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For example, among the most popular of all Scotland tours are the ones that remain in the city of Edinburgh for their entire duration. Travelers from all around the world will come to see the historic Royal Mile, the underground vaults, the many gorgeous buildings, and such attractions as the National Gallery and the theater district too.

Of course, Scotland tours can also take travelers into some of the most beautiful locations imaginable. For example, there are still many castles, seaside villages, and scenic roadways.  The political and religious history of the land is well-known and that is the reason that Celtic Pilgrim Tours tends to offer a lengthy visit to Scotland. What will be seen while on one of their tours of the area? Visitors can be sure to experience many parts of the gorgeous countryside and of Edinburgh too, and they will also be able to enjoy a visit to places such as Iona and the Hebrides as well.

What are these places? Iona is an island that has strong connections to Scotland’s Christian history. It is the home to one of the earliest monasteries in the United Kingdom. It was in 563 AD that St. Columba arrived on the island of Iona and started this monastery that would become a foundation of the Scottish Church. The monks would be forced to battle Vikings and struggle for their survival, but they prevailed and the island makes for a very moving destination on any tour.



The Western Region of the island has some of the best courses in the world including places like Carne at Belmullet and those of Lahinch and Doonbeg, Connemara and Enniscrone, and Galway Bay as well. The Eastern region also plays host to some of the most famous golfing in the world as well. There is the Royal Country Down, the K-Club and Druids Glen all just outside of Dublin. Golf breaks in Ireland can also include areas in the northern region too, and will allow the player access to courses at Ballycastle, Sligo, and Porteswart, among many others. Finally, in the south there is Ballybunion, Tralee, Waterville and many more.

Obviously, this means that golf breaks in Ireland can comprise the entire itinerary or they can be just a part of the journey. For those who are looking for a more well-rounded experience, the Celtic Pilgrim Tours company offers a unique view of Ireland that would allow for ample opportunity to sample golf while also getting a unique perspective of this fascinating land.

For one thing, the tours tend to have a somewhat Christian emphasis and will include visits to sites directly related to the famous St. Patrick. In fact, visitors will get to walk in many of the places that he walked, and will see for themselves the Medieval monasteries where Christianity was kept alive during the Dark Ages. Some of the tours also bring travelers to places directly related to the famous Revival period of the 19^th century as well.

Of course, few tours of Ireland are going to exclude the famous city of Dublin, and there are many golf breaks that occur in the regions surrounding this city. This makes it very easy for a visitor to enjoy a huge array of experiences in a very small span. For instance, they might head to the Druids Glen course for a few rounds of golf, and then join the tour as it heads to the Giant’s Causeway or the Glens of Antrim. They can then head back to the city to take a walking tour of the Royal Mile and witness some of the most interesting historical and cultural areas of the country’s history too.

What will you see when you book one of the Wales tours? You should expect to see a huge array of diversity and culture. This is because the people and history of Wales are as varied as its geography.

Wales tours can include visits to the remains of ancient forts and castles, as well as battlefields, and dramatic landscapes. They can also include tours of industrialized regions that seem entirely disconnected from the scenery that fills other areas nearby.

It is interesting to note that many Wales tours have distinctly religious themes because of the history of Christianity throughout the region. This can best be experienced through a tour that focuses on the Revival period in Wales. This took place in two distinct periods (1854 and again in 1904/5) and is when hundreds of thousands of inhabitants accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. This was the time when two new Pentecostal churches were created in Wales, and these were the Elim Pentecostal Church and the Apostolic Pentecostal Church.

Though there are many areas in which only empty chapels remain, the Celtic Pilgrim Tours emphasize the profound changes that the Revivals brought about. For instance, they focus on the people that came out of the Revival periods and went on to make enormous changes throughout the next century.

They also focus on the amazing choirs that are part of the Welsh heritage too. They refer to Wales as the “land of the mighty choirs” and ensure that each tour takes in at least one experience of a Welsh Male Voice Choir too.

What is the fundamental difference between the Celtic Pilgrim Tours and others? Firstly, they focus on the profound natural and cultural beauty of the Celtic lands, and they also have a distinctly Christian basis too.

Lastly, the tours are created by natives of Northern Ireland who have a strong background and connection with their own Celtic heritage. This means that visitors will get a sort of passionate “insider’s view” of the history and scenery of the Celtic lands as well.

One thing that can always be said about Ireland, is that its past and present are directly related to religion. There are few places that a visitor might go in which they don’t directly encounter religious buildings, religious stories, or both! This is the reason that so many people book tours of Ireland with a religious theme or focus.

Does this mean that they will be assured of witnessing the points that will be relevant to them? For instance, maybe someone is particularly interested in the life and times of St. Patrick. Does this mean that all religious tours of Ireland will give them a glimpse into his life? Not really, and this is the reason that it is important to select a tour company that has a lot of knowledge and dedication to its subject matter.

The Celtic Pilgrim Tours are geared specifically at the spiritual roots of Ireland (as well as of Scotland and Wales) and this means that the traveler will be able to know that they are getting a glimpse of the sites and scenery of specific interest to them. They will also be able to know that a much wider array of relevant information is going to be presented to them as well.

Such as? For one thing, the tours tend to include visits to places directly linked to the Middle Ages, which were a time when Irish monks worked hard to preserve Christian heritage. They will also be able to experience some of the locations in which the great Revivals of the 19^th century happened as well. It was at such times, and in such places, that tens of thousands of Irish men and women felt inspired to dedicate their lives to Christianity.

There are also visits to such fascinating destinations as Grianan of Aileach, which is the high seat of one of the ancient kings of Ireland. Here visitors get to experience one of the most well-kept secrets of spiritual Ireland and also enjoy an exclusive view of a unique natural area as well.

For example, what is there to see in Scotland when enjoying Celtic holidays? Apart from the remarkably beautiful landscape and scenery that defines any vision of Scotland, there is also the amazing history. Just consider that some people will head to Edinburgh and dedicate an entire week to the impressive range of history that seems to fill almost each and every one of the city’s many streets – particularly the area known as the “Royal Mile”.

What about Ireland? Why are so many Celtic holidays spent wandering the “Emerald Isle”? Consider the religious history of this entire land. Not only have its “troubles” made headlines for more than twenty years, but it is the birthplace of such notables as St. Patrick too. There are a huge number of sites and locations directly connected to this part of Ireland’s past, and this is one of the major reasons that people will head there. Of course, just like Scotland, it too has a lot of majestic scenery, especially along the Antrim coast and the Causeway Coastal Route as well.

Finally, we come to Wales. Here too is an ideal combination of history and scenery. Wales is home to its very own language (Welsh) which is still spoken by many of the natives inhabiting its lovely villages and towns. It is also a place which contains an impressive range of castles and historic ruins too. Naturally a lot of travelers make a visit in order to explore the many sites connected to the legendary King Arthur and his court magician, Merlin.

Clearly, Celtic holidays can be taken for a diversity of reasons and can contain an impressive range of activities and experiences. It is always a good idea to book any sort of journey with an agency or group that has a direct connection or history with the region. Celtic Pilgrim Tours is one such group, and it is operated by natives of Northern Ireland. They design each of their tours for those who are primarily interested in experiencing the Celtic history of these wonderful lands. The tours are intended to introduce travelers to the ancestry of these fascinating spots and inspire them to return again and again.

We at Sceptre International Ministries are looking forward to more wonderful times of exploring Ireland, Scotland and the surrounding Islands with Celtic Pilgrim Tours.”
Terri Neal – director Sceptre International Ministries, Inc. Houston, Texas. USA

“Celtic Pilgrim Tours hosts spiritual pilgrimages to various Christian sites in the UK for the purpose of praise, prayer, and repentance. These are not “vacation” tours but journeys in the footsteps of great saints such as Patrick, Columbia, John Knox, and Evan Roberts. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in what God is doing in this part of the world. The accommodations are first class and the food is great. These trips have been life changing for me and I highly recommend them.”
Pastor David Foxworth, Lighthouse Christian Church, Barre, VT. USA

“Celtic Pilgrim Tours was to me the most refreshing experience of my life. I was deeply challenged by the things I saw, what I heard and the places I visited. Ireland is truly blessed to have such an organization within its boundaries.”
Rev. Peter Cavasoz, Cavasoz Ministries, Grand Saline, Texas, USA

“We found our hosts, Roy and Yvonne Browne, to be knowledgeable, entertaining, and dedicated to their commitment of providing Celtic tours of the highest-quality. They went out of their way to make us feel welcome. By the time we completed our tour, we felt we not only had a sense of the spiritual heritage of Ireland, but that we had also been educated in it. I’m planning on returning with a full team of youth in the near future.”
Pastor Kim Pensinger, Missions Pastor, Maranatha Christian Church, Williston, Vermont, USA

Ireland

Walk in the footsteps of St Patrick, visit the site of Bangor Abbey where they had 100s of years of 24/7 Praise and Worship. Visit Saul Church, built of the site of St Patrick’s first Church, his grave in Downpatrick, St Patrick’s Centre the only permanent exhibition in the World dedicated to Ireland’s Patron Saint. Slane Hill where St Patrick lit the first paschal fire in direct defiance of the pagan kings at nearby Tara. The Gallarus Oratory a 1300 year old Church still watertight today. Glendalough, or the Glen of two Lakes, is one of the most important sites of monastic ruins in Ireland. It is also known as the city of the seven Churches. Fourteen centuries have passed since the death of its founder, St. Kevin, when the valley was part of Ireland’s Golden Age.

In Scotland

You can visit Iona an enchanting, magical, and very special place. Today some 140,000 people make their way here each year. In doing so, they follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who have been coming to Iona since not long after St Columba’s arrival in AD563. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, (Holy Island is in England but just over the Scottish border) in 635AD St. Aidan came from Iona and chose to found his monastery on Lindisfarne. The Christian message flourished here and spread throughout the world. You can visit St Giles’ Cathedral, there is record of a parish church in Edinburgh by the year 854, served by a vicar from a monastic house, probably in England. It is possible that the first church, a modest affair, was in use for several centuries before it was formally dedicated by the bishop of St Andrews on 6 October 1243. In 1559, Knox led the Lords of the Congregation into Edinburgh and was elected minister of Edinburgh. Knox played a principal role in establishing the styles of worship and administration that were to be accepted throughout the country. Knox served as Minister at St Giles’ until 1572.

In Wales

Visit the Churches and sites where The Revival Fire of God fell on a dry and hungry nation. This is an experience not to be missed; people are changed by this experience. You will have read about Evan Roberts, but others notable among the 152,000 estimated converts of the Revival are George & Stephen Jeffrey’s who later went on to found the Elim Movement, and David Powell Williams, the founder of the Apostolic Pentecostal church. It is also worth mentioning its effect on Rees Howells, intercessor and founder of the Bible College of Wales and David Lloyd George, who later became the British Prime Minister. The results of the Revival cannot be measured by the countless chapels that lie deserted on the Welsh hills today, but in the multitude of changed men and women who went on to effect the course of the twentieth century under the guidance of the Almighty.

Be it St Andrews, where you can almost see the ghosts of the past marching down the wide, undulating fairways; or Prestwick, the birthplace of golf’s most prestigious prize, the Open Championship, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary at St Andrews in July 2010; or the great Open courses of Muirfield, Turnberry, Carnoustie and Royal Troon; or the splendour of Royal Dornoch and Loch Lomond, or some of the many hidden gems, there is no finer country in which to play golf.

With challenging courses and award-winning accommodation, when it comes to a golf break in Ireland, you’re spoilt for choice.

Truly, golf in Ireland is just too good to miss. Indeed, the country is home to two-thirds of the world’s total links courses, for a start. That’s why we would urge you to do yourself a real favour and make it the destination for your next golf break with your family, friends, society or club. We can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed in the slightest.

You’ll find all of the big names here, including Royal Portrush – the only golf course outside of mainland UK to have hosted The Open Championship, incidentally – Royal County Down, which staged the 2007 Walker Cup, Ballyliffin, the European Club, Carton House, St Margaret’s and, of course, The K Club. But as well as them, you’ll also find a whole host of ‘hidden gems’ tucked away just waiting to be discovered.

Golf in Wales may be overshadowed by the great success of golf in Ireland and Scotland. However Wales boasts a proud tradition in golf which endures to this day. One of the greatest Ryder Cup players to play for Europe was Welshman Dai Rees. In the modern era, Wales has given us Ian Woosnam – Masters Winner, top European PGA golfer and regular Ryder Cup member. Indeed the Welsh Golfing Union established in 1895 is the second oldest in the world (the Irish being older).
In terms of golf courses, Wales has more 150 to choose from; some of which have hosted national and international championships. Most notable of these is St Pierre, host to the 1996 Solheim Cup. Celtic Manor, Newport, a golf hotel and country club, is set to become of the most prestigious conference centres in Wales, indeed has now been officially selected to stage the 2010 Ryder Cup . There is a full calendar of amateur and professional golf organised by the Welsh Golfing Union and Welsh Ladies Golfing Union, ranging from boys to ladies and seniors championships. Among the participating courses are Tenby, Llandudno, Whitchurch (Cardiff), Monmouth, Vale OF Llangollen, Prestatyn, Creigiau, Borth & Ynyslas, St Deiniol , Padeswood & Buckley, Aberystwyth , Ashburnham, Aberdare, Wenvoe Castle, Royal Porthcawl, Cowny (Caernarvonshire), Pyle & Kenfig .

Sample Golf Tour (Ireland) - 7 days

Day 1: Flight to Dublin, Ireland

Day 2: Play The Royal Dublin Golf Club This famous links course has been drawn on the lines suggested by the surrounding nature reserve, and provides a test of golf that has been enjoyed by golfing greats and amateurs alike for over 100 years. Free time in Dublin. Dinner along with Irish Music and Dance tonight

Day 3: Play The Royal County Down Golf Club is located in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the links stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole. Tour of the Mountains of Mourne where CS Lewis got the inspiration to write the ‘Chronicles of Narnia.

Day 4: Play Royal Portrush Golf Club, it is home to one of the best and most challenging links golf courses in the world, the Dunluce Links, and the hidden gem, the Valley Links. The only club in Ireland to have hosted The Open Championship

Visit the The “Old Bushmills” Distillery is the world’s Oldest Licensed Whisky Distillery and has been legally producing Irish Malt Whisky since 1608. From today you will be staying in a hotel with its own golf course.

Day 5: Play Portstewart Golf Club, founded in 1894 and redesigned by Willie Park jnr in the 1920’s this championship links course received its greatest makeover with the purchase of land known as “Thistly Hollow” in 1981. This enabled the club to build a stunning new seven holes through towering dunes and fabulous and natural links land. Visit the Giants Causeway and Dunluce Castle

Day 6: Play Ballyliffen Golf Club, it consists of two outstanding, contrasting links courses and 36 wonderful holes make up one of the finest golf resorts to be found anywhere in the world. We will visit the Famine Museum and hear about Ireland of old.

Day 7: Transfer to airport for your return flight.

While we endeavour to arrange the itinerary above, all Golf Courses are subject to availability on your chosen dates and we reserve the right to change to alternative courses. Courses will be confirmed when you book.