Road Scholar : Ireland’s Coasts from North to South

Ireland’s Coasts from North to South

Program Number:

19446RJ

Start and End Dates:


	6/10/2013 - 6/27/2013; 6/24/2013 - 7/11/2013; 8/26/2013 - 9/12/2013; 9/9/2013 - 9/26/2013; 9/30/2013 - 10/17/2013; 10/7/2013 - 10/24/2013; 5/4/2014 - 5/21/2014; 6/1/2014 - 6/18/2014; 6/22/2014 - 7/9/2014; 8/31/2014 - 9/17/2014; 9/28/2014 - 10/15/2014; 10/5/2014 - 10/22/2014;

Duration:

17 nights

Location:

Ireland

Price starting at:

$4,070.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Meals:

44; 16 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 14 Dinners

Meal Options:

Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt; Gluten Free

Journey from the natural wonder that is the Giants Causeway to the rugged seacoast of the Southwest as you experience the unrivaled beauty of Ireland. Walk the Walls of Derry, and discover Northern Ireland’s troubled history in Belfast. Witness the haunting beauty of the Inishowen peninsula in county Donegal and journeying south, explore the stone age passage tombs of Newgrange. Learn about Irish emigration while in Cork and encounter some of Ireland’s greatest treasures — its people — as you meet a Member of Parliament in Belfast and dine with local families in county Cork.

Highlights

• With a National Trust expert, explore Giants Causeway and learn the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit a working Irish farm where you will get the opportunity to milk a cow and try your hand at baking traditional Irish soda bread.
• Learn about the history of Northern Ireland with a field trip to the political murals in Belfast and an excursion to the parliament of Northern Ireland.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain and stairs.

Date Specific Information

6-10-2013, 6-24-2013, 8-26-2013, 9-9-2013, 9-30-2013, 10-7-2013, 5-4-2014, 6-1-2014, 6-22-2014, 8-31-2014, 9-28-2014, 10-5-2014

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.

Itinerary Summary

Arrival Belfast (Northern Ireland), 3 nights; coach to Derry, 2 nights; coach to Galway (Republic of Ireland), 3 nights; coach to Killarney, 2 nights; coach to Cork, 2 nights; coach to Dublin, 4 nights; departure.

Overnight flight from the U.S.A.	1 night
Arrival Belfast (Northern Ireland)	3 nights

View the evocative murals of Belfast on a city exploration by coach before taking a field trip to the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont to meet a Member of Parliament. Attend a lecture on St. Patrick, Ireland’s revered saint, and enjoy an excursion to Armagh Cathedral and St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Coach to Derry

2 nights

En route to Derry, explore the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sample whiskey at the Bushmills Whiskey distillery, the oldest distillery in the world. With a local expert, walk Derry’s Walls and embark on a field trip to the Inishowen Peninsula.

Coach to Galway (Republic of Ireland)

3 nights

Visit the final resting place of the poet W.B. Yeats, and meet a local Yeats expert. Explore Galway city with a local historian and on your own. A field trip to Connemara includes a visit to Cong, the Quiet Man and Kylemore Abbey.

Coach to Killarney

2 nights

Explore the Cliffs of Moher and Burren and the Ring of Kerry Day with local folklorists. Walk the halls of Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion at the base of the Torc and Mangerton Mountains.

Coach to Cork

2 nights

Kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle before exploring the bustling city of Cork. Learn about the “Queenstown Story” in Cobh, enjoy a traditional dinner with host families in Carrigaline and sample Irish coffee.

Coach to Dublin	4 nights
Departure

Dazzle at crystal in Waterford before taking field trips to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle. Explore the site of Bru na Boinne which comprises Neolithic age burial chambers. Bake traditional Irish soda bread at a local farm and take a field trip to Glendalough, a sixth-century Christian Monastic site in county Wicklow.

Ireland

In 1801, the Act of Union merged the Kingdom of Ireland with the Kingdom of Great Britain. In the mid-19th century, the Irish experienced terrible famine and crowding that led to a spirited nationalist movement. With the Government of Ireland Act in 1920, five-sixths of the island began independent governance. Northern Ireland voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom, creating an island that today fosters two shared, yet opposite identities.

Accommodations
Belfast: Modern hotel located next to the Belfast Opera House. Derry: Four-star hotel on the banks of the River Foyle. Galway: Comfortable hotel with spa. Killarney: Modern hotel near Killarney National Park. Cork: Comfortable hotel with spa. Dublin: Historic four-star hotel.

Road Scholar Instructors

These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.

Bill Rolston

Bill Rolston is professor of sociology and director of the Transitional Justice Institute at the University of Ulster in Jordanstown, just north of Belfast. He has researched and written about Northern Ireland society and politics for more than 30 years. Bill is also the leading expert on the political wall murals of Northern Ireland and has written three books on the subject.

Paul Gosling

Paul Gosling is an archaeologist and author who lectures in humanities at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. He is also coordinator of The Diploma in Humanities, which is part of the Heritage Studies course. His research area is in archaeological survey, rural and urban. Paul has published a number of books and papers on Irish Medieval towns, including books on his hometown of Dundalk and the archaeology of The Burren.

Meals and Lodgings
	Jury's Inn Belfast
		Belfast, Northern Ireland	3 nights
	Waterfoot Hotel
		Derry, Northern Ireland	2 nights
	Harbour Hotel
		Galway, Ireland	3 nights
	International Hotel
		Killarney., Ireland	2 nights
	Imperial Hotel
		Cork., Ireland	2 nights
	Ashling Hotel
		Dublin, Ireland	4 nights

Jury's Inn Belfast
	Type:	Three-Star Hotel
	Description:	Modern hotel located in the heart of the city next to Belfast Opera House.
	Contact info:	Fisherwick Place Great Victoria Street Belfast, Northern Ireland phone: +44 28 9053 3500 web: belfasthotels.jurysinns.com/jurysinn_belfast
	Room amenities:	High speed Internet access, Satellite TV , 24-hour news channel , Hairdryer, Tea/coffee tray, Direct dial telephone, Voicemail.
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant, bar. Dry cleaniing/laundry service.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	Program # 19446 arrives in Dublin with a transfer up to Belfast on arrival day. For additional pre and post program accommodations, please contact Road Scholar Travel Services at (800) 241-1404 or via email to travelinfo@roadscholar.org
	Check in time:	2:00 PM

Waterfoot Hotel
	Type:	Three-Star Hotel
	Description:	Located on the Waterside area of the city overlooking the River Foyle and five minutes drive to the city centre of Derry.
	Contact info:	Caw Roundabourt Waterside Derry, BT47 6TB Northern Ireland phone: +44 28 7134 5500 web: www.waterfoothotel.com
	Room amenities:	Direct dial telephone. Flatscreen tv with Freeview. Tea and cofee making facilties. Iron and ironing board. Hairdryer. Safety deposit box. WiFi.
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant, wine bar. WiFi throughout
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Harbour Hotel
	Type:	Three-Star Hotel
	Description:	Minutes walk from Eyre Square the Galway Harbour Hotel is convenient to all shops, pubs, restaurants, theatres.
	Contact info:	New Docks Road Galway City, Ireland phone: +353 91 569466 web: www.harbour.ie
	Room amenities:	Direct Dial telephone, Personal Messaging Service, Full Fax and Modem Connections, Cable Television, Tea and Coffee facilities, Trouser Press, Hairdryer, Laundry Service (Off Site), Iron and Ironing Board
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant, Bar, Leisure center including gym, jacuzzi and steamroom
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

International Hotel
	Type:	Three-Star Hotel
	Contact info:	Kenmare Place Killarney, Co. Kerry Ireland phone: +353 64 31816 web: http://www.killarneyinternational.com/
	Room amenities:	TV, direct dial telephone, hairdryer, tea and coffee facilities, trouser press, ironing boards, room safe. Non-smoking rooms on request.
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant and bar, resident's lounge, snooker room and library. Conference facilities.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Imperial Hotel
	Type:	Three-Star Hotel
	Description:	AVEDA Lifestyle Salon and Spa.
	Contact info:	South Mall Cork, Co. Cork. Ireland phone: +353 21 4274040. web: http://www.flynnhotels.com/Imperial_Hotel_Cork
	Room amenities:	Satellite TV, radio, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, coffee and tea making facilities.
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant, bar and meeting rooms on site .
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes

Ashling Hotel
	Type:	Four-Star Hotel
	Description:	The Ashling is located in the heart of historic Dublin adjacent to Heuston Station, Dublin Zoo, Kilmainham Gaol and on the Luas red line.
	Contact info:	Parkgate Street Dublin 8, Ireland phone: +353 1 677 2324 web: www.ashlinghotel.ie
	Room amenities:	Direct Dial Telephone, Multi Channel Television, Complimentary WiFi access,In room safe, Hairdryer, Tea/coffee making tray.
	Facility amenities:	180 Seater restaurant, Chesterfield Brasserie and Iveagh Bar.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights after:	For additional pre and post program accommodations, please contact Road Scholar Travel Services at (800) 241-1404 or via email to travelinfo@roadscholar.org

Travel Details
	Start of Program: Meet at Dublin Airport for a two hour transfer to Belfast. EIL Ireland will confirm time in advance. Past programmes have met at Dublin Airport Terminal 2 at 10:30am. You will be staying at Jury's Inn Belfast that night.
	End of Program: After breakfast on departure day. Breakfast ends at 10:00am and check out is by 11:00am. You will be staying at Ashling Hotel the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
	Parking availability: No parking.

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	Train or bus availability:	As above.

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Belfast
	Nearest city or town:	Belfast
	Nearest airport:	Belfast
	Transportation to site:	Flights and buses available to Belfast from Dublin Airport. There is a public bus service Bus Eireann/Translink between Dublin Aiport and Belfast. They operate 24 hours a day. The Europa bus statiion is 3 minutes walk from Jury's Inn and central Belfast. The journey takes 2 hrs and 20 mins and costs approx. EURO 20 one way. see www.translink.co.uk/Journey-Planner/

	From End of Program
	Location:	Dublin
	Nearest city or town:	Dublin.
	Nearest airport:	Dublin.
	Transportation from site:	Bus Eireann stops in front of Trinity College, a single journey ticket is 7 Euro and tickets may be purchased at the stop. Taxis should take between 20-35 minutes depending on traffic and cost around 30-40 Euros one way.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

(Monday, October 7)

In Transit:

Overnight flights from North America.

Day 2:

(Tuesday, October 8)

Morning:	Transfers by coach to Belfast after arrival in Dublin.
Lunch:	Excluded.
Afternoon:	Check-in at the hotel followed by an orientation and welcome meeting.
Dinner:	In the hotel.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	Jury's Inn Belfast
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 3:

Belfast murals and MP at Stormont.
(Wednesday, October 9)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Illustrated Talk on the colourful and evocative murals of Belfast followed by a guided city coach ride. Speaker: Prof. Bill Rolston. Guided field trip to the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont including an opportunity to meet a Member of Parliament.
Lunch:	In Belfast’s most famous pub & restaurant, the Crown Bar & Saloon Dining Rooms, now run by the British Trust.
Afternoon:	Guided city highlights coach ride with Billy Scott.
Dinner:	In the hotel.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	Jury's Inn Belfast
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Armagh Cathedral and St Patrick's Cathedral.
(Thursday, October 10)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Lecture: ‘The Legend of St: Patrick: Ireland’s Revered Saint’. Speaker: Therese Cullen. Depart for Armagh, guided visit of Armagh Cathedral & St Patrick’s Cathedral
Lunch:	Lunch is taken out in Armagh at De Averell House.
Afternoon:	Return to Belfast for free time.
Dinner:	Excluded.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	Jury's Inn Belfast
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5:

UNESCO World Heritage Site Giant's Causeway.
(Friday, October 11)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Depart for Derry (Londonderry), the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest Walled Cities in Europe. En route take a field trip to Bushmills Whiskey distillery, the world's oldest licensed Whiskey distillery with a license to distil from 1608.
Lunch:	Taken out at Bushmills Inn.
Afternoon:	The day continues with a field trip to the Giant’s Causeway , a Unesco World Heritage site. A natural amphitheatre made up of hexagonal shaped basalt rocks, Guided visit of the site by a National Trust expert, followed by free time to explore this breathtaking natural phenomenon.
Dinner:	In the hotel.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	Waterfoot Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

Derry city walls and the Inishowen Peninsula.
(Saturday, October 12)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Expertly guided walk of Derry’s Walls by Martin McCrossan. Depart for a field trip to the Inishowen Peninsula, county Donegal and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery. Guide: Ronan McNamara.
Lunch:	Lunch is taken in the village of Culdaff.
Afternoon:	The field trip on the Inishowen Peninsula continues.
Dinner:	In the hotel.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	Waterfoot Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

Yeats at Drumcliff.
(Sunday, October 13)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Depart for Galway-the cradle of gaelic culture in the West of Ireland and often referred to as the ‘City of the Tribes’ as it was home to 14 famous merchant families. En route visit W.B. Yeats’ final resting place at Drumcliff county Sligo. Meet local Yeats expert for a guided visit of some of the areas near Drumcliff associated with Ireland’s national poet and Nobel Laureate, including readings www.yeats-sligo.com/html/tour.html Guide: Stella Mew.
Lunch:	Lunch in Sligo at The Glasshouse Hotel.
Afternoon:	Transfer continues.
Dinner:	In the hotel.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	Harbour Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Connemara coastline.
(Monday, October 14)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Full day field trip to Connemara in West County Galway. A broad peninsula between Killary Harbour and Kilkieran Bay in the west of county Galway, Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland.
Lunch:	Lunch is taken in Kylemore.
Afternoon:	Guided field trip to Kylemore Abbey, the oldest Irish Benedictine abbey. Continue on to explore the sleepy seaside villages of Connemara, stopping to enjoy an Irish coffee at Lough Inagh in Recess. Visit the award winning Cnoc Suain Heritage Centre for an insight into the rural folklore, traditions andway of life in teh west of Ireland.
Dinner:	Dinner at An Cruiscin Lan in the village of Spiddle.
Evening:	Return to Galway after dinner. At leisure.

Accommodations:	Harbour Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:

Galway city.
(Tuesday, October 15)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Depart on foot to the Meyrick Hotel Eyre Square for a lecture entitled "The Celts and the West of Ireland". Speaker: Paul Gosling. Followed by an expertly guided walking orientation of Galway city in the company of local historian Peadar O'Dowd.
Lunch:	Traditional Irish lunch in Ard Bia on the river at Spanish Arch.
Afternoon:	Free afternoon for you to explore Galway.
Dinner:	On your own. Time to try Galway's restaurants and pubs.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	Harbour Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10:

Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.
(Wednesday, October 16)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Depart for Killarney Co. Kerry via the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Including a brief gentle walk to experience the unique flora of the region in the company of local folklorist and farmer John Connelly.
Lunch:	In Vaughan's pub in Kilfenora.
Afternoon:	The transfer continues to the Cliffs of Moher and Killarney.
Dinner:	In the hotel.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	International Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

Ring of Kerry.
(Thursday, October 17)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Lecture and slideshow: "A ramble down the 'ol botharin" with Denis Kissane. Depart for the Ring of Kerry expertly guided by a local farmer and story-teller. Visit Muckross House en route. Muckross is a magnificent Victorian mansion spectacularly situated close to the eastern shore of Muckross Lake and set beneath the impressive backdrop of Torc and Mangerton Mountains.
Lunch:	In QC's in the village of Cahersiveen.
Afternoon:	The field trip continues.
Dinner:	In the hotel.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	International Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12:

Blarney Castle.
(Friday, October 18)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Depart Killarney for Blarney. Field trip to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. Tradition dictates that the gift of eloquence is conferred on all those who kiss the stone.
Lunch:	In Blarney Wollen Mills Hotel.
Afternoon:	Continue to Cork city, Ireland’s second largest city, Cork was founded in the seventh century and is today a bustling, lively little city. Check in followed by short walking orientation of Cork. 4:00pm Enjoy an Irish Coffee demonstration by the hotel.
Dinner:	In the hotel.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	Imperial Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13:

Queenstown Centre, Cobh.
(Saturday, October 19)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Depart for Cobh and the Queenstown Centre. Visit the ‘Queenstown Story’ exhibition, where we retrace the steps of 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland on coffin ships, early steamers and finally on the great liners.
Lunch:	At the centre.
Afternoon:	Return to hotel. Free time in Cork.
Dinner:	Taken with local host families in Carrigaline.
Evening:	With local families.

Accommodations:	Imperial Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14:

Waterford.
(Sunday, October 20)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Depart for transfer to Dublin via Waterford. Visit new Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com/Home
Lunch:	Family/community lunches in Waterford.
Afternoon:	The transfer to Dublin continues.
Dinner:	In the hotel.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	Ashling Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15:

St Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle.
(Monday, October 21)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Expertly guided field trip of Dublin City, including visits to St Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle.
Lunch:	Excluded.
Afternoon:	Free afternoon to explore Dublin independently.
Dinner:	Early dinner in the hotel.
Evening:	Depart for an evening at one of Dublin's renowned theatres, for a performance of an Irish play.

Accommodations:	Ashling Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16:

Bru na Boinne.
(Tuesday, October 22)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Depart for a guided visit of Bru na Boinne in nearby county Meath. Brú na Bóinne comprises of the Neolithic age burial chambers of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. Their survival through more than 5,500 years reflects the sophistication of their design, and ingenuity of the Stone Age man, which constructed them.
Lunch:	Taken out at Causey farm, a family run farm near Kells in County Meath. A family run working cattlle and sheep farm where you will meet the family and learn how to bake traditional Irish soda bread and scones or try your hand at milking an Irish cow!
Afternoon:	Spend the rest of the afternoon at the farm.
Dinner:	In the hotel.
Evening:	At leisure.

Accommodations:	Ashling Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17:

Glendalough.
(Wednesday, October 23)

Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.
Morning:	Lecture: “Christian & Monastic Ireland” Speaker: Sean Duffy. Depart for field trip to Glendalough, a sixth century Christian Monastic site in country Wicklow, magnificently situated in a glacial valley between two lakes.
Lunch:	In the Wicklow Heather in the picturesque village of Laragh.
Afternoon:	Continues.
Dinner:	Farewell Dinner and evening of traditonal Irish music
Evening:	Musical farewell.

Accommodations:	Ashling Hotel
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18:

(Thursday, October 24)

Depart From:	Depart from Dublin Airport.
Breakfast:	Full Irish breakfast in the hotel.

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
Galway	Galway Galway Cathedral, Lynch's Castle. Pubs feature music some nights.

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

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You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

16 nights accommodations
44 meals: 16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 5
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 17
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Hands-on experiences: 1
Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.
Performances: 1
Performances

A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.

Plus these special experiences...

Guided field trip of Connemara. From the imposing mountains in the north through lake-rich Bog to golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean
Visit a working Irish cattle and horse farm, milk a cow and try your hand at baking traditional Irish soda bread!
Learn West of Ireland from a local storyteller and enjoy a session of traditional Irish music.
Expert exploration of the Giant’s Causeway on North Coast of Antrim, UNESCO World Heritage site, and widely known as ‘the Eighth Wonder of the World’.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Highlights

Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain and stairs.

Date Specific Information

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.

Itinerary Summary

Arrival Belfast (Northern Ireland), 3 nights; coach to Derry, 2 nights; coach to Galway (Republic of Ireland), 3 nights; coach to Killarney, 2 nights; coach to Cork, 2 nights; coach to Dublin, 4 nights; departure.

Overnight flight from the U.S.A.

1 night

Arrival Belfast (Northern Ireland)

3 nights

Coach to Derry

2 nights

En route to Derry, explore the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sample whiskey at the Bushmills Whiskey distillery, the oldest distillery in the world. With a local expert, walk Derry’s Walls and embark on a field trip to the Inishowen Peninsula.

Coach to Galway (Republic of Ireland)

3 nights

Visit the final resting place of the poet W.B. Yeats, and meet a local Yeats expert. Explore Galway city with a local historian and on your own. A field trip to Connemara includes a visit to Cong, the Quiet Man and Kylemore Abbey.

Coach to Killarney

2 nights

Explore the Cliffs of Moher and Burren and the Ring of Kerry Day with local folklorists. Walk the halls of Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion at the base of the Torc and Mangerton Mountains.

Coach to Cork

2 nights

Kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle before exploring the bustling city of Cork. Learn about the “Queenstown Story” in Cobh, enjoy a traditional dinner with host families in Carrigaline and sample Irish coffee.

Coach to Dublin

4 nights

Departure

Ireland

Bill Rolston

Paul Gosling

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Daily Schedule

Free Time Opportunities

Suggested Reading List

7 days in Dublin. The Ultimate short stay guide

Author: Shane Kennedy

A Traveller's History of Ireland

Author: Peter Neville

Description: From the Celts to the Norman invasions and modern-day Ireland, this short history is highly recommended for those who would like a brief overview of the Emerald Isle through the centuries

Dublin American Express

Author: Polly Devlin

EXploring Rural Ireland

Author: A.Sanger

Heritage of Ireland

Author: Nathaniel Harris

Description: From the arrival of the Celts to the present, "Heritage of Ireland" reveals how history, climate, and culture have worked together to create a distinctively Irish identity.

Ireland (Landscapes Countryside Guides)

Author: Peter Singer

Description: This guide covers the Republic and Northern Ireland and includes: 13 car tours, 22 walks, 30 picnic suggestions; walking maps; timetables for public transport; pull-out touring maps; many short walks and picnic suggestions.

Ireland 1912-1985

Author: J.J.Lee

Ireland : The Emerald Isle and Its People

Author: Mark Morris and Anthony Cassidy

Ireland and the Irish

Author: John Ardagh

Ireland in Mind: An Anthology

Author: Alice Leccese Powers

Description: Editor Powers presents three centuries of fiction, poetry, and essays on the Emerald Isle by a stellar cast of mostly Irish, English, and American writers. What is portrayed is not the stereotypical Ireland of facile travel writing but an altogether deeper and profounder place.

Ireland in the 20th Century

Author: Tim Pat Coogan

Ireland, A Concise History

Author: Conor Cruise O'Brien

Description: With its lively even-handed tone and hundreds of well-integrated photographs and illustrations, this book conveys the essence of Irish history and the Irish experience.

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