Ireland's Sacred Landscape: A Study/Tour in Irish Myth and Legend
Study Tour: April 14-21, 2007
This coming Spring, the New York center for Jungian Studies is pleased to offer its annual study/tour devoted to “Ireland’s Sacred Landscape.” Limited to 32 participants, this unique program is an in-depth exploration of the relationship between Ireland’s landscape and the myths that emanated from the land. The hills, mountains and landscape of Ireland, along with its villages, ancient tombs, forts and monasteries, are dramatic indicators of the always fascinating and powerful archetypes present in the mythology of this land.
 Our 2007 study/tour will be based in Kilkenny. Steeped in history, bearing the marks of Celtic, Viking, Norman and English invaders, it has been a market town since at least the fourth century and was for a time the ecclesiastical and political center of Ireland. Kilkenny’s winding, cobbled streets, medieval castles and churches and carefully restored shop-fronts and craft studios give it a unique atmosphere—unlike any other town in Ireland.
Led by Jungian analyst Aryeh Maidenbaum, accompanying faculty include internationally acclaimed Irish singer, theologian and musicologist Noirin Ni Riain, and Irish Jungian analyst Jim Fitzgerald. Additionally, we are fortunate to once again have with us guest scholar Michael Gibbons—who will lead us on our field trips in Kilkenny and the Southeast of Ireland. Providing an ongoing narrative, Michael will magically weave his vast knowledge of the area’s sacred sites and stunning scenery with stories of Ireland’s history, people and her culture.
Tentative Daily Schedule
SATURDAY, APRIL 14
For those in need of ground transportation from Dublin airport, board luxury coach for drive to Lyrath Estates. En route, rest stop and time for lunch in Kilkenny before proceeding to the Lyrath—one of Ireland’s finest hotels. With a 17th century Manor House an integral part of the hotel, the Lyrath Estates, situated on over 170 acres of scenic land, is a five minute drive from Kilkenny and an ideal base for our study/tour. Check into the Lyrath; rest and relax before Introductions, Orientation and Welcoming Dinner.
SUNDAY, APRIL 15
Following the first of seven hearty Irish breakfasts, we will begin with a morning study session. Our week’s inspiration will start with Noirin Ni Riain presenting “Anail De—The Breath of God in Ireland’s Myth, Legend, Song and Story” and Jim Fitzgerald on “Being and Becoming: The Otherworld Journey.” Our afternoon will be free to meander on the grounds and/or explore Kilkenny on our own. In the evening, we will return to meet Michael Gibbons, one of Ireland’s leading archaeologists who will introduce us to the landscape of Ireland with his wit and wonderful slides as he speaks about “Saints, Sinners and Sorcerers: Mythic and Religious Landscapes in Ancient
Ireland.”
 MONDAY, APRIL 16
Today, we will explore Kilkenny, steeped in history and atmosphere. Our walking tour will include visits to Saint Canus’ Cathedral and the Medieval Church of Saint Mary’s (both of which contain a rich array of early Christian and Medieval Sculpture) and Rothe House (one of the best preserved Medieval Houses in Ireland and home to one of the country’s earliest archaeological societies). Following lunch on our own in Kilkenny, we will continue our walk, including a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle, which dominates the town itself and is one of the finest Medieval Castles in the country. Evening study session with Jim Fitzgerald, “Transit of the Soul: Borders and Boundaries.”
TUESDAY, APRIL 17
Led by Michael Gibbons, we will travel from Kilkenny, via Kildare, to the exceptionally stunning monastic valley of Glendalough (the Sacred Valley of Saint Kevin). Located deep in the Wicklow mountains, Glendalough, valley of the two lakes, is a magical setting containing within it one of the best preserved monastic sites in Ireland. Its peace and tranquility attracted St. Kevin, a descendent of the Royal House of Leinster, who retreated there to fast and pray in solitude. At Glendalough, we will visit the main monastic complex and exquisitely sited Reefert Church which overlooks the upper lake. En-route we will have lunchD and visit Moone Abbey— containing one of the most beautiful High Crosses in Ireland.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
We will begin with a presentation by Noirin Ni Riain, “Hearing the Sound of the Divine in the Irish Language and Imagination,” and continue the day with Michael Gibbons as we journey south from Kilkenny and drive through a wonderful series of Medieval towns and villages— including Thomastown (formerly a medieval walled town) and Inistioge, with its picturesque stone bridge and small 18th and 19th century houses. Our return journey will take us through one of the largest Neolithic tombs in Ireland (a large portal dolmen) and the incredible walled abbey of Kells Priory with its seven miniature castles. We will have lunch en-route.
THURSDAY, APRIL 19
Michael Gibbons will again lead us as we head south to Fethard (a wonderfully preserved walled medieval town surrounded by lush farmland) and, after lunch,D proceed onward to the Rock of Cashel—seat of the ancient chieftans and, later, the Kings of Munster. A “spectacular mirage of fairytale turrets and crenellations,” legend has it that the Rock of Cashel was created when the devil, flying over the site with a huge rock in his mouth, spotted St. Patrick, dropped the rock and inspired St. Patrick to found a new church here. It is also said, that it is in this place where St. Patrick first picked a shamrock, in order to explain the doctrine of the Trinity. During the course of our visit, we will see Cormac’s Chapel, one of the most outstanding examples of Romanesque architecture in the country.
FRIDAY, APRIL 20
Today, our last full day in Ireland, we will have a final study session with Jim Fitzgerald on “The Union of Opposites: Lovers and Kings,” and Noirin Ni Riain, on “Ireland’s Sacred Song” as well as the opportunity to share our thoughts and feelings about what we have learned and experienced during the week. Our afternoon will be free for personal excursions, rest, relaxation and/or last minute shopping. In the evening, we will enjoy a festive, farewell dinner with traditional Irish music performed by local Irish musicians.
SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Depart Lyrath Estates.
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