Two night trip to Dingle, Co Kerry:
Once cited as 'the most beautiful place on earth' by the National Geographic; was voted among the top 100 destinations in the world by Trip Advisor, this trip is sure to give students a true insight into the best Ireland has to offer. The town of Dingle is located on The Dingle Peninsula or Corca Dhuibhne (in Irish), which stretches 30 miles (48 kilometres) into the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland's south-west coast. The peninsula is dominated by the range of mountains that form its spine, running from the Slieve Mish range to Mount Brandon, Ireland's second highest peak. On route to Dingle, students will visit the picturesque village of Adare in Co Limerick which is famous for its thatched cottages, as well as visiting Bunratty Folk Park. Bunratty Folk Park is a living reconstruction of the homes and environment of Ireland of over a century ago. Rural farmhouses, village shops and streets are recreated and furnished as they would have appeared at that time. Students will also get to see traditional farm yard animals that would have been common to most homes at that time also.
Day trip to Burren/ Cliffs of Moher:
Taking students along Galway Bay, your first stop is at the fishing village of Kinvara to see Dunguaire Castle & into The Burren- home to 75% of Ireland's native flora & location of numerous ancient monuments which include the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort- home of little men with green hats and orange beards! We make our way to the coastal village of Doolin before visiting the 200-metre high, 8kms long Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands and take your time to soak up the natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. The Burren is a place full of wonder and beauty.
Day trip to the Aran Islands:
The three Aran Islands, Inis Mór Island (Big Island), Inis Meáin Island (Middle island) and Inis Oírr Island (East island) are situated in a north westerly, south easterly direction at the mouth of Galway Bay, Ireland (you can see them from Salthill on a clear day!). We will be visiting the biggest of these Islands (Inis Mór). They are famous for their geological formation, historical monuments and their linguistic and cultural heritage. The Irish(Gaelic) language is still spoken here and in the twenty first century all native born islanders are bilingual in both Irish and English. Inis Mor is the largest of the three Aran Islands (7,635 acres) and includes several ancient stone forts and churches among its antiquities. Most impressive of the stone forts is Dun Aengus. It is semicircular, resting on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 metres out of the ocean. The fort consists of an inner court 50 metres across surrounded by a wall six metres high and five metres thick at the base. Outside is a rampart, a defence formed by sharp-pointed stones set closely together. Dun Aengus superb position and it's structural perfection, have prompted many experts to pronounce it one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe. There are about 1100 inhabitants on Inis Mor making it by far the most populated of the islands.
Connemara Trip:
To see the hidden Ireland off the main tourist track this trip is a must. The trip will involve a stop at The Ross Errilly Friary. It is a medieval Franciscan friary located about a mile to the northwest of Headford, County Galway, Ireland. It is a National Monument of Ireland and among the best-preserved medieval monastic sites in the country. Though usually referred to by locals as "Ross Abbey," Students will also get to see the beautiful small town of Cong, in Co Mayo, famous for being the location for the 1950s classic movie, 'The Quiet Man' (which stared John Wayne). It is located on the edge of Lough Corrib- the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. The trip then continues to Kylemore Abbey and gardens, Located in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway, set in the most idyllic location, Kylemore Abbey is one of the top places to visit in Ireland. Students can visit the Abbey, Gothic church, 6 acres of Victorian Walled Garden. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden offers visitors scenic photographic opportunities as well as woodland walks, garden tours, fascinating history, beautiful architecture, ample shopping in the craft shop and tempting homemade delights in the restaurant and tea rooms. We will also break for lunch here. From here we will make our way back to Galway city taking students through the heart of the main Irish speaking region of the Ireland, the Gaeltacht.
Needless to say, I'm so beyond stoked!
To see the hidden Ireland off the main tourist track this trip is a must. The trip will involve a stop at The Ross Errilly Friary. It is a medieval Franciscan friary located about a mile to the northwest of Headford, County Galway, Ireland. It is a National Monument of Ireland and among the best-preserved medieval monastic sites in the country. Though usually referred to by locals as "Ross Abbey," Students will also get to see the beautiful small town of Cong, in Co Mayo, famous for being the location for the 1950s classic movie, 'The Quiet Man' (which stared John Wayne). It is located on the edge of Lough Corrib- the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. The trip then continues to Kylemore Abbey and gardens, Located in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway, set in the most idyllic location, Kylemore Abbey is one of the top places to visit in Ireland. Students can visit the Abbey, Gothic church, 6 acres of Victorian Walled Garden. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden offers visitors scenic photographic opportunities as well as woodland walks, garden tours, fascinating history, beautiful architecture, ample shopping in the craft shop and tempting homemade delights in the restaurant and tea rooms. We will also break for lunch here. From here we will make our way back to Galway city taking students through the heart of the main Irish speaking region of the Ireland, the Gaeltacht.
Needless to say, I'm so beyond stoked!
"Life is either a great
adventure or nothing."
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