Dolmen, Glencolmcille

• Experience life in a rural Irish community and study our ancient ways and Celtic traditions.
  
  
• Discover the uniqueness of our Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) region and meet people whose warmth and generosity are legendary.
  
  
• Hear firsthand the stories of heroes and warriors, saints and scholars that are the heritage of the Irish Nation.
  
  
• Walk freely one of the last unspoiled landscapes of plants, birds, bogs, hedgerows and tumbling mountain streams.
  
  
• Relax and learn — avoiding hours of long travel and of packing and unpacking suitcases!
  
  
• Join us at local pubs each evening for the seisiún— a unique local blend of music, story and comhrá (chat)

The number of participants is limited, ensuring our personal attention and encouraging the friendly social interaction that makes these holidays so very special.

"The Meeting Stone"

Seisiún Cheoil

Folk Village Cottages, Glencolmcille

Archaeology Class in the Glen


Making a Carpet, Killybegs

Sample Itinerary for a weeklong Group Programme—

Day One—
Arrive in Glencolmcille for accommodation allocation. Then at 9 pm, we all assemble at the Oideas Gael centre for orientation. You will meet and greet your guide and then we will go to a local pub for the Seisiún Cheoil, an evening of traditional music and song.

Day Two—
Morning: We visit the internationally renowned Taipéis Gael Studio, where traditional craft and modern design come together to create extraordinary tapestries. Participate in a workshop of dyeing, spinning and weaving.
Afternoon: We visit the Folk Village Museum, depicting three centuries of rural life. This is followed by our first afternoon walk, to the standing stones of Turas Cholmcille. This old pilgrimage route is marked by ancient monuments along the valley floor and up the scenic slope of Glen Head.

Day Three —
Morning: We study beginners' Irish (Gaelic) language. You will learn Irish placenames and use some basic greetings.
Afternoon: We walk the coastal paths of the valley to the local Watchtower, part of a chain of such towers build to help defend the north west coast during the Napoleonic wars in the 19th Century.

Day Four —
Morning: We drive deep into the Donegal Highlands, to experience the glories of Glenveagh National Park with its herd of native Red Deer and 24,000 acres of exotic parkland (complete with sculpture gardens and a crystal clear lake).
Afternoon: This afternoon takes us to Dún Lúiche, in the shadow of Errigal Mountain, where we will cruise its mountain-enclosed lake.

Day Five—
Morning: We learn some of the traditional dances of Donegal. Try the steps of the Mazurka, the Highland, Shoe the Donkey, and The Peeler and the Goat!
Afternoon: We walk to Port and Glenlough, two deserted villages made famous by the painter Rockwell Kent and the poet Dylan Thomas.

Day Six—
Morning: We visit the studio of the famed marine painter, Kenneth King, who specialises in the marine art of the region and is an expert on Ireland's famine ships.
Afternoon: We drive to Bunglas and experience walking Sliabh Liag, the highest sea cliff in Europe—606 metres above the ocean (1,988 feet). This challenging walk can include One Man's Pass, near the summit, offering fantastic views.

Day Seven—
We start with a short, exhilarating coastal walk, and then the day is yours to do as you please. Relax for awhile in our beautiful valley, explore the area on your own, prepare for the rest of your holiday in Ireland... the choice is yours. In the evening we meet again for our final get- together and debriefing, at a venue chosen by the group.

Day Eight—
Departure from the Glen to your preferred destination. Slán Abhaile!

Travellers should be prepared to enjoy some leisurely walking and outdoor activities. Please See notes below.

Gleann Cholmcille


Donegal Castle

A Flute & Whistle Class in Progress

Glenveagh Castle

• All local transport to the various destinations we will be visiting
  
  
• Fees to visitor attractions, guided tours and walks
  
  
• Special guest presenters for workshops
  
  
• Interactive sessions on Irish placenames, language, song and dance
  
  
• The services of an experienced and well-informed guide during your trip.

Please Note!

Participants choosing hillwalking or other active pursuits should be reasonably fit. Bring outdoor wear, and be prepared to enjoy some long, leisurely walks (most walks are 2 to 3 hours long).

There is a wide range of inexpensive lunches available at local restaurants (Cost not included)

Travel details will be provided to get your group members to Glencolmcille in time for the first evening's orientation and activities. (For example, McGeehan Coaches provides direct coach service from The Royal Dublin Hotel—O'Connell Street, Dublin— and there is also an excellent service from Galway with Feda O'Donnell Coaches.)

If you group members plan to extend your stay in Donegal frollowing their Active Culture Programme, there are excellent golf, fishing and horseriding amenities available in the region.

You can opt to pay accommodation charges directly to your accommodation providers or to have us include them in your package fee. We will reserve the accommodation of your choice for you in either case. The following choices are available.

Self Catering (sharing a house)— €95 per week

Self Catering (on-campus house)— €125 per week

Bed and Breakfast— Average cost is €210 per week

The above prices are per person, based on double occupancy. A supplement applies for single occupancy (limited availability. €5 per night for houses, €7 per night for B&B).

Hotel or hostel accommodation can also be arranged, if preferred.