on ridding the caves of these hellish creatures. He succeeded in getting rid of all the ghouls and heathens, except for the devil who proved much harder to catch.
On a tip from an old man in the village, St. Patrick found there was a foul stench coming from a cave high on a hill so he set off to battle with Satan, because I guess nothing else smelled like sulfur in those days. Clearly, St. Patrick won the fight and banished Satan from the cave and he was so angry he fled, bit off part of the mountain, broke his tooth, and spat the rock back out – landing on the other side of the valley and creating the Rock of Cashel.
The gap in the mountain that Satan supposedly took a bite out of is now called the Devil’s Bit and can be seen from the Rock of Cashel and throughout most of the area.
Kilkenny Town:
County Kilkenny is a place to gather where culture and adventure, city and countryside, and friends and family meet. There is so much to explore in the medieval city and beyond.
Kilkenny City is home to one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ireland: the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle. Go back in time and explore Ireland’s Medieval Mile, a discovery trail running through Kilkenny city. The county is full of vibrant heritage and history at every turn, so there are many stories for you to uncover in Kilkenny. Take a tour of the attractions or book a place in a local walking or cycling tour to hear Kilkenny’s history in a unique way!
Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities, a gem in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Fitzpatrick’s Castle:
The last night of your tour you have the opportunity to stay in an authentic, unique 17th century Irish castle. You will enjoy all the modern conveniences of a modern hotel with indoor swimming, gym, spa treatment rooms, beautiful bedrooms, two bars and two restaurants.
It is indeed a fitting way to end your trip to Ireland, enjoying castle life for 1 night.
