Hello

I am a part-time mature student at Queens UniversityBelfast. I am currently doing a msc in Rural Development. My thesis is entitled :"Pagan Celtic Ireland - the potential for tourism development".

As a pagan myself this area has a lot of interest for me.

As part of my research i would be keen to find out about the views of Pagan Living members on taking vacations in Ireland.

i would like to know the following:

!. Have you visited Ireland before and was spiritual fulfilment part of this journey?

2. Did you or would you take part in a organised tour or do you prefer to travel independantly?

3. what type accommadation do you prefer?

4. What would be important activities for you when spending time in Ireland? for example,  spending time in nature
visiting sacred sites
meeting irish people
visitng a spa
connecting with celtic spirituality
connecting with celtic gods and goddesses
shopping and purchasing celtic related items
any other reason.

5. Do you associate Ireland with sacred places?

6. Where is your favourite place to meditate or pray?

6. what country do you live in?

i would really appreciate hearing about your views and interests. i would also like to hear from people who have never visited ireland but would like to in the future.  
thank you
Pauline

Oh, I have never visited Ireland, but someday I hope to go!  My grandparents were from Ireland, and wouldn't it be wonderful to see the land of my ancestors.  My parents went many years ago, as did my brother.  Someday I will make it there!!  My Tradition is Celtic/Faery, and I think with what I have learned on my journey, I would throughly enjoy romping all over Ireland!!

Many blesings,
DesertMist

Hi DesertMist

I hope you make it over here in the future. If you are interested in faries and celtic traditions you will find lots here.

Thanks for replying.

Pauline

I was blessed with spending 9 glorious days in Ireland in 2005. We flew from Los Angeles to Dublin, rented a car, and drove to the north west of Ireland...County Donegal. A very remote and non-touristy area. We rented a small cottage in Dowings, a small village on Sheephaven Bay and took day trips around the area to see the sites, wandered around in the country, got lost a lot (and asking an Irishman for directions always proved to be a real hoot!), got into fascinating conversations with the locals, and had a blast in the small pubs...excellent music in a place called the Singing Bar!

We were also able to spend some time in the Boyne Valley where we toured New Grange, Knowth, and Dowth. There are ancient burial mounds there that are closely related to the stories of the Tuathe. Interesting beyond words. There are dolmans everywhere in Ireland and small shrines placed here and there in the most unexpected places. Everywhere I went I found someone willing to share an old story or myth of the locale with me.

Ireland is a spiritual, mystical place. For me, there seemed to be a kind of heartbeat or hum to the land...very platable.

I, personally, wouldn't be interested in an organized tour of Ireland because I enjoyed the freedom of wandering. I would be very interested in a comprehensive guide to the spiritual places of Ireland, the ancient and off the beaten path places..........for the next time I go.

My fiance and I are hoping to go to Ireland for our honeymoon in late October.

1) I have never visited Ireland, but spiritual fulfillment would be on my to-do list
2) I like independent travel but tours can be very informative and are great when you have a specific goal - i.e. learning about pagan spirituality in Ireland
3) Accommodation? I'm not sure what you mean, but I'm good with a hotel room or a room in someone's house or even a tent if there's somewhere to shower
4) Important activities:
    * visiting sacred sites and learning about them
    * mingling with locals
    * visiting historic sites
    * shopping
    * learning about Celtic gods/godesses and spirituality would be awesome
    As I am going in late October I wouldn't object to participating or witnessing any Samhainn celebrations that might be going on. I've heard they have some awesome things going on as Halloween is very popular there.
    It would also be nice to have vegan meals available as many pagans (as myself) are vegan and Ireland isn't known for having a large variety of meatless entries.
5) Very much so - in fact we are considering moving there at some point because we are so drawn to it's spiritual history (and tumult)
6) I meditate and pray wherever I am, but a quite grove surrounded by nature would be the ideal place for me.
7) I live in America

I just realized this is kinda an old post, but hopefully it'll still help you out! Best of luck!