April 2021
8 days & 7 nights in Ireland’s Southwest Coast
US$2,700* - Includes Single Lodging, Transportation, Activities, and some meals
airfare and restaurant meals are Additional
Closer Look Tours is thrilled to launch a new Ever Widening Circles Tour, specifically for separated and divorced women. This is a chance to explore and see something new and interesting — and to share it with a group of wonderful, engaged women who get what you are going through because they are in it too.
This is a group tour that is JUST FOR women who are divorced or separated. You’ve had your life thrown into turmoil, and things are not going the way you’d been planning. But now you are re-discovering your strength. You will get through this, and come out the better for it. Now is the time to put yourself first, and do something just for you. For fun; for healing; for re-awakening your sense of joy and wonder.
You’ll get to go on a fabulous adventure: see beautiful views of the sea, cliffs, and rugged mountains of Ireland’s County Kerry; ride horses across the beach; visit the historic and elegant estates of Muckross House and Gardens; kayak in Waterville’s lovely Lough Currane, take a ferry to the gardens of Garinish Island; try out yoga overlooking the ocean, and learn about the seashore wildlife from a remarkable marine biologist/artist who is also a great storyteller. Best of all, you’ll do it in the company of other women who are also going through a similar journey, and make new friends. To get to know each other and acknowledge what brings us to this adventure, we’ll have a Sharing Circle on the first day to tell our stories. This tour is about moving forward in a positive way, though, so once we have come together over those past experiences, the rest of the week is about fun, self-fulfillment, and empowerment.
*The cost for this trip is for one person. Unlike many tours, we are not expecting couples here! However, if you would like to save a little money, and have an extra opportunity to develop a closer friendship, some of the rooms in the houses we are renting have a pair of twin beds. If you’d like us to match you up with a roommate or are signing up with a friend, there may be an option for a discounted rate (save $200).
The first day, we will gather to share our stories. You can say as much or as little as you want. This trip isn’t about wallowing in how we were wronged, it’s about finding our power to pick up and make the best of it and find joy in new adventures and experiences. But this opening circle allows us to recognize that we are among others who understand what we are going through, and have shared some of that experience.
Another highlight will be riding horses on the beach at Derrynane Bay. Whether you’ve always wanted to ride a horse but never had the chance, or are experienced, our equestrian guide will provide the right horse and level of support for your experience and comfort level. Inspiring views and magnificent animals make for a day to remember!
You will visit a number of beautiful historic structures, including this magnificent 16th century castle which was partially destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s cannons when his British forces invaded Ireland. What remained after that day has continued to survive for centuries.
We will also explore the reconstructed ring forts nearby which are even older - originally built around 600AD.
Set in Bantry Bay, the island garden of Garinish is accessible by a short ferry boat ride which also takes us past Seal Island. On arrival, guests can wander the walkways that lead from an Italian garden to a Greek Temple overlooking the water, to an old stone tower with excellent views. Finish up through the walled garden, and if there is time stop in at the tea house before the return ferry journey.
The falconers at Killarney Falconry will take our group for a short walk along a meadow lane with their Harris Hawk. Each person will have several opportunities to have the hawk land on their gloved hand, while learning about falconry and birds of prey in Ireland. The walk concludes with participants getting a chance to meet and hold the owls.
We will visit the stunning Kerry Cliffs outside Portmagee. These cliffs are a short walk up the hill from the parking area, and the cliff side has excellent walking paths and fencing so we can get right up to the edge and peer 1000 feet straight down to the sea, without danger. The cliffs are beautiful and the wheeling sea birds riding the drafts are also spectacular. Far out to sea, the Skellig Islands can be seen in fair weather.