Exile and Return:
The Landscape of Celtic Mythology
Study Tour: March 15-22, 2010
The story of exile, whether enforced or voluntary, and return to a place that has changed beyond recognition is an archetype that defines much of Celtic mythology. An exploration of myths of exile and return, and some of the landscape where they take place, will be the focus of this year’s Study/Tour of Ireland. The stories of the Children of Lir, the wandering of Aengus, the mythic voyage of St. Brendan the Navigator, and the theme of dreams as inner wanderings of the soul will provide us with access to a world of powerful archetypal images.
Using the scenic, rugged Dingle Peninsula as our base, this study/tour will bring life to the mythology through visits to some of the most awe-inspiring sites in Ireland, including Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s Sacred Mountains; Branson Creek — the tiny harbor from where the legendary Brendan voyage set sail; Dunmore, spectacular cliff-edge fort, and Gallarus Oratory — a perfect relic of early Irish architecture. The myths, the discussions, and the sites will add to our understanding of the archetype and its impact on our own experience of physical and psychological exile and return.
Daily Schedule in Brief
*Daily Schedule
Monday, March 15
For those needing transportation, board coach at airport for Dingle. Check in to Dingle Skellig hotel; rest, relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities before Orientation and Welcoming Dinner (included). (Please note: for those participating in Glenstal and study/tour programs, complimentary transportation from Adare and accommodations at Dingle Skellig on March 14 provided.)
Tuesday, March 16
Following the first of our full, hearty Irish Breakfasts, morning study session with Nóirín Ní Riain, “Songs of Wander and Wonder from the Irish Tradition,” and Robin van Loben Sels, on the theme of “Wandering Aengus” — made famous through the poem of W.B. Yeats. Following a delicious lunch (included) at the Skellig, afternoon walking tour in Dingle with Conor Ellard — our superb, experienced Irish guide.
Wednesday, March 17
This morning, we will focus on the theme of “Dreams
as Inner Wanderings: How Do We Reach Them?” with Jungian Analysts Donald Kalsched and Robin van Loben Sels leading us and facilitating discussion. At noon, for those interested, walk to town and participate in, or observe, the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade — one of Ireland’s most festive events. (Early risers may also choose to view the first parade of the day in Ireland, always held in Dingle, with the Dingle Fife and Drum Band marching to the harbor at dawn. The parade ends at Dingle harbor as the local priest blesses freshly picked shamrocks and distributes them to everyone by 7:00 am).
Afternoon free for exploring Dingle on our own.
Evening: Michael Gibbons will introduce us to the landscape of Ireland, with wit and wonderful images, in his presentation: “Even on their Knees: the Pilgrimage Mountains of Ireland.”
Thursday, March 18
Full day field trip with Michael Gibbons as our guide. Departing from our hotel early this morning, we will spend the day exploring the western tip of Dingle Peninsula — including Dun Beag, an Iron Age fort, and Dunmore — largest cliff-edge fort in Ireland, situated on over 80 acres overlooking the sea, and crowned with an Ogham stone. From there, we will drive to the Blasket Visitor Centre before walking on to Clogher Head, and Ferriter’s Cove — a 7,000 year old Mesolithic site. Lunch along the way (included).
Friday, March 19
Donald Kalsched will lead this morning’s study session exploring the legendary voyage of Saint Brendan the Navigator to the “Isle of the Blessed” — a quest for paradise and spiritual adventure that is said to have led him to discover America nine hundred years before Columbus. Following our study session, and accompanied by Michael Gibbons, we will visit Brandon Cove (where the Brendan voyage is said to have begun) and a “fulacht-fiadha,” bronze age cooking site, at Baille an Lochaidh before arriving at Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second tallest mountain. Lunch along the way (included).
Saturday, March 20
Today’s program will begin with Donald Kalsched, Robin van Loben Sels and Aryeh Maidenbaum all leading a discussion on “The Children of Lir” (for those interested, upon registration, a copy of the story will be provided). Turned into swans by a jealous stepmother, the Children of Lir are exiled from their home and endure many years of hardship on stormy waters before they can return home. Following our study session, visits to the early monastic site of Reask, Kilmalkedar (associated with St. Brendan) and the Gallarus Oratory — majestically located on the Dingle Peninsula. Lunch along the way (included).
Sunday, March 21
Nóirín Ní Riain will begin our final day with “Song as an Archetype of the Irish Soul,” followed by a full faculty panel and participant discussion to share our thoughts, feelings and experiences of this past week.
Afternoon free for rest, relaxation, last minute shopping
in Dingle and/or or visiting places of personal interest.
Evening: Closing, festive dinner (included).
Monday, March 22
Departures for airport.
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