This pilgrimage begins with six days of restful reflection at the Corrymeela Community in Ballycastle. With the theme “Resilient Spirit,” this portion of the retreat explores spiritual practices that build resilience in our lives. During this time we will experience workshops with Sara Cook (resilience and wellness skills), Paul Hutchinson (reflective practice and storytelling) and  Pádraig Ó Tuama, via Zoom (poetry as spiritual practice) . One of the days at Corrymeela will be a dedicated retreat day for personal and group reflection – silence can be chosen if desired. In addition, throughout your stay there will be free time to walk the local coastal areas, movement practices such as yoga, and sessions on local music and Irish culture. The pilgrimage continues in the Republic of Ireland with a visit to Glendalough Monastic Site and time in Dublin city. The entire program is facilitated by Kiran Young Wimberly, a Presbyterian minister and spiritual director based at Corrymeela, who will weave together music, prayer, sharing, and spiritual practices for resilience from the Celtic and Ignatian traditions.

This listing is for the 11-day pilgrimage including the Corrymeela retreat, Glendalough, and Dublin. If you wish to register only for the Corrymeela retreat, please use this link. Airfare is not included and should be booked directly by participants.

Use discount code HOLIDAY to save $100.

Progressive Pilgrimage offers travel insurance through Allianz's "Group Advantage Plan." Click here to download a brochure. Please note that insurance pricing is based on the most common rate; insurance may be higher for residents of NY, TX, WA, and some other states. If you select insurance and the price is higher than indicated here, Progressive Pilgrimage will contact you before issuing the policy.    

US and Canadian participants need to arrange their own airfare to Dublin, departing today (April 8), to arrive on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 by 10:00 AM. 

International participants arrive at Dublin Airport by 10 AM to meet the private coach for transport to Corrymeela. Those coming from Ireland may arrive at Corrymeela beginning at 2:00 PM. We will dine together at Corrymeela and the retreat begins at 7:00 PM. Overnight at Corrymeela.

Our focus today is “Resilience and Wellness” with Sara Cook.  Sara is a social worker who has worked in conflict response, peacebuilding and mediation in Northern Ireland and internationally for the past two decades. Sara offers trainings in the Community Resiliency Model through the Trauma Resource Institute, providing practical tools to balance the adversity and the joy in our lives. 

All meals are included.  Overnight at Corrymeela. 

Our focus today is “Reflective Practice and Storytelling” with Paul Hutchinson. Paul  is a mediator, therapist, artist and retreat leader. He is a former Director of the Corrymeela Peace and Reconciliation Centre and the founder/Director of Imagined Spaces. Paul has over 25 years experience as a mediator and peace practitioner and has worked extensively in Northern Ireland, in North West of England (as a Neighbourhood Renewal Advisor), in New York, Jerusalem and Canada. 

All meals are included.  Overnight at Corrymeela. 

Today participants can opt for whatever most nourishes their own spirit. There are scenic walks in the area, many quiet place for reflection, and Kiran will lead a personal/group reflection sessions throughout the day. Silence can be kept if desired. All meals included. Overnight at Corrymeela. 

Our focus today is “Poetry as Spiritual Practice” with Pádraig O’Tuama.  Pádraig is a theologian, writer, and conflict transformation practitioner. He is a member and former leader of the Corrymeela Community of Northern Ireland. He has authored many books and is the co-host of the On Being podcast "Poetry Unbound."

All meals included. Overnight at Corrymeela. 

In the morning, Kiran leads the retreat closing, including worship and lunch. Those not continuing to Glendalough can depart anytime after lunch. Those continuing to Glendalough will depart at 2:00 PM, arriving about 6:00 PM at The Glendalough Hotel for dinner (included) and overnight accommodations. 

Today, we spend our time in and around the Glendalough Monastic Village including a walking pilgrimage around the site. There will be time for individual and group reflection and exploring the Glendalough site. Dinner (included) and overnight at The Glendalough Hotel. 

Our focus today is exploring the spiritual and civil history of Dublin, with visits to the Book of Kells, the Chester Beatty Library, and evensong at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Dinner is on your own in any of Dublin’s lovely restaurants. Overnight at Buswells Hotel.

Our time together concludes with Kiran leading a closing service in the morning. Your afternoon and evening are free, so you can spend more time exploring Dublin. Options include political walking tours, touring Dublin Castle, visiting the Guinness Storehouse, shopping, and more. Dinner on your own and overnight at Buswells Hotel. 

International pilgrims can make their own way to the airport using a taxi or the AirLink bus which picks up within one block of your hotel.