Castles and Cairns

A Women’s Adventure into the Heart and Soul of Ireland

Castles and Cairns

A Women’s Adventure into the Heart and Soul of Ireland

May 25 - June 3, 2025

Lush green countrysides and rolling hills surround distant mountains and rugged sea cliffs. Ancient mythology boasts of mysticism and magic, mischievous fairies, and gold at the end of the rainbow. Ireland, the culture known for its music, folklore, and mystical history is the stage for this epic adventure.

Your nine day adventure begins in the countryside near the Wicklow Mountains. Hike in the valley of the two lakes and soak up the beauty of these green and rocky landscapes. Delight in ancient castles and medieval villages that transport you back in time. Explore the rugged coastline of the Dingle Peninsula. Walk along the wild and magical Cliffs of Moher, then dance a jig in Doolin. Be inspired by the rich bohemian vibe of Galway, the arts capital of Ireland. Celebrate our final night in the magical city of Dublin.

As we indulge in the culture and lore of the Emerald Isle, be prepared to be inspired! Magic and creativity is sure to be sparked as we honor the gifts and wisdom of our own inner Goddess!

Join us for this life-changing Alchemy Adventure!

Your Irish Adventure Includes:

  • Nine days and nine nights in six cities and villages

  • Charming Country Inns and Four Star Boutique Hotels

  • The magical cities of Kilkenny, Dingle, Doolin, Galway, and a walk along the Cliffs of Moher

  • Visits to the famous sites of Kilkenny Castle, Glendalough Lake, and more

  • All transportation and luggage transfers

  • Sixteen of 27 meals

  • Three professionally guided hikes on the Wicklow Way, Cliffs of Moher, and the Dingle Peninsula

  • A driving tour of the Emerald Isle

  • Empowerment workshops to inspire the gifts of your inner goddess

  • Pre- and post-trip group zoom calls with Kim

  • Leprechauns and Fairies

  • Magic and Synchronicity

Register now to get the early bird pricing discount
$200 off through February 16th!

$5395


The full price is $5595 after 2/16/25

$500 NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT DUE UPON REGISTRATION

  • price per person

  • based on double occupancy

  • International airfare not included

“Alchemy Adventures is amazing!  The leaders were present in every moment and helped me remember who I am.  They each hold such gifts such as holding space for all, having compassion, and unconditional love to allow each of us to grow in our own unique way.”

Castles and Cairns, 2016

Just Imagine…

Days 1 to 2: Dublin & Glendalough

May 25: Dublin to Laragh

Our day starts as we ride south into the countryside to enjoy the internationally renowned Powerscourt Gardens. After lunch in the garden and a stroll around the beautiful Powerscourt Estate we head to our peaceful B&B in the countryside. Laragh is the perfect place to celebrate the start of our adventure together with a traditional home-cooked meal at one of our favorite restaurants in all of Ireland!

May 26: Laragh

The mountains are calling! After breakfast, we head out to hike in the immense glacial valley of Glendalough. Stunning views await us in Wicklow Mountains National Park. We walk through the glacial valleys and begin to connect with the magic of this land. If we’re lucky, we may encounter a fairy or leprechaun along the trail! In the afternoon we return to our countryside inn for a restful evening of fun.

Days 3 to 4: Kilkenny & Dingle

May 27: Laragh to Kilkenny

This morning after breakfast we head to the charming medieval town of Kilkenny. We tour the magnificent Kilkenny Castle and the Cathedral of St. Canice, and climb the Round Tower where we take in an unbelievable view of town. We step deeper into the ancient mythology and lore of the kings and queens of the Emerald Isle as we explore the homes of legends and royalty. Surely magic awaits us! Then the afternoon is yours to wander though Kilkenny at your own pace. Evening in the Marble City promises your choice of premiere pub food and live music at every turn.

May 28: Kilkenny to Dingle

Today we travel through the rolling green countryside to the Dingle Peninsula, known for its sandy beaches and craggy cliffs! Dingle Town, an artistic gem filled with colorful and eclectic shops, will be our home for the night. Watch the traditional fishermen bring in a fresh catch for the day and indulge in the local seafood. There’s sure to be music around every corner.

Days 5 to 6: Doolin

May 29: Dingle to Doolin

Our morning starts with a stunning hike as we explore the famed Dingle Peninsula. From there we head north toward the rugged western coast to the charming village of Doolin. We check into our country inn and prepare to immerse ourselves in the heart of traditional Irish music: the pubs of Doolin. Be prepared for an evening of soul-stirring jigs, bohemian ballads, and a few pints!

May 30: Doolin

After breakfast we are off to the fabled Cliffs of Moher. From Hag’s Head Point we walk along this dramatic coastline, feeling the spray of the wild and majestic North Atlantic Ocean on our cheeks. The Aran Islands in the distance, the crashing waves below us, and the poetic emerald pastures beneath our feet set the stage for some of the most unforgettable scenery in all the land. After our hike, we get to reward ourselves with the world-famous fish and chips at Gus O’Connor’s pub!

Days 7 to 8: Galway

May 31: Doolin to Galway

This morning we stroll amidst the magnificent karst stone landscape of the Burren, known for its Neolithic tombs, fields of limestone slabs and fissures, and hundreds of rare plant species. We stop for lunch at an oceanside cottage, then make our way to Galway, the de facto arts capital of the Republic of Ireland. With the National University of Ireland at its heart, we spend the evening immersed in this colorful seaside town that is known to capture the heart and soul of all of its visitors.

June 1: Galway

Today we explore the bohemian neighborhoods and colorful shops of Galway. Settle into the music of a local pub or cafe, or if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the sea. Tonight we honor our inner Goddesses and our journey together! A few surprises are bound to be afoot in this artsy town tonight!

Days 9 to 10: Newgrange & Dublin

June 2: Galway to Newgrange and Dublin

This morning we head east to Dublin, but not before a tour of the 5,200 year old Newgrange burial complex. This grand passage tomb, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt, is like nothing you’ve ever seen! From there, we head to our final night of celebration and gratitude for the magic of this land and the adventure we’ve shared!

June 3: Dublin

After breakfast it’s off to the airport and begin the journey home with full hearts and forever memories!

Your Irish Adventure Includes:

  • Nine days and nine nights in six cities and villages

  • Charming Country Inns and Four Star Boutique Hotels

  • The magical cities of Kilkenny, DIngle, Doolin, Galway, and a walk along the Cliffs of Moher

  • Visits to the famous sites of Kilkenny Castle, Glendalough Lake, and more

  • All transportation and luggage transfers

  • Sixteen of 27 meals

  • Three professionally guided hikes on the Wicklow Way, Cliffs of Moher, and the Dingle Peninsula

  • A driving tour of the Emerald Isle

  • Empowerment workshops to inspire the gifts of your inner goddess

  • Pre- and post-trip group zoom calls with Kim

  • Leprechauns and Fairies

  • Magic and Synchronicity

“I am leaving this adventure with a greater sense of self-worth and empowerment.  I did not come with expectations, but this trip has been more than I could have ever imagined!  The instructors were beyond amazing: Strength, understanding, compassion. They pulled the best and worst out of everyone and helped to show our vulnerability.  They were constantly available for anything, whether to talk, laugh, hike a while next to us, always communicating and listening to the needs of the group.  I learned that I am a beautiful, strong, independent and ok whatever life throws at me….and knowing that every challenge brings a new experience and opportunity for strength.  Amazing!!!”