Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland
Up to 30 in group
May 19 - 26, 2025
About this Retreat
Corey Martin is a Yale-trained family physician driven to change the delivery of healthcare and improve the mental and physical health of our communities. He is a founder of
Innovations in Resilience and the
Bounce Back Project, a practicing private group physician, Bush Fellow, and a consultant to many healthcare and educational organizations in their response to clinician burnout. Driven to do this work by the loss of two colleagues and friends, Corey strives to create an environment of opportunity in which all of us can do the deep, heartfelt work of changing the way we show up and interact in each other’s lives.
One of the ways he does this is by facilitating resilience retreats across the United States and throughout the world. He is both a Certified Daring Way Facilitator and Center for Courage and Renewal Facilitator in training and facilitates workshops based on the work of Brené Brown and Parker Palmer. In his free time, he enjoys working on his farm which he has recently turned into an event center. He lives in Buffalo, MN with his three daughters. He is a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring “good enoughist”.
David Freeman is currently the Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Little Rock. He has been in pastoral ministry since finishing seminary at Emory University in 2003. In an attempt to face his own bedevilments of perfectionism and people pleasing, he began studying the work of Brené Brown which continues to challenge and transform him. David became a Certified Daring Way Facilitator in 2017 and shares this work with other clergy and laity around the state of Arkansas mainly through retreats and workshops. He is married to Katie, who is a therapist, and together they are trying to show their two daughters as much of the world as possible before they leave for college in a few years. After many years of being an avid marathon runner, David’s joints asked him to slow down and spend more time hiking, which he loves. He also loves hanging out with his two best friends, Charlie and Slider.
Details of this retreat
May 19 - 26, 2025
$3499 - $4399
25 CME/CEUs Available
This Amazing Ireland Retreat will help you to reunite mind, body, and spirit by connecting with like-minded individuals as you walk the stunning vistas of “The Emerald Isle”.
National Geographic once called it “the most beautiful place on earth”. It was pillaged by the Vikings and is home to some of the oldest ruins in Europe. This is the Dingle Peninsula on Ireland’s Western Coast and its closest neighbors to the west are in America! With every turn leading down meandering country roads to wild hedgerows, endless skies and cozy thatched pubs, you’ll soon understand why National Geographic approved so much.
The Dingle Way is one of Ireland’s most beloved “ways” or long distance hiking trails and encircles the Dingle Peninsula. Most visitors simply drive the peninsula in a few hours, but our group will spend 7 days walking around the Dingle Peninsula, enabling us to truly connect with self, each other, the local culture and the landscape.
The diversity of different landscapes is the reason why the Dingle Way is such a popular trail. It never takes long before a turn in the path reveals a dramatic change of scenery. From walking along tranquil farmland, hearing the crashing waves of the Altantic at Slea Head to the lonesome strands of the gold beaches of Maharess. The Dingle Way invigorates the senses.
While the landscapes change and at times it can feel like you are thousands of miles away from anyone, you are never far from civilization. It is only a few hours walk between villages so food, drink, and anything you may need can be easily found along the way.
During this adventure, expert facilitators will provide daily sessions inspired by the Center for Courage & Renewal and Brené Brown’s, The Daring Way™ programs, as well as research from other thought leaders in burnout prevention and resilience. During the process we explore the thoughts and behaviors that hold us back and we identify the new choices and practices that will move us toward more authentic and wholehearted living. The sessions will be interactive, fun, and insightful. We’ll work hard, be challenged, and leave feeling ready to take on new challenges.
We begin each day with an early morning hearty breakfast and daily educational sessions before the day’s hiking adventure unfolds. We will spend the rest of the day admiring the unique and impressive panoramas of Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, ancient ruins, lush landscape, friendly locals and amazing fresh fish and local craft beers. We will be accompanied on this enchanting hike by friendly and knowledgeable guides who will fill our days with a soulful blend of scenic hiking, educational insights, and wonderful food.
In the early evening we will have the opportunity to meet for a social hour, daily reflections and deeper understanding of the days journey as we rejuvenate our mind, soul and trekking legs before enjoying a lovely dinner. Each day will help you build a plan to reawaken joy, meaning and purpose in your life. No matter what your level of fitness or resilience experience you are welcome on this active holiday.
Tralee is the closest major city to the awe-inspiring path we will be hiking. Our proximity to Tralee and Dublin also allows participants to add a few days either before or after this trip and experience Ireland on a larger scale.
If have additional questions about this trip, please contact Corey Martin at Corey@BounceTravels.com
TENTATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE
7:00am Breakfast
7:30am: Daily educational sessions
11:30am Daily Trek along Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula takes you to the most beautiful part of the Emerald Isle to see “the most stunning pieces of scenery in the world”
5:00pm Return to Hotel/Relaxation/Personal Reflection/Social Hour
7:00pm Dinner together with your choice of many great Irish beers and whiskeys.
Our time developing resilience will be through the use of quiet reflection, lectures, journaling, daily group reflections, and using our experiences and the paths we hike as daily metaphors to develop gratitude, hope, awe, and joy.
DAILY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Dingle (May 19)
We will depart at 11:00 AM from Kerry Airport and at 11:30 AM from Tralee Train Station, traveling by van to Dingle. This charming town, surrounded by a working fishing harbor and hills dotted with sheep, features steep streets transformed by colorful tourist shops, craft outlets, and a variety of restaurants and pubs. Despite its popularity, Dingle retains many local niches for a more authentic experience. As the heart of one of Ireland’s most prominent Gaeltacht regions, 25% of households primarily speak Gaelic. Once we arrive at our hotel and have had time to settle in, we will have an afternoon session together to set the stage for the week by determining our learning priorities and individual goals, creating a brave space for hard conversations, and beginning to forge our community through a unique and amazing introduction ceremony. We will spend the first two nights in Dingle.
Day 2: Dingle to Minard Castle
Morning educational sessions are a deep dive into gratitude, relationships and mindset. After our sessions, we will walk from Dingle to Minard Castle. The journey begins by ascending the old green road out of Dingle, winding through sheep farming country. We will climb An Cnoc Maol Mor and descend through lush green trails, arriving in the village of Lispole. Following a brief snack and water break, we will embark on the final short trek to our destination for the day: the remains of the 16th-century Minard Castle, surrounded by a beautiful beach with the opportunity to soak your feet in the cool waters of the North Atlantic. Breakfast is included. Hiking Details: approximately 5 hours | 11 miles
Day 3: Ventry to Dunquin
Morning educational sessions will be on creating space in our busy life – how to get clear on our values and set boundaries and allow for a new story of meaning and purpose to arise. Today, we will take a short shuttle to Ventry to begin our day. Our walk will primarily be on minor roads and beaches, but beyond Ventry village, you will encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. The trail winds through vibrant fuchsia hedges and ascends an old track at the foothill of Mount Eagle, passing the early Christian beehive huts at Fahan. Behind us are views of Ventry Harbour and south to the Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island. Ahead, the trail opens up to reveal Slea Head and the Blasket Islands. Beyond this point lies America, with locals often saying, “The next parish over is Boston.” We will meet at the end of our hike today at the Westernmost pub in Europe for snacks and refreshments before we are shuttled to our hotel in Ballyferriter. Breakfast is included. Hiking Details: approximately 5 hours | 10 miles.
Day 4: Dunkin to Ballyferriter
Morning educational sessions will focus on perfectionism, grief and forgiveness. Today, we shuttle back to Dunkin to sightsee and hike to Ballyferriter. The Blasket Island Interpretative Center provides a captivating look into the tough life on the islands until the last residents moved to the mainland in 1953. If the weather allows, we highly recommend visiting the Blasket Islands independently. While in the area, savor the delicious Irish cuisine and enjoy a pint of Guinness at the westernmost pub in Europe. Additional attractions include local beaches, hiking trails, and ancient ruins, as well as the breathtaking views from the Three Sisters peaks. In the afternoon, we will hike back to our hotel to spend our second night in Ballyferriter. Breakfast is included. Hiking Details: approximately 3 hours | 6 miles.
Day 5: Ballyferriter to Brandon Creek
Morning educational sessions will use clearness committees to focus on how to create the life you desire. Today, you have the opportunity to brave a swim in the ocean at Wine Strand. You'll be in the heart of early Christian civilization, surrounded by as many as sixty notable sites of cultural and religious significance from the 5th to 9th centuries. We will depart from our hotel to hike around Tralee Bay, with the stunning Slieve Mish mountains as a backdrop. Much of the day will be spent walking along the beach, with a brief stop at Tigh T.P., a well-known local pub, for a late lunch and drinks. We will then continue to Brandon Creek, believed to be the departure point of Saint Brendan’s legendary voyage. At the end of the hike, we will meet at An Bothar Pub and be shuttled to our hotel for the next two nights in Castlegregory. Breakfast is included. Hiking Details: approximately 5 hours | 10 miles
Day 6: Cloghane to Castlegregory
Morning educational sessions will focus on transitions and refining your vision for a more meaningful, purposeful, and joyful life. We will be shuttled to Cloghane to start our hike today. Upon arrival, you'll have free time to explore the many hiking paths, offering gorgeous views of the bay and the beautiful yellow iris pastures. Back at sea level, today's walk follows the coast. You can circle the Castlegregory promontory or cross the neck of the spit via Lough Gill, home to Bewick's swans and Natterjack toads. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, pristine beaches, and perhaps spot some local wildlife. We'll gather back at our hotel, The Harbour House, for dinner as we spend our second night in Castlegregory. Breakfast included. Hiking Details: approximately 6 hours | 12 miles
Day 7: Tralee
On our final day, we'll embark on a short hike into Tralee, where we'll check into our hotel and then have free time to enjoy the vibrant life and beautiful parks the town has to offer. In Tralee, you can visit the Kerry County Museum to delve into the region's rich history, stroll through the stunning Tralee Town Park with its famous Rose Garden, or catch a captivating performance at the Siamsa Tíre National Folk Theatre.
The final night will be spent in Tralee, where you can either enjoy the vibrant nightlife or relax in one of the town's cozy pubs.
Breakfast and dinner are included. Hiking Details: approximately 2 hours | 4 miles
Day 8: Departure after Breakfast. (May 26th)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
WHAT'S INCLUDED
7 nights of hotels (limited single rooms available)
All breakfasts
Luggage transportation
Dinner the last evening of the trip
Spontaneous side trips
Healthy snacks
Expert facilitation of educational topics
Transportation to and from the Killarney Airport (KIR)
25 CME/CEUs for healthcare professionals
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Round-trip airfare
Daily lunches and most dinners
Tips and gratuity for guides
Additional boat trips, excursions or trips of your choosing
Trip Insurance – Click here to get a quote
CANCELLATION DETAILS
Cancellations prior to January 19, 2025 are subject to a $500 cancellation fee
Non-refundable on or after January 19, 2025
A minimum of 10 participants are necessary or the retreat will be cancelled. This decision will be made at least 90 days before international retreats and 60 days before domestic retreat start dates.
If Bounce Travels cancels the trip due to any reason, you have your choice of a refund (minus credit card fees) OR use your entire balance towards another Bounce Travels trip through the following calendar year
PLEASE NOTE
This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, rain, festivals and spontaneous side trips. This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all the different paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
This experience is powered by CMEfy – discover unlimited opportunities to capture reflections at the point of inspiration, point of care to unlock continuing education credits via ReflectCE– an accredited activity portal designed for busy Dentists, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Physician Associates, Physicians and other members of the healthcare team.
Reflections based on retreat content can be eligible for up to 25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Learn more about CME/CEU credits for healthcare specialties here.
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