We will be staying at beautiful Keel Beach and explore Achill on easy hikes anE-bike, take a boat trip to Clare Island and cruise through the numerous islands of Clew Bay, listen to readings from Böll’s «Irischem Tagebuch» accompanied by Catherine Rhatigan’s harp playing, enjoy traditional music sessions in the pubs and there will be plenty of time for your own discoveries.
PROGRAMME DATE
BOOKING
The number of places is limited and the flights are cheap if one can book early. We will confirm the trip as soon as we have 10 registrations. Please do not book flights until we confirm the trip.
TRAVEL / FLIGHTS
Dublin Airport (flight individually or with other participants) and train to Westport (meeting point), with private bus to Achill.
INCLUDED
6 nights in two lovely B+B’s in Keel (beside the beach), last night in ****Castlecourt Hotel in Westport
All transport (excluding flights and bus to and from Westport)
4evening meals
Guided tours and other activities in accordance with program.
NOT INCLUDED
3 evening meals and lunches
Beverages and Tips
Travel insurances
ACCOMMODATION
Keel by the beach: Achill Isle House B+B and Stelly Maris B+B/ Westport: ****Castelcourt Hotel
COST
CHF 1350.– in Achill Isle House/ 1540.- in Stella Maris B+B (from Westport to Westport).
SUPPLEMENTS
Single rooms: 6 nights in Keel: CHF 150.- in Achill Isle House/ CHF 250.- in Stella Maris/ CHF 70.- in Westport
There are not many single rooms available, first come first served, and we would appreciate if people are willing to share.
Single rooms and sea view rooms will be allocated in order of registration.
Small group surcharges if less then 14 participants
In case of significant exchange rate fluctuations, prices will be adjusted.
CANCELLATION
Up to 90 days before departure: 10% of the total price
59-31 days before departure: 60% of the total price
30-1 days before departure: 80% of the total price
On the day of departure or no show up: 100% of the total price
Catherine Rhatigan grew up in north Sligo, studied at University College Galway, and was teaching in Donegal town before moving to Zurich. She has a life long interest in the area where she grew up, and has worked on several artistic projects in recent years that feature the culture, landscape and history of the region, both abroad and at home. Her work has aired in the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Austria The U.S., Slovakia and Switzerland as well as in Ireland. She and Elizabeth have worked together on several cultural projects over the last decade. www.irelandharp.net
Elizabeth Zollinger, an artist from Zurich, lives part-time on Inis Mór since 1974 and is strongly connected with the island, its people and its culture. In cooperation with some Islanders she created the project “Celtic Spirit “in 1996, offering Cultural Weeks which aim to retain the culture and heritage of Inis Mór while developing and promoting a sustainable tourism on the island.
download pdf: Sligo Experience
| Destination | Keel, Achill Island, Co. Westport |
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1Day 1
: Individual arrival in Westport, 6.15 p.m. meeting at the train station and transport to Achill, dinner en route. Overnight stay in two beautiful B&B
2Day 2
Morning: hike to the Deserted Village with Gerard Mangan, afternoon free, evening reading from Böll’s «Irisches Tagebuch» with harp music by Catherine Rhatigan. (walk: 1-2 hrs.)3Day 3
:Boat trip to Clare Island, the story of pirate Grace O’Malley, hike on the Green Road and visit to hand weaver Beth Moran, dinner in «Guities» (walk: 2 hrs.)4Day 4
: Morning: free time, afternoon: walk along the beach and turf cutting with Pat Jack, who still cuts turf by hand, and fascinating information about the bog by Kevin Toolis, dinner and traditional session in the beautiful Valley House (walk: 2 hrs.5Day 5
: Hike (Coastal Walk Adventure) with fascinating information about history, flora, and fauna with Gerard Mangan (walk: 3-4 hours, can be shortened).6Day 6
:Discover the island by e-bike (or bus transport): ancient burial mound, Heinrich Böll Cottage, beautiful beaches and the Colony Tour with Kevin Toolis, farewell dinner at the Cliff House Hotel.7Day 7
Transport to Westport, Clew Bay Cruise through the 365 islands, seal colony, John Lennon’s Island, Croagh Patrick, evening session in one of Westport’s famous pubs, overnight stay at the ****Castle Hotel and Spa.
8Day 8
Return to Dublin by train and onward or return journey.
(Note: Walks can be shortened and there are plenty of activities to choose from: swimming and other beach activities, Beach Sauna, Seaweed bath, Sea Salt Visitor Centre, Achill Aquarium Experience or drinking coffee in the nice village of Keel.
