10 Day
Literature & Culture
Student Tour of Ireland
Highlights
Start: Dublin
End: Dublin
About
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Trinity College & The Book of Kells
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Sheep Dog Demonstration
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Travel into the Connemara Mountains
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See the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher
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Kiss the Blarney Stone
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Explore W.B. Yeat's inspiring Sligo
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Walk Benbulben Mountain
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Sail to the Aran Islands
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See the home of the Claddagh ring in Galway
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Off the beaten path
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Local Guides & Tour leader throughout
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Less time travelling, more time exploring
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Daily activities included
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Perfect for school groups & study abroad
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Excellent value
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Castles, Local Pubs, & Authentic Experiences
Study Abroad, Spring Break, School Trips... we've got you covered!
Exploring a new country and culture can be one of the most rewarding experiences for students. Our Literary Tour of Ireland is a great introduction to some of Ireland's most legendary poets and scholars!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Dublin - Fáilte
Welcome to Dublin, a city that celebrates it's prose, poetry, play writing, and song writers! Dublin is a resoundingly social place, packed with culture, creativity and craic (fun). You'll see it in the busy pubs, in the rolling nightlife scene, in the music and in the chat. But this ancient gem basks in natural beauty, too. Framed by mountains, centered on the river Liffey and edged by a beautiful bay, the city's streets and alleys are filled with vibrant art and historic buildings, hip cafés and traditional "old man" pubs, as Dubliners call them. Walk the streets and you'll feel the energy of over 1,000 years of history, as echoes of the Vikings mix with buzzing boutiques, cobbled streets reverberate with the sounds of buskers, and 18th century parks play host to festivals, film and food markets.
Our tour begins with a welcome meeting, and then it's off to enjoy the legendary Dublin night life.
Included: Accommodation
Day 2: Literary Dublin
Today begins by exploring one of the most beautiful books in the world, in one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Book of Kells is a 9th century illuminated religious manuscript, housed at Trinity College. The Long Room at trinity is has even been featured in Harry Potter. From here we'll head to the Oscar Wilde monument, and St. Stephen's Green. In your free time, why not explore the Chester Beatty Library, which houses an impressive collection of ancient a medieval books.
Included: Accommodation, Trinity College and Book of Kells Entrance, Breakfast
Day 3: Head West to Yeats’ Country
Board a train headed west, bound for Sligo, also known as Yeats’ Country, after the renowned poet, W.B. Yeats. Sligo is known for its literary heritage and rugged countryside, so while we're here we'll enjoy both! We'll walk with a local guide to hear about the dark side of Sligo, and then you'll have a free afternoon to enjoy time in this great town. Sligo was also featured in the Hulu series, Normal People featuring Irish native, Paul Mescal.
Included: Accommodation, Breakfast, Train Journey, Sligo Walking Tour
Day 4: Benbulben & Galway City
We start today by heading into the countryside to one of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, Benbulben. We’ll enjoy the views of the flat-topped mountain and witness the beauty of Yeats’ country in the Dartry Mountains, as well as Classiebawn Castle. Our next stop of the day is Galway. We'll enjoy lunch at a one of the country’s most popular pizza restaurants, The Dough Bros. After lunch we'll take a walking tour around The City of Tribes.
Included: Transportation, Walking Tour, Accommodation, Breakfast
Day 5: Connemara Mountains, Sheep Farm, &
Kylemore Abbey
Today we venture into the rugged and beautiful landscape of Connemara, via private coach, where we find our first stop of the day, Kylemore Abbey. We will have plenty of time to explore all of what Kylemore has to offer, which includes entrance into the Abbey, the Victorian walled gardens, a Neo-Gothic church and mausoleum, and woodland walks. From here we carry onto our next stop of the day, Killary Sheep Farm. Nestled on one of the most beautiful pieces of land in all of Ireland overlooking Killary Fjord, we'll watch a Sheep Dog Demonstration, and partake in whatever other farm activities are on at the moment. We often find ourselves feeding baby lambs, watching sheep shearing, or trying our hands at bog cutting. After a full day of Connemara fun, it's back to Galway city for the evening.
Included: Day trip to Connemara, Farm Experience Accommodation, Breakfast
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, & The Aran Islands
Today we leave Galway and head for the charming village of Doolin. Doolin is home to Doonagore Castle, and is known for colorful houses, and traditional music. From here we sail by ferry to the smallest and most remote of the Aran Islands, Inis Oírr. The Aran Islands are officially a Gaeltacht area where the Irish language and traditions have been kept alive, and are a hidden gem off the Irish west. Once we return to the mainland, we'll head to the Cliffs of Moher Experience, to enjoy the views. If they look familiar, you may remember them as the "cliffs of insanity" from the Princess Bride, as well as being featured in the Harry Potter movies. After a day spent on the coast, we'll travel to the town of Ennis for the evening.
Included: Breakfast, Transportation, Aran Islands Day Trip, Cliffs of Moher, Accommodation, Breakfast
Day 7: Blarney Castle & Kilkenny
Today we depart Ennis and head for the famed Blarney Castle. Here you'll have a chance to Kiss the Blarney Stone in hopes of getting the gift of eloquence, or as they say the gift of the gab. You'll have time to explore the castle gardens and grounds. After lunch, we'll head to the Medieval city of Kilkenny, home to Ireland's oldest recorded witch trials. We'll have an orientation walk around Kilkenny where your tour leader will help you get acquainted with the town.
Included: Transportation, Blarney Castle Entrance, Orientation Walk, Accommodation, Breakfast
Day 8: Kilkenny
Today enjoy Kilkenny at your leisure. You'll have time to visit Kilkenny Castle, or even try your hand at one of the most popular Gaelic Games, Hurling. Kilkenny boasts an artist market, round tower, and lots of shopping. Your tour leader will help you organize your day so you get the most out of your time in Kilkenny.
Included: Accommodation, Breakfast
Day 9: Kilkenny to Dublin
This morning we board a local train bound for Dublin. From here we'll join a local guide as we travel into the Wicklow Mountains to see traditional Irish Pubs that are off the beaten path. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner at Glenmalure Lodge, situated in a glacial valley, and serving authentic Irish food. Our evening will be spent off the beaten path in authentic local pubs, enjoying the beautiful nature of the garden county.
Included: Accommodation, Breakfast, Train Ticket, Wicklow Mountains excursion
Day 10: Farewell, Ireland
Today we say farewell to Ireland as our epic Irish adventure comes to an end.
Included: Breakfast
