Due to the coronavirus lockdown, this retreat has had to be postponed. We now hope it will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2021.
Would you like to visit the wild and ancient sites from Irish myth? Would you like to hear the old tales told right where they happened?
This retreat will be facilitated by Eimear Burke, Chosen Chief elect of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids and Seán Ó Gaoithín, Donegal Druid.
Overview Here is an opportunity to engage with the story of Bioróg, Ban Draoi, or Druidess. She represents one of Ireland's most ancient pre- De Danann influences.
It was Bioróg who manipulated the bloodlines of the warring Formorian and Tuatha Dé Danann races to bring about the birth of the super-being Lúgh, the Sun God of the Celtic peoples. It was Lugh who delivered the De Danann people from oppression and slavery at the hands of the Fomorians and their king Balor.
This weekend will involve a personal embodiment of the characteristics of Biróg where we will create and enhance the circumstances for you to have a direct experience of how this myth and the connecting stories of the Celts relate to our lives today.
There will be visits to the various remarkable sites where archaeology and myth come together, Tory Island (Island Fortress of Balor), Bioróg’s Rock, Bioróg’s Cave, Poison Glen, Sliabh Lúgh (Errigal), a unique opportunity to deepen your connection in Mythic Landscape.
This will be complimented with musician, poet, site guide, archaeologist and local story teller.
Itinerary
Oct 22 - We begin in Ulster, meeting up in Letterkenny and on to Dunlewy where we will stay for 4 nights. All food will be vegetarian, with gluten free preference available.
Oct 23 - Our first full day Friday - will be local site visits to places associated with the Balor Lugh legend, Biorogs rock, Tullahabegly, Balors Rock, Bioróg's Cave.
Oct 24 - Day 3 Saturday is a ferry boat journey to Tory Island to visit the site of Balor's legendary stronghold.
Oct 25 - Day 4 Sunday is a choice of 'take it easy' or climb Mount Errigal in the morning and prepare and participate in Bioróg ceremony in the afternoon followed by shared meal and night court.
Oct 26 - After breakfast we depart Dunlewy and make our way to Grianán Aileach – the hilltop sacred site for closing ceremony. Returning to Letterkenny for connecting transport home.
Average cost €400 based on per/person/sharing 3 bed rooms.
Covers all food, accommodation, transport and guides.
A booking deposit of €100 must be paid by February 15th.