Irish Art and Culture Through the Ages
Folklore, archaeology, history and culture in The Kingdom of Kerry & In Dublin
Secrets of the Stones Tours, LLC Led by Siobhán Molloy Slack
May 19-29, 2012
More info. and application form
You are invited to join us in a rich and varied tour in Ireland, including the Kerry coastal areas, and ending with sites in and around Dublin. The Kingdom of Kerry is one of the most spectacularly scenic places in the world, that is also rich with deep layers of the past. The arts of the ancient people who lived here will come alive through the stories in the landscape, and what still remains from the people who have gone before, reflecting the history, culture and beliefs of this place from the earliest inhabitants through this century. The theme of this tour is art and culture. We shall see the artwork as it evolved over time: from Neolithic stone carvings and structures, to medieval sculpture and intricate metalwork, to contemporary jewelry, painting, ceramics and sculpture. We will trace the symbols and designs used through the ages, looking at rock art, Celtic high crosses, gold and silver engraving, amazing stone sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts, weaving history and legend as we go.This rich history will be revealed through:
- learning about Irish history, heritage, folklore and mythology as we visit villages, heritage sites, museums, galleries, and artist’s studios.
- visiting ancient sites, villages and structures such as stone circles and alignments to the sun
- absorbing the landscape and breathtaking scenery as we imagine the people who lived along these coasts, in these mountains, and established these villages
- visiting the World Heritage site, Neolithic Newgrange, as well as the Book of Kells exhibit and several Dublin museums and historical places of interest
What makes this trip different is the in-depth experiences we provide, and the unusual places we visit Unlike other tours that speed through place after place, our goal is to go deeper, get “ into” the landscape, and learn how history was shaped. You will gain an intimate appreciation and understanding of the history and landscape- its flora, fauna and numerous archaeological and historical monuments We will experience Irish culture first hand through meeting local people, musicians and artists as we visit the Iveragh, Dingle and Beara peninsulas. We hope to provide you with a sense of the real Kerry- its nature, culture and heritage. We’ll do this by going off the beaten track… on remote mountain passes…along the windswept coastal cliffs at Culloo …in valleys nestled beneath the MacGuillycuddy Reeks and in sheltered coves and sandy beaches, that all hide a myriad of secrets. Local guides will transform the experiences into lifelong memories. Expect to see some of the most spectacular places and be drawn into an Ireland most people never experience! More info. and application form.
Riverrun Center for the Arts
P.O. Box 95, McNaughton, WI 54543
Phone/Fax 715-277-4224
email: joanslack@wildblue.net