About Aoghain Lakes
Aoghain is a Reiki Master and Teacher
from Dublin, Ireland. Aoghain is co-
owner of Eternal Balance Life Center.
He is a life transformation coach,
master healer, teacher, emotional
freedom techniques practitioner,
alternative therapies practitioner,
meditation guide, workshop
facilitator, and Fengshui consultant.

Aoghain has been involved in the healing arts for over 15 years; first becoming involved with yoga and meditation. He has studied Vipassana (Indian Vedic Life Knowledge, and ancient Celtic (Druid) knowledge. Aoghain quickly applied this practical, esoteric knowledge to his daily life and long term goals with tremendous success. By applying this knowledge, Aoghain has enjoyed the energy of synchronicity in his many world travels, adventures, and experiences. As a result of his world travels, Aoghain has learned and worked with various types of spiritual teachings, healings and rituals. It is his hands-on life experience that shines through in his approach to teaching and healing.

Aoghain is one of the earlier students of Reiki, first becoming involved with it in Holland at a center for injured seals. Aoghain intuitively understood Reiki and its natural flow of energy. Aoghain has an intuitive understanding of the higher fifth dimensional quantum physics.

As a writer, Aoghain has co-developed all of Eternal Balance Life Center's classes including,  spiritual growth, self development,  and meditation. Aoghain has studied EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) to become a facilitator for emotional release and recovery. After much soul searching, Aoghain became a meditation guide. He uses deep, profoundly healing meditative techniques using Ancient Celtic as well as Buddhist teachings. Aoghain studied the ancient art of Feng Shui and became a consultant in 1998. As a distance healer, Aoghain works with clients all over the world, including, Australia, Ireland, and Canada.
Day 1- Friday, September  2 - Departure
Depart Detroit or Newark today for Ireland.

Day 2 - Saturday, September  3 - Shannon/Galway
Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival at Shannon Airport and after claiming your luggage you will be greeted by your host. Before your exploration begins a stop will be made for a light breakfast and an opportunity to freshen up. As you drive you will begin to connect with the “Land of Eire”. Your first stop in Ireland will be to see the natural wonders of The Cliffs of Moher. Have your camera ready as you will have an opportunity to take some magnificent panoramic views of the area. The cliffs rise 394 feet above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and reach their maximum height of 702 feet just north of O'Brien's Tower located just eight miles away. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as are the valleys and hills of Connemara. Continue to Burren, the word in Irish meaning “stony place”. Its formation has remained unspoiled since the ice-age and is composed of Karstic Limestone, the largest area of such in Western Europe.  Evidence of man living in the Burren since about 3,000 BC can be seen from the many Megalithic Tombs and the "Fulachta Fiadh” (outdoor cooking places). See the archaeological treasures, including Poulnabrone Portal Tomb, Poulawack Cairn, and hundreds of other Stone Age and Bronze Age sites.  After exploring the Burren, drive to Galway, where you will check-in at your hotel.  Before dinner meet with Aoghain for a Welcome to Ireland Orientation. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner where you experience a real “Irish” meal. (B, D)

Day 3 - Sunday, September  4 - Galway
After breakfast transfer to the port where you will board a ferry to visit the Aran Island of Inis Mor (meaning big island). Visit the Dun Aengus Fort, which stands over a dramatic 300 foot cliff that spans the entire western part of the island and faces the moods of the Atlantic Ocean. View the Black Fort set over cliffs, the Seven Churches, St. Benins Church which is perched and isolated on a hill at the southern tip of the island. Also see Temphaill Chieran and the Old Light House located at the islands highest point. Meet with one of the islanders, who will share some ancient wisdom and teach you a few words of Gaeilge. You will have some time to relax and meet with the group for meditation or a lecture.  Return to Galway later today. Enjoy some quiet time later this afternoon for a reflection of these most magical landscapes.  (B)

Day 4 - Monday, September  5 - Galway/Connemara/Galway
Journey through an ever changing landscape of majestical mountains, spectacular beaches, the wild Atlantic, misty covered lakes, pre-historic bogs, and shady glens to Connemara. Drive along Galway Bay to Spiddal; pass the granite hills and sparkling lakes of the Inagh Valley on the way to Killary Harbor, Ireland's only fjord. Visit Kylemore Abbey, originally built in 1867, nestled at the base of the Druchruach Mountains located in the heart of the Connemara Mountains. It is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic buildings. See the 6-acre Victorian Walled Gardens. You will have an opportunity to relax and meet with the group for meditation or a lecture. The day ends with a visit to the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory where you will see accomplished craftsmen cut crystal and learn about the symbolism of the motifs. (B)

Day 5 - Tuesday, September  6 - Galway/Waterville
Farewell to Galway. Today you will visit the Bunratty Castle, one of Irelands best preserved fortresses. The castle is a three story tower house comprised of a tall, oblong building with a square tower at each corner. Linked together on the north and south sides by a broad arch rising to the top floor. The entrance door leads into a large vaulted hall with a lofty timbered roof, referred to as the magnificent great hall. This great hall is known to be were the Earls of Thomond held court. Visit Folk Park where you will experience the Irish country lifestyle with its reconstructed farmhouses that were brought in from various rural areas. They range from the humblest cottages to large farmhouses. Your sightseeing will continue as you will drive to one of Ireland's prettiest villages in County Limerick, Adare, designated as the “Heritage Town”. An orientation tour of the village will include Main Street, lined with thatched cottages. Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants. Drive through the Ring of Kerry to Waterville, “The Little Whirlpool", where you will overnight. Time permitting enjoy sometime at your leisure exploring the area. Walk up to the Coomakista Pass where beautiful views over the mouth of the Kenmare River can bee seen. (B

Day 6 - Wednesday, September  7 - Waterville/Skellig Michael/Waterville
After breakfast you will continue your exploration of the Ring of Kerry.  Drive to the World Heritage Site of Skellig. The Skellig Islands are world-famous, each in its own right. Skellig Michael is known throughout the world of archaeology as the site of a well-preserved monastic outpost of the Earl Christian period and now designated a World Heritage Site. Small Skellig is equally renowned in matters of ornithology as the home of some 27,000 pairs of gannets, the second largest colony of such seabirds in the world. Weather permitting, you may choose to climb the 620 steps to the top where you can view the monastic remains and beehive huts that were used as living quarters and community buildings. Here you will find Saint Michael's Church and a small area known as Monk's Garden situated on a series of panoramic terraces. If you choose to venture out and climb the steps you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. (B)

Day 7 - Thursday,  September  8 - Waterville/
Blarney Castle Kilkenny
Leave Waterville this morning driving through the Ring of Kerry to the site of the Blarney Castle, built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. It is believed that during the time of Queen Elizabeth I, Dermot McCarthy, the ruler of the castle, was required to surrender his fortress to the Queen as proof of his loyalty. He always said he would do so, but something always happened at the last moment preventing his surrender. His excuses were so frequent that the official who had been demanding the castle in the name of the Queen made a  joke of it at the Court. When the eloquent excuses of McCarthy were repeated to the Queen, she said "Odds bodikins, more Blarney talk!" The term Blarney has thus come to mean 'the ability to influence and coax with fair words and soft speech without giving offense'.  Climb the steps to kiss the “Blarney Stone”. Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens. Enjoy some time at your leisure exploring the gardens, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, and taking time for personal mediation. Follow the paths to various attractions such as several natural rock formations given fanciful names such as Druid's Circle, Witch's Cave, and the Wishing Steps. Continue to Cahir Castle, once the stronghold of the powerful Butler Family. One of Ireland's largest castles and best preserved it retains its impressive keep, tower, and much of its original defensive structure. The day ends as you drive to the medieval city of Kilkenny situated on the banks of the River Nore.  (B)

Day 8 - Friday,  September  9 - Kilkenny/Dublin
This morning after breakfast, visit the Kilkenny Castle. Throughout the eight centuries of its existence many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles. The original Anglo-Norman stone castle was built for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke (c.1146-1219) during the first decade of the thirteenth century. Kilkenny Castle later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler Family for almost 600 years. The Butler ownership began when James (c.1360-1405), 3rd Earl of Ormond, purchased the castle in c.1391, and lasted until 1967 when Arthur, 6th Marquess of Ormonde (1893-1971) sold it for a small token. Your journey will continue as you drive to Dublin arriving into County Wicklow where you will visit the Powers Court House and Gardens.  The Powers Court House and Gardens was originally an important strategic site for the Anglo-Normans who came to Ireland in the 12th century. By the year 1300 a castle was built there and in possession of the Le Poer (Power) family from whom it takes its name from. The succeeding centuries saw the castle held for different periods by powerful families such as the O'Tooles and the Fitzgeralds, Earls of Kildare. The gardens at Powers Court were laid out in two main periods. When the house was rebuilt in the decade after 1731, the surrounding grounds were laid out in a series of formal rides and parkland to the North and carefully planned gardens and terraces to the South. The design reflected the desire to create a garden which was part of the wider landscape. To the north formal tree plantations framed the vista from the house, while a walled garden, fish pond, cascades, grottos, and terraces lay to the south. Later today you will arrive in Dublin. (B)

Day 9 - Saturday, September  10 - Dublin
Leave Dublin driving north to the archaeologically rich Boyne Valley region. Visit the Hill of Tara, believed  to represent the mother womb of Ireland. The Hill was the ancient seat of power in Ireland where 142 kings reigned there in prehistoric and historic times. In the ancient Irish religion and mythology it was the sacred dwelling place of the Tuatha Dé Dannan and was the entrance to the other world. Sitting on top of the King's Seat is a replica of the most famous of Tara's monumen Ireland's ancient coronation stone, known as the Lia Fail or Stone of Destiny. It was brought here according to mythology by the Dannan as one of their sacred objects and said to roar when touched by the rightful King of Tara. Here there will be time to meditate in this powerful place. Visit the 5,000 year old World Heritage Site of the megalithic tomb at Newgrange. One of the world's most important sacred sites and an amazing construction that pre-dates to the Pyramids of Egypt. See the spectacular world-famous passage grave containing Kerb stones engraved with megalithic art. One of the most stunning examples of ancient art at Newgrange is the beautifully carved entrance stone with its Triple Goddess spiral. You will have time to have a private ceremony (evening fire ceremony subject to approval). (B)

Day 10 - Sunday, September 11 - Dublin 
Today you will journey through the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough to visit the early Christian ecclesiastical settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century.  As you explore this magical site with monastic remains you will see a round tower, stone churches, and decorated crosses.  A stop will be made before you return to Dublin at a wool factory. (B)

Day 11 - Monday, September 12 - Dublin
The day will be at your leisure for personal pursuits.  Enjoy a stroll through the city along the cobblestone streets where you can enjoy shopping, have a pint at the famous Temple Pub or just people watch. You may also choose to join the red double decker “hop on hop off” bus tour, lasting only ninety minutes, to see Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Zoo, and many other sites. Tonight you will have a Farewell Dinner at Merry Ploughboys Pub. Enjoy the music and dance along with the Merry Ploughboys. (B, D)

Day 12 - Tuesday,  September 13 - Departure
Farwell to the Emerald Isle as you transfer to the airport. Arrive home with your hearts and minds filled with happy memories!  (B)s, )
  • International air Detroit/Shannon-Dublin/Detroit orNewark/Shannon-Dublin/Newark
  • Arrival and departure transfers as per program by Deluxe motor coach
  • English speaking guide and host
         throughout Ireland
  • 3 nights accommodation in Galway at The
         Hotel Meyrick or similar
  • 2 nights accommodation in Waterville at The
        Derrynane Hotel or similar
  • 1 night accommodation in Kilkenny at The
         Ormonde Hotel or similar
  • 4 nights accommodation in Dublin at The
         Ashling Hotel or similar
  • 11 breakfasts and 2 dinners
  • Entrance fees to the following attractions: Blarney Castle, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Burren Visitor Centre, Cahir Castle, Cliffs of Moher & Atlantic Edge Exhibition, St. Kevin's - Glendalough Visitor Centre, Hill of Tara, Kilkenny Castle, Kylemore Abbey, Newgrange or Knowth Neolithic Tomb, Powerscourt House & Gardens
  • Day Tour to Aran Islands including Ferry
  • Day Tour to Skellig Michael including Ferry (ferry Subject to Weather conditions and water levels)
  • Meet and Greet with an Inis Mor resident
  • Hotel service charges & sales tax
  • Porterage for one piece of luggage per person

  • NOT INCLUDED
  • • U.S. Departure Taxes & Airport Security ($385.00 subject to change)
  • • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, inter-net services soft drinks, coffee, tea (except at breakfast), mineral water, alcoholic beverages, passport fees, gratuities for drivers, guides, transfer personnel, travel insurance, etc…

         Please Note: Itinerary sequence subject to              change without prior notice.
Tour Highlights