FACULTY STUDY TRIP · IRELAND · 19–23 JUNE 2027
Summer Solstice in Sligo
Celtic Myth and Ancient Sunsets
Join Dr Frances Clynes in the West of Ireland to explore astrology, Irish mythology and the connections between earth and sky.
Discover ancient sites across Sligo and Mayo, from the megalithic tombs of Carrowkeel to the landscapes and stories of Queen Maeve, Yeats and Markievicz.
WHEN
19–23 June 2027
WHERE
Sligo & Mayo, Ireland
MEETING POINT
Sligo Park Hotel
Take your learning into the landscape
Join Faculty President Dr Frances Clynes for a special tour of Sligo and Mayo, bringing together astrology, history and myth in the landscapes of the West of Ireland.
From the megalithic tombs of Carrowkeel to the majestic Knocknarea, we’ll explore ancient sites and the stories associated with them. Along the way, we’ll encounter Queen Maeve in Irish mythology and consider the lives and astrological charts of Yeats and Markievicz.
Morning presentations at Sligo Park Hotel will introduce the themes of our coach excursions, with free time to enjoy Sligo and opportunities to spend time together throughout the trip.
Ancient sites. Enduring stories.
Stone and sky
Begin with sunset at Carrowkeel and an on-site talk, then explore Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery the following day.
Queen Maeve’s landscape
A presentation on Queen Maeve in Irish mythology prepares the way for an afternoon climb to Maeve’s Cairn.
Poetry, lives and charts
Explore Yeats and Markievicz through a presentation including their charts, followed by visits to Drumcliffe and Lissadell.
Follow the journey
From the first evening at Carrowkeel to a day exploring St Patrick’s Trail
Saturday 19 June - Welcome to Sligo & sunset at Carrowkeel
Arrive in Sligo, with the option to join Frances and Danny in the Sligo Park Hotel bar for a drink between 17:00 and 18:00.
At 20:30, the coach will depart from Sligo Park Hotel for an evening visit to Carrowkeel, with a talk on site and the opportunity to experience the sunset, weather permitting. The walk to the cairn takes at least 30 minutes and includes a final climb, so please wear suitable footwear.
Sunday 20 June - Queen Maeve, Carrowmore & Knocknarea
09:00 presentation on Queen Maeve at Sligo Park Hotel. Leave at 10:30 for an 11:00 tour of Carrowmore. Travel to Strandhill for lunch at 12:30, then leave at 14:00 for Knocknarea. Arrive at 14:15 and climb to Maeve’s Cairn. Leave at 16:30 for the hotel. Evening free in Sligo.
Monday 21 June - Yeats, Markievicz & Lissadell
09:00 presentation on Yeats and Markievicz, including their charts. Leave at 10:30 for Yeats’s grave and Drumcliffe Church at 11:00, then Lissadell at 11:30. Afternoon free in Sligo. Depart the hotel at 18:00 for dinner at Rosses Point, returning at 21:00.
Tuesday 22 June - St Patrick’s Trail & the Sun
09:00 presentation on St Patrick, Croagh Patrick and the enduring association with the Sun. Depart at 10:00 for St Patrick’s Trail, visiting Ballintubber Abbey and Croagh Patrick. Return to Sligo Park Hotel at 16:30. Evening free in Sligo.
Wednesday 23 June - Farewell to Sligo
Check out and depart in the morning.
The itinerary is subject to confirmation. Timings and visits may change depending on weather and local conditions.
Your guide:
Dr Frances Clynes
President of the Faculty of Astrological Studies
Frances will guide you through Sligo and Mayo, bringing together astrology, history and myth as you explore the symbolic language of these sacred landscapes.
On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, morning lectures at Sligo Park Hotel will introduce the themes of the day before you set off by coach to explore the sites.
With support from Danny Larkin
This tour was the idea of Faculty friend Danny Larkin, who will be supporting Frances on the ground in Sligo and helping everyone make the most of their time together.
A base for your time in Sligo
Frances and Danny will be staying at Sligo Park Hotel, where the morning lectures take place and coach trips depart.
You are very welcome to stay there too. Mention that you are attending this Faculty event when booking to receive the special rates below.
Special rates for four nights
Arriving Saturday 19 June and departing Wednesday 23 June 2027. Bed and breakfast included.
| Room type | Four-night total |
|---|---|
| Double or twin room | €796 |
| Single room | €636 |
Rates are per room for the full four-night stay. Accommodation is booked and paid for separately from the tour.
Prefer to stay elsewhere?
You are welcome to choose another hotel or B&B and make your own way to Sligo Park Hotel for the lectures and coach departures. The west of Ireland can get very booked up, so we recommend arranging accommodation early.
Explore accommodation with Discover Ireland ↗Is this trip right for you?
Astrological knowledge
A basic level of astrological knowledge is beneficial, but not mandatory. You do not need to be a Faculty student to join us.
Walking and terrain
Some paths at Carrowkeel are rough and steep, and the itinerary includes a climb to Maeve’s Cairn on Knocknarea. Please make sure you are comfortable tackling this terrain and bring appropriate footwear.
Weather and clothing
The weather in the west of Ireland can be unpredictable, with the possibility of plenty of rain. Please pack suitable clothing for wet weather and time outdoors.
Getting to the meeting point
Whether you stay at Sligo Park Hotel or elsewhere, please make your way to the hotel for the morning lectures and coach departures.
If you have questions about taking part, please contact info@astrology.org.uk before booking.
Join us for Celtic Myth and Ancient Sunsets
19–23 June 2027 · Sligo & Mayo, Ireland
Places are limited because access to some sites requires smaller coaches. Book early if you would like to join us.
TOUR FEE
£650
per person
An additional £35 booking fee applies to non-Faculty students.
Total for non-Faculty students: £685.
Included
Lectures, tours and coach travel.
Not included
Meals and accommodation.
Please read the
terms and conditions
before booking.
Pay in full or
spread the cost
The £650 tour fee can be paid in three instalments:
First instalment
Second instalment
Final instalment
The £200 deposit is non-refundable if you cancel. Please see the full cancellation terms.
Bookings made after 30 April 2027 must be paid in full.
Booking closes on 31 May 2027.
Terms & conditions
Cancellations and refunds
Full refunds are available until 31st May 2027, except for a non-refundable deposit of £200.
No refunds after 31st May 2027.
You are advised to take out personal insurance in case of last-minute cancellations. The Faculty will not cover travel or accommodation costs incurred due to cancellations.
If the Faculty needs to cancel
In the unlikely event that the tour attracts too few people for us to run it successfully or in the event of adverse weather conditions, the Faculty of Astrological Studies reserves the right to cancel. All money will be refunded if the tour is cancelled.
Astrological education since 1948
As a nonprofit organisation, we reinvest our income into education, supporting our teaching, resources and student community. Your participation helps us continue that work.