Archive of Past Programs

Note: This program is no longer available. Please see Domestic Trips and International Trips for currently available programs.

Enchanting Ireland
The Archaeology, History, & Culture of the Emerald Isle

Discover western Ireland's ancient treasures and contemporary culture—from Bronze Age tombs and medieval castles to the locals' favorite pubs!

Aug. 26–Sept. 7, 2012

 

$8,495 (member*)
$8,695 (nonmember)

Deposit: $1,000
Balance due: May 26, 2012

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

Shrouded in mist and sculpted by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the western seaboard of Ireland is a lush and enchanted land of craggy cliffs, green hills, and ancient legend. In this leisurely tour of counties Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal, we will explore more than 6,000 years of Irish history, as reflected in ancient megalithic monuments, Bronze Age tombs, and medieval castles and monasteries.

Join cultural geographer Dr. Samuel Couch for this unique exploration of Ireland’s historical, cultural, and natural treasures. Based out of charming bed and breakfast accommodations in coastal villages, we will tour fascinating archaeological and historical sites, dine in local pubs, and immerse ourselves in the quiet life-rhythm of rural Ireland today.

Note: This educational tour is limited to eight participants to provide an intimate, high-quality travel experience.

Discover the dramatic landscape and archaeology of Ireland’s western seaboard, which has inspired so many famous Irish legends and myths

Gain a firsthand appreciation for the remarkable architectural achievements of the people of ancient and medieval Ireland—including the second-largest stone age cemetery in Europe and several examples of early Christian architecture

Learn how Irish history continues to influence contemporary culture, music, and literature

Spend two days exploring ancient and historic landmarks in eastern Ireland, including Brú na Bóinne and the Battle of the Boyne site

Scholar

Dr. Samuel (Sam) Couch, director of the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude in Idaho, is a cultural geographer, educator, and experienced tour guide specializing in Irish archaeology, history, language, and culture. He directed Summer Study Abroad and Irish Studies programs at Georgia Southern University and Young Harris College, and since 1984 has shared his passion for all things Celtic by leading numerous small-group tours to the Emerald Isle.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

For larger map, click here.

Sunday, August 26
Arrival in Shannon; transfer to town of Ennis for dinner and introductions; lodging at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, County Clare (D)

Monday, August 27
Counties Clare and Galway: the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, cathedral of Kilfenora, Poulnabrone Dolmen (portal tomb), Kilmacduagh Monastery and Round Tower; lodging at Wellfield Guesthouse in Oughterard, County Galway (three nights) (B, L, D)

Tuesday, August 28
County Galway: Aughanure Castle, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, village of Clifden, including the Connemara Pony Museum and the Alcock and Brown memorial; lodging at Wellfield Guesthouse (B, L, D)

Wednesday, August 29
Ferry to Inis Mór (the largest of the Aran Islands) to tour Dún Aeonghus and Na Seacht d’Teampaill (Seven Churches); lodging at Wellfield Guesthouse (B, L, D)

Thursday, August 30
Counties Mayo and Sligo: village of Cong, Cong Abbey; lodging at Ardtarmon House in Ballinfull, County Sligo (three nights) (B, L, D)

Friday, August 31
Counties Sligo and Leitrim: William Butler Yeats country (including Glencar Falls, the Lissadell House and Gardens, Hazelwood Forest, Lake Isle of Innisfree, and Drumcliffe churchyard), Parke’s Castle, famine graveyard; lodging at Ardtarmon House (B, L, D)

Saturday, September 1
County Sligo: Knocknarea Mountain, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, stone circles, passage tombs, dolmens; lodging at Ardtarmon House (B, L, D)

Sunday, September 2
Counties Sligo and Donegal: Creevykeel Court Tomb, Donegal, Donegal castle and abbey; lodging at Millstone Guesthouse, Gleanncholmcille, County Donegal (three nights) (B, L, D)

Monday, September 3
County Donegal: valley of St. Columcille, boat ride from Teelin to cliffs of Sliabh Laeg; visit Oideas Gael, the Irish language college in Gleanncholmcille; lodging at Millstone Guesthouse (B, L, D)

Tuesday, September 4
County Donegal: Gleanncholmcille Valley, Ulster Folk Village, Dun Alt promontory fort, Dolmen Centre, Kilclooney Mhor portal tombs, Glen Gesh Pass; lodging at Millstone Guesthouse (B, L, D)

Wednesday, September 5
Counties Meath and Louth in eastern Ireland: Trim Castle, Monasterboice High Crosses, Old Mellifont Abbey, Battle of the Boyne site; lodging at Smarmore Castle, County Louth (B, L, D)

Thursday, September 6
County Meath: Brú na Bóinne (Boyne Palace), including passage tombs and other ancient constructions; lodging at Smarmore Castle (B, L, D)

Friday, September 7
Departure from Dublin (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California
CST 2059347-50

Copyright © 2011 by Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. All rights reserved.