THE CELTIC CONNECTION • MAY 1994
Page 7
An Invitation to Join a Magical Tour of Ireland
By TREASA O'DRISCOLL
For many years now I have been involved with the public presentation of ideas, images and sounds of Ireland. I have received a great warmth of response from North American people. My desire now is to bring gome of these people to the actual source of my inspiration, to Ireland itself.
The first name attributed to Ireland, Inis Fail — Land of Destiny
__communicates the essence of
Ireland's appeal. She reveals her magic in accordance with what lies to be discovered within the destiny of each traveller to her shores. The mystique of Ireland's landscape captivates writers today as in the past. The shifting moods, reflected in variable, transparent skies are eternally sustaining to the creative process. The peculiar play of light through the prism of water, foliage and stone casts its spell on painter and poet alike.
Ireland has an estimated quarter of a million archaeological sites of pre-Celtic, Celtic, Christian, Gorman and later origin. A plethora of castles, cottages, churches, holy wells and dolmens decorate the horizon. The diverse beauty of the landscape is a mystery in itself. Ireland's greatest treasure, however, is her people—witty, talkative, in love with words, religious, hospitable and easy going.
In early September, I plan to begin my "ideal" tour in Galway, a city or great charm and architec-
tural interest. Galway is the gateway to the magnificent sights of Connemara. We can drive through Irish speaking villages along the shores of Galway Bay. We will spend days exploring Mayo and Clare, where the Burren, a limestone karst, spawns rare plants and where miles of caves attract speleologists from all over the world.
We will view Sligo through the poetry of W.B. Yeats as we visit the scenes of his childhood. From Ceide Fields, a recently excavated 5,000 year old stone age monument, we will travel across the country to Newgrange, a burial chamber built to align with the movement of the sun.
I have designed an imaginative itinerary to reveal diverse facets of Irish life, past and present. Included are a walking tour of Kilkenny, a Norman town, plays, traditional music and lectures and opportunities to meet and converse with Irish people of all walks of life.
Dublin deserves a visit of a few days. Renowned for its literary and scholarly tradition, the city boasts 1,000 of the liveliest pubs in Europe. We will embark on a literary pub crawl, a painless crash course in Irish literature conducted by a group of talented actors.
We will meander our way from Dublin through the Wicklow mountains, driving through Tipperary with its rich pastures and by the dramatic rock of Cashel. We will encounter a succession of spectacular views of mountains, islands and sea along the indented southwest coast of Cork and Kerry. Accommodations and fine dining will be provided in Irish homes, farmhouses, first-class hotels and stately mansions. I offer this opportunity to anybody who has dreamt about an ideal holiday in Ireland to nourish body, soul and spirit.
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A detailed itinerary may be acquired by calling Northwest Travel at(604) 987-8151.
Magical Ireland Tour September 1-14, 1994 Led by Treasa O'Driscoll
Step right into the heart of Irish life Discover the myth, the music, the magic
• Lectures, Plays • Poetry, Song, 8tory • Traditional Music • Fine Dining
• The rugged beauty op Connemara and Kerry
• The Yeats Country
Ancient Sites
• Walking Tour of Kilkenny
• Cultural Life and Landmarks of Dublin Plus Much More
cost $2,645
(not Including airfare)
Singer, storyteller, Treasa O'Driscoll has designed an imaginative itinerary to reveal diverse facets of Irish cultural life, past and present. You will enjoy the unique spirit of Irish hospitality in homes, farmhouses, stately mansions and first class hotels while you experience a direct contact with the people and landscape of Ireland.
For a detailed itinerary call: Northwest Travel at (604) 987-8151 1748 Lonsdale, Avenue, N. Vancouver, b.c. V7M 2J7
Sons of Scotland Highland Gomes
LOCATION
South Delta Sec. School Oval 759-53rd. Street Delta, B.C.
' Children's Races
• Scottish Import Booths
> Beer Garden
May 28 & 29,1994
COMM6NCING 9 A.M.
Admission $4.00 2 Day Pass $6.00 Children 6-12 $2.00 Under 6 FREE
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FEATURING
• Highland Dancing Championships
. Pipe Bands
• Individual Piping
• Drumming & Dancing
• Scottish Field Events
• Food Concessions
INFO: (604) 241-0565 OR (604) 261-0952
THE SONS OF SCOTLAND BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION invites applications for membership in a Scottish Fraternal Society dedicated to the preservation of Scottish Traditions and the enjoyment of social and recreational activities. For additional information call: Organizer - Jim Sim -1-800-661-0293 or contact our Head office in Toronto SONS OF SCOTLAND BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION 4th Floor, 90 Eglinton Ave. East Toronto Ont.M4P 2Y3- Telephone 1-800-387-3382
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