Ireland: Sinners, Saints, and Scholars
June 7 - 17, 2025
(Program #250605, Taught by Dr. Smith with local guide)
$5399.00 land only
Single Supplement: $1800.00 (This is charged by the hotels. We recommend rooming with someone!)
We have secured some very special air rates from a number of US cities. Contact Dottie at the office if you would like air!
**All prices based on EUR-USD rates not exceeding 1.15/1.00, see tour conditions.
Ireland: Sinners, Saints, and Scholars Itinerary:
There is no such thing as a saint without a past, nor a sinner without a future. In Ireland, we will encounter how God used a variety of men and women to advance the Gospel, and how the western ideology found its way into a particular brand of scholarship and scholasticism. Along the way, we will meet towering figures, and examine how they faced some limitations of their natural environment and the political and economic challenges of their times. The program will open up a story of God’s work in a people long ago, as well as help you find creative ways to deal with adversity. It will also bring a smile to your face, as you encounter how the Irish have turned history into story, and challenge into laughter.
Day One. Saturday, June 7, 2025. Departure Day.
Depart USA for Dublin, Ireland. Overnight: In flight.
Day Two. Sunday, June 8, 2025. Arrival Day.
Arrive Dublin Airport in the morning, and enjoy a guided panoramic tour of Dublin City. Take a break this afternoon, and rest. We’ll meet for dinner this evening, and a good night’s rest. Overnight: Dublin (1 of 2). D
Day Three. Monday, June 9, 2025. Uncovering Essential Irish History. Ireland is different than most of Europe. It was never under the Roman Empire. It didn’t develop around urban areas, but was largely a village culture. How did that effect what it became?
After breakfast, we will meet together for two important introductory lectures:
8:00 AM Introducing Ireland and 9:00 AM The Gospel beginnings and Irish Civilization. Departing 10:30 AM, we will visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, constructed near where Patrick first shared the Gospel with people long ago. We’ll also get the opportunity to view one of the original copies of the Magna Carta at Christ Church Cathedral, as well as the Book of Kells at Trinity College, founded in 1592. Overnight: Dublin (2 of 2). B, D
Questions: What about the Gospel led people to understand personal responsibility? How did that, in turn, lead to personal dignity and challenge regnal conventions of antiquity?
Day Four. Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Monasticism and Asceticism: Today, we explore notions of how various spiritual disciplines like silence and intentional listening played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual nature of the Irish followers of Jesus, and then left its imprint on the culture as a whole.
After breakfast, we start our day with travel to Glendalough in the scenic Wicklow Mountains to visit the monastery founded by the Abbott Kevin in the sixth century. His life, outlined in a later-medieval Latin Vita, was presented as part of the Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae, and includes a mix of legends and history. On to St. Canices’ or Kilkenny Cathedral, where we will look at how the cathedral structure shaped and reflected theological growth and understanding of early Christian thinking. We will marvel at the round tower, and recall the Druid conflict faced by believers long ago. Overnight: Kilkenny (1 of 1). B,D
Questions: Where, how and why was the monastic movement formed? How did it influence the larger narrative of Christian doctrine? How did mythology form around ascetics and what did those stories produce in Christian history?
Day Five. Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Medieval Village Life: The period between 400-1400 CE is known as the “Middle Ages” by historians. Life both in continental Europe and the outlying islands at her edge were organized around some important values that were a combination of local mystic thinking and Christian teaching.
Since about 1260 CE. the Kilkenny Castle stood, erected in the days following the Norman Conquest of Ireland. Richard de Clare, now referred to commonly as Strongbow, likely constructed the first version of housing on this property, and his family developed the estate. Here, we will begin to address life in the later Middle Ages. Next, we travel about an hour to see the impressive cluster of medieval buildings at the Rock of Cashel, with twelfth century imposing structures. The conversion of the King of Munster under the ministry of St. Patrick in the fifth century will be part of our study. One more hour of travel, and we will enter St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, along with time to explore the vibrant city of Cork, where we will be spending our evening. Overnight: Cork (1 of 1). B,D
Questions: Who was St. Patrick and why did he become so integral to Irish history? How did the Norman invasion impact Irish culture? What role did the castle play in the development of society in Ireland?
Day Six. Thursday, June 12, 2025. Gab and Poetry: The Irish have a variety strong local traditions that gave rise to music, poetry and oration. These were captured by story-tellers and not written until very late. What can the stories tell us about them?
Beginning in Cork, we will set out to visit the famous C14 CE Blarney Castle and gardens to capture our part of the gift of Irish eloquence! After we have been so endowed with the gift, we will travel to the stunning Killarney National Park region, and visit the Muckross House and Gardens. Here, we will learn of the interplay between estate tradition and local farming culture. The nearby C15 CE Franciscan Abbey and the surrounding natural beauty offered inspiration to the Kerry poets of old. Overnight: Killarney (1 of 2). B,D
Questions: What role did the farm community have in Irish castle and estate culture? How did their work affect the telling of story in Irish tradition? Who were the Kerry poets and what treasure did they leave us?
Day Seven. Friday, June 13, 2025. Extremity, Beauty and Endurance (1): Western Ireland has some of the most beautiful and yet challenging landscape found on our planet, and we will explore the area for two days and learn how endurance and survival led to song and celebration.
We will explore the largest peninsula in Ireland at her southwest extremity, the Iveragh Peninsula. We will, like many before us, follow the stunning views along the “Ring of Kerry,” stopping in some historic churches and viewing the landscape from some scenic vistas. The region includes ancient sights, with a variety of stone forts, monasteries, and ruins. Some rock art extended to Neolithic times, while the forts were likely built during the Iron Age, around 500–300 BCE, but still stand absent of any mortar. We will also visit the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre on Valentia Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once an early Christian outpost from around the C6 CE. Overnight: Killarney (2 of 2). B,D
Questions: What do early signs of human occupation tell us about the first occupants of Ireland? What did the austere environment do to help people develop endurance? Why didn’t they leave?
Day Eight. Saturday, June 14, 2024. Extremity, Beauty and Endurance (2): Beside the sea are some of the most beautiful and yet challenging landscapes found on our planet. The sea became an early part of Irish history and tradition. Today, we will seek to understand some of the impact of the sea on Irish history.
The iconic Cliffs of Moher will leave us awestruck by the sheer power of the sea. The cliffs rise up to about 700 feet above the sea, and is one of the one of the country's most important bird-breeding sites (look for puffins!). A bit later, we will make our way to Galway Cathedral and discuss the reliquary in Christian theology before we have some time to explore the city’s vibrant Latin Quarter. Wander the area and grab a bite to eat before we head to our hotel for the evening. Overnight: Galway (1 of 2). B
Questions: Who was Bernadette of Lourdes and why is she remembered in Galway? How did hagiographies develop and how do they help us now? What role did the reliquary have in the development of Catholic thinking and theology? Why did Protestantism largely reject reliquaries?
Day Nine. Sunday, June 15, 2025. The Monastery—A Journey: Since the earliest stages of Christianity after the persecution, monasteries have attempted to capture the heart of Christian values and scholarship, while removing members from the distractions of daily life. With many who are finding it hard to read the news and remain at peace in Christ, how does the monastic experience inform us?
After breakfast at our hotel our coach will take us to the stunning Connemara National Park. We will stop at the famous Kylemore Abbey with her lovely Victorian gardens, once a romantic gift in the 1860s that became home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920. Overnight: Galway (2 of 2). B,L,D
Questions: What has monasticism contributed to Christian theology and history? How did the Benedictine rule bring order to monasteries? Why would a non-Catholic follower of Jesus care about the history and work of a nunnery?
Day Ten. Monday, June 16, 2025. Return to DUBLIN – back to the beginning: You’ve traveled in a big circle to see many of the most stunning views of this beautiful country as we’ve engaged some topics about the history of the Christian faith, with a particular bend toward the Irish expression of it.
After breakfast at our hotel, our coach and guide lead us on the journey back to Dublin, to check in and have time at leisure in Ireland’s lively capital. A final special dinner awaits! Overnight: Dublin (1 of 1). B, D
Day Eleven. Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Return to the USA.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a morning at leisure before you coach and guide pick you up in time for your return flight.
This program is new and in development. Over the coming weeks, you may see adjustments in the schedule in accordance with availability of each particular site. We strive to visit all of the itinerary, but reserve the right to make necessary changes.
PROGRAM CONDITIONS:
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES group transfers, hotels, European buffet breakfast daily and dinners as specified in program, with all tips for group services, full sightseeing, the services of an English-speaking local guide, and all entrance fees to sites as listed in the program. All taxes and surcharges in effect as of December 1, 2024 are included. If additional surcharges or taxes are imposed by the airlines or governments, any additional amounts will be the responsibility of the passenger. This price is based on a minimum of 20 passengers.
LAND ONLY PRICE INCLUDES all of the above except air and transfers from the airport to your hotel.
NOT INCLUDED are any expenses required for COVID compliance, personal items such as laundry; drinks or coffee with dinners; lunches, tips for personal favors; excess baggage and forwarding of baggage; transfers other than with the group; optional travel insurance.
YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS are based on First Class (4*) hotels using double occupancy in a twin-bedded room with private bath. There is a supplemental charge of $1800 if you prefer a single room. Individuals enrolling without a roommate may request to be matched with a roommate. In the event that a roommate is not available, individuals will be required to pay the single supplement charge. All single rooms are subject to availability and may be smaller than normal twin rooms.
SPECIAL NOTE ON SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS : European hotels do not cater to singles, but they charge additional (over which CTSP has no control). They often provide smaller rooms in spite of the additional fee. We don’t want travelers to come and be surprised. PAYMENT: A nonrefundable deposit of $400 per person, is required to secure your place on the program. A second payment of 50% of the balance is due six (6) months prior to departure. Final payment is due to CTSP three (3) months prior to departure. Thereafter, a late payment fee of $100 per person per month will be assessed.
CANCELLATION FEES:
90+ days prior ….. non-refundable deposit
66-90 days prior ….. 50% plus non-refundable deposit
0-65 days prior ….. No refund
*If your cancellation results in a roommate needing a single supplement, that amount will be charged to you in addition to the above fees.
*All refund claims must be in writing to CTSP. There is no refund for any services not used.
TRIP INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Insurance purchased within two weeks of deposit provides the best value, and may cover pre-existing conditions. Carefully choose a plan from any trusted provider. If you want CFAR (cancel for any reason) insurance, it will come at a premium price, but may allay concerns for those who choose to do so.
ITINERARY LENGTH: Flight times are subject to change without advance notice. CTSP is not responsible for changes and delays in airline schedules and does not reimburse passengers for expenses resulting from delays. Because airlines often change flight times and dates at the last minute, CTSP strongly recommends that if passengers are purchasing any connecting tickets they should be able to be changed without heavy fees or penalties. If airline(s) change flight schedules, CTSP reserves the right to lengthen or shorten the itinerary accordingly, and whenever possible, you will be notified in writing. If changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged (per person, per night) US$180 double occupancy, or US$320 for single rooms (includes single supplement).
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
CTSP agrees to provide the itinerary described for this trip, and it represents the entire agreement between the passenger and CTSP. No changes or deviations are effective unless approved in writing and signed by an authorized officer of CTSP. Except as stated herein, no person is authorized to cancel, modify, or vary the study program arrangements (during the course) or to make any representation of warranty concerning the program.
All prices, itineraries, and schedules are subject to regulations and changes thereof by acts of Government, International Agreement and Airline tariff adjustments, rules and regulations.
CTSP reserves the right to change or withdraw the program, in whole or in part, at any time. In the event of a change, the sole exclusive obligation of CTSP will be to refund pro rata any recoverable payment received, based on recovered funds. In the event of rescheduling of the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the cancellation and refund clause will apply. CTSP reserves the right to refuse or to revoke travel to anyone who is, in the sole judgment of CTSP, incapable of or detrimental to group travel.
Except for the willful negligence of its direct employees, CTSP assumes no liability or responsibility for any injuries, inconveniences, illness, irregularity or incidental damages occasioned by circumstances beyond the control of CTSP, or by any person or reason whatsoever, including, but not limited to events such as strikes, revolts, wars, natural disaster, closures of airports or hotels, default or omission of any common or private carrier or the default, negligence, or omission of any by any third party providing services or facilities related to or included in this program.
The commercial carriers are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on-board commercial carriers. The passenger contracts, in use by all commercial carriers involved, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the commercial carriers and the passenger or purchaser of this program and/or passage and program operators assume no liability or responsibility in connection therewith.
ENROLLMENT in and payment of the deposit for the tour constitutes your acceptance of the Program Conditions and Statement of Responsibility.