Cost

$1700 per person. Includes all accommodation, meals, all in-country group travel, entry fees, discussion materials. Does not include round-trip airfare from US to Dublin/Belfast.

Leaders

Tracy and Becci have led many trips to Ireland together, and both deeply love the culture, rich history, and beautiful landscape of Northern Ireland.

Tracy is the author of several books, including Thin Places: An Evangelical Journey into Celtic Christianity, and her newest release, A Journey of Sea and Stone: How Holy Places Guide and Renew Us. She is a certified spiritual director and is the Director of Christian Formation at John Brown University, and is the founder of Sea & Stone Journeys, which features spiritual pilgrimages to the sacred isle of Iona in Scotland.

Becci has been in leadership with Tracy on many guided trips to the UK. She earned her doctorate at Dallas Baptist University, is a certified GallupStrengths assessment educator and coach—she’s also on an enneagram learning journey. Helping awaken people to their authentic selves, their callings, and how they can contribute to the Kingdom of God brings her such satisfaction. Becci is especially skilled in culinary arts and hospitality and finds great joy in sharing those gifts with friends and family.

Accommodations: Lakeside Manor, Belfast

This charming manor house is ideally located in a quiet neighborhood in Belfast. However, it is a no-frills accommodation, with shared rooms (2 per room) and shared bathrooms. The house is large, with an expansive back yard and a lovely lake beyond (hence, the name Lakeside). Participants can look forward to roaming freely, as we will be the only occupants of the manor; but this is not a hotel! Come with an expectation that Lakeside accommodations are rather spartan; this is what allows us to offer such an affordable rate for 10
days in N. Ireland. Leave behind all the stress put upon you to look just right and to be responsible for many things! This retreat is meant to help you be at peace, and Lakeside’s minimalist décor most definitely helps us do that.

General Retreat Description

Mornings will begin with a simple prepared breakfast by the Lakeside chef, and continue with group time marked by learning, sharing, and prayer. Afternoons will typically feature outings that support our claddagh objectives of “love, faithfulness and friendship,” including St. Patrick country in County Down, Tolleymore Forest, the Antrim Coast, C.S. Lewis sites, and Castleward (a stately home in the tradition of Downton Abbey).

Noon and evening meals will be provided either at the Manor or off site, depending on the itinerary for the day. And tea will make a daily appearance.

Group Distinctives

This retreat is designed for women of any age, though it should be noted that a good deal of walking will be done. It is designed for women of Christian faith, whether a lot or a little! And it is designed to be a small group experience, so the group size is limited. This would be a wonderful experience to share with a friend, a sister, or a mother/daughter!

Payment

The first deposit of $250 is non-refundable and secures your spot on the retreat. A schedule of payments will be provided at that point. Please let Tracy know if you want to join using the contact form below!