Delphi Travel

Delphi
It is well worth visiting the archaeological site of Delphi, its history begins in 1400 BC and is directly connected to the Oracle of Delphi. Kings and warriors came to Delphi to consult the oracle of Pythia (the priestess). In exchange they offered treasures and a specific tax called “pelanos�. In this way the Oracle became one of the wealthiest sanctuaries of the ancient world.
Like at Olympia, games were held at Delphi, know as the Pythian games. They took place every four years in honor of the god Apollo and included contests among poets, musicians, philosophers etc.
Delphi was brought back to light after the extensive and systematic excavations of German archaeologists (from 1840) and the French School of Athens (from 1892).
The temple of Apollo dominates the center of the sanctuary’s enclosure. The Sacred way leads up to the temple and to the right and left, elegant buildings such as Treasuries of the Athenians, the Sikyonians, the Sifnians, Arcades, the Stoa of the Athenians and many others. There are also the remains of the theatre, the Gymnasium and the temple of Athena Pronoia.
The archaeological museum is actually an integral part of the sanctuary and contains exclusively finds from the site of Delphi, mostly offerings and architectural parts. Some of the most important exhibits are: Cleobis and Biton, the archaic statues of the twin kouroi, the chryselephantine statues of gods Apollo and Artemis, the frieze on the treasury of the Siphnians, the metopes of the treasuries of the Sikyonians and of the Athenians, the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos, the tyrant of Gela and the column of the dancing girls.
Delphi Lodge, Ireland’s most famous Victorian Fishing Lodge, was originally the country playground of the Marquis of Sligo. A delightful 1830’s country house, with great atmosphere, Delphi is hidden in a deep valley of unparalleled beauty. Described by the New York Times as “an inviolable wilderness preserve� and by the Financial Times as “an estate of fabulous beauty�, it’s the ultimate west-coast hideaway.
Delphi owns some of the best fly-fishing for salmon to be found in Ireland (pre-reservation is recommended); fishing tuition is also available. But most guests come for the peace, the magnificent scenery, the delicious food (served at a huge table) and the superb wine list.
Guests may play golf at Westport or ride on Cleggan Beach. The Lodge itself has a billiard room and eclectic library, and is ideal for winter house-parties. There are also five charming rental cottages on the 1,000 acre estate.
Visitors to Delphi are continually awed by the truly magnificent, unspoilt scenery of the Delphi Valley (as shown in the movie The Field). The setting is inspirational. We chose our location very carefully so as to provide as flexible a programme as possible under varied weather conditions.
We are located in South West Mayo (although our postal address is Leenane, Co. Galway), halfway between Louisburgh and Leenane. All around us are the mountains, beaches, sheltered inlets (we are on the shores of Killary Harbour), rivers, lakes and majestic scenery of Connemara.
This lovely, romote undiscovered corner of Western Europe boasts pollution-free (blue-flagged) beaches with incredible surf, Connaught’s highest mountain and beautiful, clean, fresh air – ideal for the outdoor enthusiast.
Geeting there:
By Driving:
Wherever your standing-point, you will reach Delphi via Westport or Galway. The former is approximately 30 minutes from the centre, while the journey from Galway takes about half an hour.
By Rail:
We can offer a discounted all-in fare which includes return transfer by coach from Westport station to Delphi.