Phil and Elaine designed a bespoke trip meeting our needs that was incredible. They were great hosts. What an experience. I highly recommend them!

Finding words to capture and communicate the experience of traveling with Phil and Elaine is almost impossible. My daughter and I walked St. Declan’s Way with them a week ago and our hearts are still so full that even the life we have returned to feels brighter, clearer, and more meaningful as a result. The walk itself was gloriously beautiful. Phil and Elaine worked together with so much care and harmony to ensure that every detail was in place that we felt genuinely held and looked after in every way possible. The group (who hadn’t known one another before the tour began) became extended family by midweek. The warmth, vivid peace, and hospitality of the sisters at Glencairn Abbey was like being absorbed in living prayer. And the humor, quick-witted repartee, and profound knowledge of each place and local culture from both Phil and the guides and characters he asked to join us at various turns, was spectacular! Sharing photos and stories with family and friends afterwards, the most frequent question was “how did you FIND this??“ Well, that was all part of the magic I suppose … If you’ve come as far as reading this review, and it rings a “true note“ in any way, my one recommendation would be: DON’T hesitate. Email Phil immediately 🙂

Walking St Declan's Way with Phil and Elaine was probably one of the most inspiring experiences we have ever had. We stayed in Glencairn Abbey, a haven of peace and tranquillity. We prefer not to list in detail what Phil and Elaine offered in order to avoid 'spoilers' as the camino was full of unexpected surprises and treats. However, some highlights must be mentioned, for example Elaine's organisation and support for all five pilgrims; he kindness throughout the week was ever reliable and often accompanied by warm infectious laughter. Nothing was left to chance. She helped to create the generous and continual camaderie in the group. Friendships were forged as a result. Phil's inspirational leadership of the reflections at key points in the pilgrimage was another highlight. These rich moments were usually accompanied by music (portable Bose system) to match the theme and the location. His encouragement, patience and understanding of the group were a key ingredient in building an atmosphere of trust, support and regular hilarity. It was uncanny how he matched the way to the needs of the each indvidual in the group. Each key location along the way saw the arrival of local guides with intimate knowledge of the history, geography and culture of each from the Rock of Cashel, through Ardfinnan, Cahir, the Knockmealdowns, Cappoquin, Lismore, Villierstown and Ardmore, over hills, through valleys and along the area's delightful rivers. It is impossible to capture the richness of the experience in a few words but stories told and confidences shared along the way contributed to the success of the pilgrimage and to lasting friendships. Finally, the nuns of Glencairn Cistercian Abbey, Lismore, provided the most gracious and thoughtful welcome that we have experienced on many Camino routes. We were made to feel at home from the moment we arrived. We enjoyed several lovely conversations in the Abbey, filled with humour and kindly thoughtfulness. Thank you Phil and Elaine. Míle buíochas. You are a great team. Go raibh míle maith agat.

I recently completed St Declan’s Way arranged by The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and organised by Celtic Ways Ireland. Phil and Elaine are dedicated and attentive, they offer a high standard with a personal touch. I thoroughly enjoyed the walking, education and sheer fun of the experience. They introduced us to locals with knowledge and a love for their area. I would highly recommend Celtic Ways Ireland.

Phil and Elaine are truly the best! When I started planning our Ireland adventure, none of the other tours offered what we were after. We were looking to spend more time in fewer and more local places, which allowed us to see important sites, and also immerse ourselves in the Irish culture of today. Wow, did they deliver! We spent a total of 5 weeks in Ireland, and saw the most meaningful and gorgeous places, but more importantly, we met Irish people where they really live. The stories, hospitality, and genuine care that the people we were intentionally connected with served as second hosts when we landed in their areas. We made lifelong friends and felt like honorary Irish people! Even if you can't spend as much time as we did, I would recommend you avoid the "tour machine" and try this way of travel. Put your trust in the Celtic ways, as they will not disappoint you. Thank you, Phil and Elaine, for the most lovely vacation we have ever experienced. Gay Dering

We want to thank Elaine and Phil of Celtic Ways, with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart - for whose Mission in Sudan we walked the Pilgrim Path - for the most wonderful experience of walking St Declan's Way from Cashel to Ardmore at the end of May. The harmonies that struck us along the way will always be with us. These were - an appreciation of Celtic spirituality rooted in nature and neighbour evident in the hospitality of all we encountered from Glencomeragh to Ardmore, and in the abundant flourishing of the nature and landscape we walked in. The sacred moments through out our day and our shared sacred moments with Fr Tony each day when Eucharist was celebrated and our lunch shared in a nice shaded spot. The excitement of young people swimming in the cool River Suir at Ardfinnan and Goatenbridge. The tranquility of crossing the Mountain from Ballybacon/Grange to Mount Melleray and on to Lismore. Our nights out in Carrick and Dungarven and the Peace Choir singing in Glencomeragh; The shared laughter and singing of our group - officially launched on route -'The Electrolydes' - we bonded so well -forever young!!!- fun, fun, fun -great for the heart and soul. We could go on and on, all of the above came about because of Elaine and Phil's attention to detail, planning and preparation. Each of the five days brought its own magic with the input from our expert local guides. This was a superb experience, it is obvious to us that Elaine and Phil, are the experts and love what they do. If you or any group you know want an experience on Pilgrim Paths - look no further than Celtic Ways Ireland. Billy and Teresa Hawkes. Dublin.

Many thanks to Phil and Elaine for a most wonderful experience on St. Declan's Way on 24th. to 29th. May . They were meticulous to every detail of our journey and attentive to the groups needs as well as to individual needs of everyone. They were there with us every step of the way and made the journey a most memorable event.

What a wonderful experience we had last week as our Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Group had the immense privilege of taking part in walking St Declan’s Way with Phil and Elaine from Celtic Ways Ireland. There were so many special moments throughout the journey, each one leaving a lasting impression. The entire pilgrimage was made even more extraordinary by Phil and Elaine, who are simply incredible. Every single need and requirement was attended to with the utmost care and precision. Their attention to detail is something to be truly admired—nothing was ever too much trouble. They created an atmosphere where we could fully immerse ourselves in the experience without any worry. The pilgrimage offered everything reflection, mountain walks, incredible organic food sourced locally, rich history and gorgeous hiking. Phil and Elaine had arranged expert guides for each day, and we were truly spoiled by their knowledge. Huge thanks to Alice, Conor, Mark, John G and James for sharing their wisdom and their love of our land. A particular highlight was the evening they arranged for the Island of Ireland Choir of Peace to sing for us. The talent in the room was absolutely outstanding, and it added such a beautiful and uplifting dimension to the pilgrimage. If you ever have the opportunity to see this choir seize the opportunity. This is just another treat that Phil and Elaine arranged for us. Fr Tony Horgan MSC, our spiritual director, led us in outdoor Mass most days which brought a profound sense of peace and closeness to nature. One particularly moving occasion was at Lady’s Abbey, where we were joined by a remarkable 96-year-old lady whose presence made the experience incredibly special and deeply memorable. Celebrating Mass in the old cathedral in Ardmore, beside the round tower, was another highlight—a truly sacred and unforgettable moment. If you are considering a tour or pilgrimage in Ireland—or indeed their tours in Scotland or Wales—I cannot recommend Celtic Ways Ireland highly enough. It is an experience not to be missed. Mary Morrish, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Cork

We have traveled with Celtic Ways as a group on multiple pilgrim walks over the past several years. Two years ago, we were so impressed with our St. Declans Way Pilgrim Experience in Ireland the first time that we have returned again and again. Last year my wife and the group walked the St. David's Way tour through Wales and Southeastern Ireland and this year we walked a brand new Fife Pilgrim Way tour through Northeastern Scotland and the historically significant Isle of Iona off the West Coast. This most recent itinerary was a bespoke tour crafted just for our group. Traveling with Dr. Phil and Elaine Brennan have left us with impressions that will last a lifetime. Each trip was unique and special because as Dr. Phil says, "things will happen along the way that are unplanned" and these are happenings that make the experience totally memorable. The accommodations and the food were always top notch and the very special people that the Brennans know and sprinkle throughout makes the time magical. Something else that the Brennans do with a twinkle in their eyes "we have a special surprise for you today". Count on it to be extraordinary. Phil and Elaine are an outstanding team making sure that no detail is missed and each person is looked after and cared for. A favorite Dr. Phil question is "Are we happy?". They treat each individual as they would a family member. After traveling with them, we feel like they are family to us and we look forward to many more adventures with Dr. Phil and Elaine. Photos from our recent trip to Scotland are included.

We enjoyed a one of a kind trip to Scotland with Phil & Elaine. Truly, every single detail was taken into consideration and every step of our journey was meaningful and magical. Thoughtful, caring, funny and supportive throughout the trip and highly recommend!