Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle and the surrounding Folk Park grounds shine a light on the daily lives of its 15th- and 16th-century inhabitants. In the 1640s the castle and grounds were abandoned and left to ruin for centuries. However, in the 1950s the process of restoring it to its former grandeur began. Open to the public, it is a labyrinth of staircases and rooms that one can wander and explore while imagining a life long ago. Bunratty Folk Park recreates rural and urban life in 19th-century Victorian Ireland. There is an extensive array of vernacular buildings; indicative of all of the social strata from the poorest one roomed dwelling to Bunratty House, a fine example of a Georgian residence for the gentry.

Cork

This lively city on the beautiful south coast of Ireland is the country’s second largest city. Cork is known for its great contributions to architecture, design, music, dance, theater, film, food, literature, and sports.

Blarney Castle

Built in 1446, Blarney Castle is now the most popular tourist attraction in all of Ireland. The site is renowned for its mystical powers and legend has it that eloquence is bestowed upon anyone who kisses the Blarney stone.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail and part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits that include golf, water sports, cycling, walking, running, riding and the very best fishing in freshwater rivers. Above all, the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland and takes in some of the most spectacular landscapes of Ireland’s Southwest.

There is a huge variety in the excursion including incredible scenery, historical and archaeological sites of national importance, Ceilí dancing, traditional music, Gaelic football, meeting local people, visiting a Gaelic speaking area and learning about local traditions & the way of life. Students get to experience life in Kerry and visit places most tourists never see. It’s always great fun or ‘great craic’ – an experience not to be missed!

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Built in 1425, the Bunratty Castle and the surrounding Folk Park grounds shine a light on the daily lives of its 15th- and 16th-century inhabitants. In the 1640s the castle and grounds were abandoned and left to ruin for centuries. However, in the 1950s the process of restoring it to its former grandeur began. Open to the public, it is a labyrinth of staircases and rooms that one can wander and explore while imagining a life long ago. Bunratty Folk Park recreates rural and urban life in 19th-century Victorian Ireland. There is an extensive array of vernacular buildings; indicative of all of the social strata from the poorest one roomed dwelling to Bunratty House, a fine example of a Georgian residence for the gentry.

Galway

Galway is a charming coastal city on the west coast of Ireland. County Galway is Ireland’s largest Gaelic-speaking area in the country, and even today the mother tongue of much of the population is the native Irish language. The countryside surrounding Galway seems not to have changed in 150 years. Fields that were abandoned during the potato famine of the mid-1800s still lie untouched, and one sees the low stone walls and rolling hillsides that characterize Ireland. In the midst of the history and tradition of the countryside lies the bustling city of Galway. Students find plenty of diversion in the city labeled the “Cultural Capital of Ireland.” Students may also visit the 13th century Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus is said to have prayed before undertaking his journey to the New World.

Cork

This lively city on the beautiful south coast of Ireland is the country’s second largest city. Cork is known for its great contributions to architecture, design, music, dance, theater, film, food, literature, and sports.

Blarney Castle

Built in 1446, Blarney Castle is now the most popular tourist attraction in all of Ireland. The site is renowned for its mystical powers and legend has it that eloquence is bestowed upon anyone who kisses the Blarney stone.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail and part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits that include golf, water sports, cycling, walking, running, riding and the very best fishing in freshwater rivers. Above all, the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland and takes in some of the most spectacular landscapes of Ireland’s Southwest.

There is a huge variety in the excursion including incredible scenery, historical and archaeological sites of national importance, Ceilí dancing, traditional music, Gaelic football, meeting local people, visiting a Gaelic speaking area and learning about local traditions & the way of life. Students get to experience life in Kerry and visit places most tourists never see. It’s always great fun or ‘great craic’ – an experience not to be missed!

The Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher

On the very edge of Europe is a group of three islands, rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology and in their long tradition of gentle hospitality. Here is a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic Ireland. Aran takes you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. It is a timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and welcoming island people.

Students will also have the opportunity to visit the Cliffs of Moher, an iconic stop for anyone along the Irish coastline.

The Cliffs of Moher & Alliwee Caves

The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren are at the heart of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, which is Ireland's rugged West Coast, and one of our most dramatic landscapes. This is Ireland at its most panoramic, with it’s cliff top walks, quintessential Irish Villages, friendly country vibes…all surrounded with jaw dropping views! It’s an adventure never to be forgotten! We will also travel through The Burren, which gets its name from the Gaelic word 'bhoireann' meaning, 'a stony or Rocky place' which formed over 320 million years ago under what was a tropical sea. This unusual landscape has an intriguing underworld area that is best understood by a visit to the famous Aillwee Caves, which are about 1.5 million years old, and boast some of the most spectacular stalactites and stalagmites in Ireland.

Dolphin Watch

Dolphin Watch is a special guided boat trip with students to the mouth of the River Shannon, a huge area of wildlife conservation, where Irelands greatest river opens up into the Atlantic at Hoop head. Here you can watch and learn about Ireland’s resident group of bottlenose dolphins and other creatures that inhabit this beautiful area. Every trip is different in this dynamic environment, and you can immerse yourself in the magic of Ireland's stunning natural backdrop, while getting the chance to encounter irish wildlife at its best.

Wild Atlantic Way Daytrip (to Connemara with Archery in the Bog and a trip to visit an ancient fairy fort at St Brigit’s Celtic Gardens (combined)

We make our way from Galway city to the wild and unspoiled boglands of Furbo in Connemara to get back to nature at Eile Mental. Eile Mental Activity Park promotes Irish language, heritage and culture through exciting outdoor activities in a fun, friendly and safe environment. While here we will receive a masterclass in archery while immersing ourselves in the peat bog landscape. Next, we will make the journey over the Connemara bog road to St Brigit’s Celtic Gardens where we will take a journey into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology, with a tour of the four Celtic gardens, a traditional ancient fairy fort and thatched roundhouse.