Travel to IRELAND this Summer with the Caspersen School’s Irish Studies Program at Drew University
Highlights of the Tour:
- June 27-July 9, 2013
- 11 days/10 nights
- Irish breakfast each day
- Two dinners, plus special events such as a Traditional Irish music session at a one of Ireland’s best traditional pubs
- Boat trips on Lough Gill and the River Corrib; walking tours of Belfast and Derry and famous Black Cab tour of Belfast
- Tour will spend time in Dublin, Belfast, Derry, and Galway, as well as visit some of the most beautiful and legendary natural features of Ireland, including famous coastlines, Giant’s Causeway, Donegal Bay, Galway Bay, Connemara, the Burren, and a day trip to the famous Slieve League
- Optional special events including a play at the famous and historical Abbey Theatre in Dublin; a Tour of Trinity College to see the Book of Kells; and an opportunity to go surfing at County Donegal’s famous Bundoran beach
- Private lectures for tour group including one by an Irish scholar on the past, present and future of the north of Ireland
- Drew graduate students can take for credit as ARLET 234 Modern Irish History
- Class sessions open to all trip participants who choose to attend
- All transportation and transfers, excluding airfare
- Admission to nearly 30 historic, cultural, and literary sites
Cost
Ground travel, three- and four-star hotel accommodation, 13 meals and admission to over 30 attractions for only $2199 per person/double (airfare not included).
To reserve your place please deposit $500 by March 18. (Single room supplement is $400).
Interested?
Please fill out the following form to express your interest and we’ll email you with details about deposit, etc.
Itinerary June 27 – July 9
Thu, June 27
United States to Dublin
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation
Please note: airfare is not included in the package. While we are ready and willing to help you with getting the best flights/airlines, booking the flights will be your responsibility. We believe this will save significant money as you can take advantage of specials, frequent flyer miles and other options that a group flight cannot. You will need to arrive in Dublin airport at approximately 9:00 a.m. to take advantage of the first day’s activities. Otherwise, we will meet you at the hotel on the afternoon of June 28th.
Fri, June 28
Dublin Arrival and Sightseeing
After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Then your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Stop for breakfast at the Man O’ War restaurant and pub which has been standing on a hill on original Dublin to Belfast Road since 1595. Then travel north to visit the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, which opened in 1997 and is designed to present the archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley, which includes the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. The Centre is the starting point for all visits to both monuments, and contains extensive interpretative displays and viewing areas. Visit the Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange which was built about 3200 BC. The kidney-shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. After your visit drive into Dublin and visit the National Museum on Kildare Street. Collections of many types of Irish artifacts are housed here but the most important are the early Christian items in gold and precious stones. See the Tara Brooch, the Ardagh chalice, the Shrine of St. Patrick’s Bell and the Cross of Cong and many priceless works. Travel to your hotel and check in. The balance of the day and evening are at leisure for independent activities and dining.
Overnight: Camden Court Hotel, Dublin
Sat, June 29
Dublin Highlights & Musical Pub Tour
We meet in the morning to enjoy a brief overview of the Political history of Ireland, as a precursor to our visit to Kilmainham Gaol and Glasnevin Cemetery. We then continue into the city centre to see the General Post Office, The Garden of Remembrance, The Writer’s Museum at Parnell Square, the Chester Beatty Library, St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. We return to the hotel in the late afternoon, and the evening is yours to enjoy the famous hospitality of Dublin. For those who are interested, we will book tickets for the Abbey or Gaiety Theatres; alternatively, there are many places to enjoy music and a lively pub scene after a very cultural day.
Overnight: Camden Court Hotel, Dublin
Sun, June 30
Glendalough, Wicklow Gaol & Powerscourt
Today drive south through the mountains to visit the scenic valley where Glendalough is located. Glendalough was an important monastic settlement, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century, which became one of the most important centers of learning in Europe. Today, the well-preserved round tower and church ruins are interesting to explore and the Visitor Center explains the history of the settlement. After visiting Wicklow’s historic gaol, which operated until 1924 with only 42 cells but up to 400 prisoners, we will then travel back towards Dublin stopping to visit Powerscourt Gardens, a superb collection of trees, shrubs, and flowers gathered from all around the world. Situated near the charming village of Enniskerry, this former home of Lord Powerscourt is a delightful experience with terraced Italian gardens and abundant floral displays. This evening enjoy an escorted musical pub tour with your group with the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Camden Court Hotel, Dublin
Mon, July 1
Hill of Tara & Walking tour of Belfast
Travel north today along the coast and stop to visit The Hill of Tara which was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland – 142 kings are said to have reigned there in prehistoric and historic times. In ancient Irish religion and mythology it was the sacred place of dwelling for the gods, and was the entrance to the otherworld. Saint Patrick is said to have come to Tara to confront the ancient religion of the pagans at its most powerful site. Motor via the towns of Dundalk and Newry and past the scenic Mourne Mountains into Belfast which is situated on the deep inlet of Belfast Lough surrounded by hills. Take a guided walking tour around Belfast. As you walk through the city center see the Albert Memorial and the ornate Victorian buildings of the Opera House. Stop for lunch on your own at the Crown Liquor Saloon before embarking on the famous “Black Cab tours” of the Shankill and Falls Road areas of Belfast—the epicenter of the troubles in Northern Ireland. We will then head to check into your hotel. Once you have settled into your room you may choose to relax or explore the town before dining with your group (or it can be on your own).
Dinner & Overnight: Jurys Belfast Inn, Belfast
Tue, July 2
Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle & Derry Walking Tour
Drive along the north coast of Ireland to explore the Giant’s Causeway, huge hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. The huge rocks have given rise to many legends, especially involving Finn McCool. Then we head to Dunluce Castle, seat of power for the MacDonnell clan for 400 years, until a portion of the castle fell into the sea in 1639. Enjoy a walking tour of central Derry to see the principal sights. See the 17th century city walls, which are some of the best preserved in Europe, and the Diamond, the main central square. Also pass the 17th century St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Tower Museum with local history displays and the Guildhall where the history of Derry is depicted in stained-glass windows. Travel onwards to Bundoran, County Donegal for welcome dinner & check in to accommodation for the next few days
Dinner & Overnight: Atlantic Aparthotel, Bundoran
Wed, July 3
St Patrick : from Christianity to Penal Times
Today, we will enjoy some time to learn about the establishment of Christianity by St. Patrick, through to the attempts to disestablish Catholicism in the 15th Century. Our travels will take us to St. Patrick’s Well in Ballyshannon, and the Gatsby Cave, where Mass was celebrated during Penal Times. We then travel on to visit Donegal Castle and Town, stronghold of the O’ Donnell Tribe. In the evening, we will have a traditional Irish Music session for you, and also the famous Guinness experience- learn how to pull a pint the right way, and how the locals enjoy it!
Overnight: Atlantic Aparthotel, Bundoran
Thu, July 4
Glencolmcille Folk Park & Sleive League Cliffs
Travel to Glencolumcille at the end of the peninsula facing the open Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Folk Village Museum, which depicts rural Donegal life and traditions during the past 300 years. Continue to visit Slieve League mountain, which is Europe’s highest sea cliff at 1,972 feet or 598 meters. Walk the short distance to the cliffs as not to miss the exciting scenery of the area. There are terrific views of the sea and the Sligo Mountains. Donegal Bay can be clearly seen as you walk towards the terrifyingly high top and look down to Lough Agh at eye level. The amazing cliff face of Bunglas, literally means end of the cliff, which rises over 306metres above the raging ocean. One Man’s Path will take you to the summit of Slieve League but the climb must be approached with extreme caution as it is very dangerous. At the end of your walk, motor around Donegal Bay stopping at the fishing port town of Killybegs for some free time.
As it is July 4th, we will be enjoying an evening Bar-B-Q and some celebrating of our own culture, but Irish style!
Overnight: Atlantic Aparthotel, Bundoran
Fri, July 5
Drumcliffe, Yeats Country & Sligo Town
Today drive into the scenic County Sligo to visit the Drumcliffe, the final resting place of the poet, W. B. Yeats, in the adjoining churchyard in the shadow of Benbulben Mountain, and visit the The Model, a 21st century museum in Sligo Town. In the afternoon, we will visit some of the famous places associated with the poet, W. B. Yeats, and his brother, painter Jack B. Yeats, including Glencar Waterfall (described in The Stolen Child) and the magnificent Leitrim Glens, including a boat trip on Lough Gill.
We will conclude our stay in Bundoran with a banquet dinner of Irish Cuisine, and an “open-mic” type music session, where we encourage you, in true Irish style, to join in and sing a song/ tell a joke/ entertain us!
Overnight: Atlantic Aparthotel, Bundoran
Sat, July 6
Ceide Fields, Croagh Patrick, Famine Memorial & Westport Town
Today we motor through County Sligo and on into County Mayo to visit Ceide Fields along the Mayo Coast. The Ceide Fields has been one of the most exciting prehistoric discoveries in recent years in Ireland. Buried and preserved beneath 6ft of blanket bog are the remains of a New Stone Age community, which lived here before 3000 BC. This discovery reveals how well organized the Stone Age society must have been, for the extensive enclosed pastureland must have required a high level of social cooperation and cohesion. Then drive south via the town of Castlebar, located on the scenic Clew Bay which is reputed to have 365 islands. Stop to visit the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick, where tradition maintains that St. Patrick fasted for 40 days. Stopping at the Famine Memorial at the Delphi Valley, site of the tragic march of 1847, Ashleigh Falls and the village of Leenane, location of the movie “The Field”. Then drive on into Westport and check into your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Westport, Westport
Sun, July 7
Dan O’Hara Homestead & Galway City
Today drive to the Connemara Heritage center to visit Dan O’Hara Homestead. Built on the original site of Dan O’Hara’s home and renowned in song. After your visit, travel to Galway and enjoy a cruise on the Corrib Princess which sails from Woodquay in the heart of the city along the famous Steamers Line, the lake’s traditional trade route. The journey will take you along the majestic River Corrib and onto the lake providing unsurpassed views of the historic monuments and natural amenities that make this the most spectacular waterway in Ireland. After the cruise, return to Galway city for some free time. You may choose to enjoy yourselves around Eyre Square, the hub of the city. Most of the shops are within easy reach and there are also many quaint pubs where Irish traditional music is played.
Overnight: Forster Court Hotel, Galway
Mon, July 8
Craggaunowen Project & Bunratty Winery
Drive south this morning to visit the Craggaunowen project. In the grounds of Craggaunowen Castle, set among the lakes and hills of the Fergus estuary, is a reconstruction of daily life in prehistoric and early historic Ireland. The whole historic reconstruction project is the child of John Hunt, an imaginative archeologist and art historian. It as given birth in the 1960’s, when he restored the tall, waterside tower house and furnished it with medieval religious objects. Next stop at the Bunratty Winery which stands in the shadow of the famous 15th century Bunratty Castle. Bunratty Winery is home of the most mystical drinks in Ireland, Bunratty Mead and Bunratty Potcheen. Return to Ennis for independent dining followed by entertainment which has been arranged by your Tour Leader.
Overnight: Old Ground Hotel, Ennis
Tues, July 9
Return to the United States
Sadly, today your Irish vacation has come to its final day. Depart Ennis and travel a short distance to Shannon Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores. Then clear U.S. Immigration before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.