SAGE EXPERIENCE: ireland
A GUIDED JOURNEY OF THE MASCULINE SOUL for men ages 55+
April 2-11, 2027
ALL MEN MUST RECKON WITH MIDLIFE
The time comes for every man where he realizes the morning of his life has turned toward afternoon. There is more behind than ahead, and the time has come to reckon with what has been while moving ahead intentionally toward what still lies ahead. But many men have little sense of what this season could or should entail, and we struggle knowing how to navigate it. We lack a vision for what it means to be a godly "Sage."
Sage Ireland is an opportunity for men aged 55 and beyond to consider both the joy and the disappointment of life up to this season, and to find purpose and vision for the season that is yet to come.
Are you under 55 years old or looking for the Scotland experience (for men aged 35-59)? Click here!
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Once in a Lifetime Trip
10 day guided experience through the legendary and stunning country of Ireland
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Pilgrimage with Purpose
Engage the core narratives of your life in order to embrace your second half with clarity, purpose, and resolve.
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What's Included
All accommodations (double occupancy), most meals, entrance fees, in-country transportation, facilitated discussions and individual storywork
The manhood journey is cyclical rather than linear, and the further along we travel, we find ourselves once again at the beginning. To truly become a Sage, we must go deeper and in reverse to recover those parts of us we exiled, forgot, lost, or never fully knew. Men who successfully navigate midlife emerge with a vision for who God originally made them to be.
But men who go on living their lives without an awareness of their own deep need for this intentional work simply grow old, believing their best years are behind them rather than ahead. To become a Sage is the highest calling of God on men. It is the pinnacle of manhood, and yet the vast majority of men settle for a too-small story as they pass the midlife mark. This passage into the second half is God's invitation to His bigger story.
"If the task of the first passage is to find the man within the boy and call him forth, the task of the second passage is to find the boy within the man and bring him home."
-Chris Bruno, Sage: A Man’s Guide into his Second Passage
THIS EXPERIENCE IS FOR YOU IF…
You are a man aged 55 years or older.
You are a follower of Jesus.
You have already done some personal work on your own story.
You want to engage the next season of your life as a man and navigate midlife with purpose.
You are not currently in crisis-mode. This is not therapy.
[If applicable] You have spoken with your wife and she agrees to send you on this journey.
You love to travel off the beaten path in small groups, not large buses or on tours.
You aren't looking for sightseeing (though we will visit amazing places), but rather an exploration of your heart.
You are ready for a different kind of trip.
ITINERARY
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Day 1: Arrive in Dublin
Arrive in Ireland's most famous city for our Welcome & Orientation Dinner. We will gather over a hearty Irish meal, get to know one another, and prepare for the soul journey ahead. A mixture of European city, ancient history, political fire, and thick accents, Dublin is a place of paradox, beauty, and hilarity.
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Day 2: Travel West
Today we head to the far western coast of Ireland, also known as the Wild Atlantic Way. Here, we encounter the fierce landscape of rugged cliffs, tumultuous shores, and powerful currents. The landscape mirrors our own interior landscape, and invites us to consider the paths both behind and ahead.
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Day 3-7: The Wild Atlantic Way
Challenged and inspired by Ireland's most fierce landscapes, we explore the narratives of our lives with thoughtful reflection and facilitated conversation. Along the way we encounter cathedrals, castles, and ancient ruins that mirror the seasons of our lives as men. As this is not a site-seeing tour, but rather an expansive invitation to the landscape of your own heart, we have curated a spacious yet adventurous experience where you can engage the past, present, and future of your own story. Specific details are intentionally kept quiet to allow you to lean in and focus on your self.
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Days 8-9: The Best of Dublin
After a week full of reflection, wrestling, and pursuit, we return to Dublin for joy and hearty Irish laughter. We feast together, visit important and impactful sites around Dublin, and have a chance to find the perfect gifts to bring home to those we love. Our final evening together will be marked with words of gratitude for all that has taken place and words of blessing over all that is yet to be.
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Day 9: Departure
Having come to this spacious island to explore our stories, find our hearts, connect with God and each other, and move with intention into the second passage of our lives, we say goodbye to one adventure and embark on an even greater one: we return as different men as we come home to ourselves.
“It was transformaTIONal on every level — heart, soul, mind and strength. A highlight experience of a lifetime.”
-2023 Participant
PRICING
$6,000
Once your application is accepted, there is a $500 deposit required to register.
At least 50% of the trip cost ($3,000) is due on December 1, 2026.
The remaining balance will be charged on February 1, 2027.
Cost includes all items listed above, but does NOT include airfare to/from Dublin, most lunches, and alcoholic beverages.
See refund policy in FAQ section below.
Space is limited to 10 men. Last year the trip filled in days. REGISTER NOW
FAQs
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-All in-country transit and transportation
-All accommodations (based on double occupancy)
-All breakfasts and dinners (lunches are on your own)
-Tours and activities
-Small group conversations and large group sharing
-Lots of space to reflect and explore the landscape of your own heart
-Signed copy of Sage: A Man's Guide Into His Second Passage, by Chris Bruno
-Daily personal reflection prompts and small group guides
-Facilitated small group discussions and individual Storywork
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You’ll need to arrive in Dublin, Ireland at the designated location for a Welcome Dinner on Friday evening, April 2, 2027.
You’ll Depart from Dublin, Ireland any time on the morning of April 11, 2027.
You’re responsible for travel to Dublin.
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Registration deposits are non-refundable once your application is apprpoved.
Cancellations initiated by the participant received in writing to Restoration Project on or before January 1, 2027 will receive a 50% refund of their payment minus deposit (i.e. if $6,000 is paid, $3,000 will be refunded).
Cancellations initiated by the participant received in writing to Restoration Project after January 1, 2027 will not receive refund.
Trip Coverage is available for purchase from a third party during the checkout process.
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We’d love to chat more with you if you have any questions. Please email Michael at michael@restorationproject.net