Traditions and Cultures of Ireland

Glencolmcille, Donegal, and Dublin - June/July 2009

Martha Barry McKenna and Maura Delaney
LINTD 6027
DATE: Saturday, June 27-Sunday, July 5
LOCATION: Glencolmcille, Donegal, and Dublin
FEES: Includes academic instruction, room and board at a local B&B in Glencolmcille, room and breakfasts at Trinity College in Dublin, guided field trips, discussions with expert local resources, and pick up at Dublin Airport.
NOTE: The fee does not include air fare to and from Dublin. Participants must make their own flight arrangements.

3 or 6 credits available.

$1,995 (double room/shared bath)
Plus $450 for 3-credit option or $900 for 6-credit option.
Alumni receive a 10% discount on the tuition component.

Lesley students: $1,000 plus their regular tuition rate.

NOTE: All participants pay a $30 registration fee.
 

It was truly a magical time.-

Carol Sullivan-Hanley, M.Ed., Lesley University


Steep yourself in Ireland's rich political and religious history, art, literature, folklore, and cultural traditions. Participants will learn through guided study with the faculty, readings, field study, meetings with eminent local resources, visits to cultural and archaeological sites in the local area, and tours of Dublin and Derry.

The majority of the time is spent in Glencolmcille, part of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) area of southwest Donegal, and located on the scenic Sliabh Liag peninsula. The area is noted for its wealth of tradition, culture, music, and prehistoric settlements.

Based at Oideas Gael, an acclaimed language and cultural center, participants will visit various sites in the local area, and spend a day in Derry exploring contemporary Ireland's religious and political history. Special activities, among others, include ceili dancing, a pilgrimage walk, Gaelic singing, story telling, and a visit with the Taipeis Gael weavers.

The group will spend the last two days in Dublin, residing at Trinity College, one of the oldest universities in Western Europe, and home to the Book of Kells. The stay will include opportunities to visit memorable sites such as the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin Castle, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

Sample Itinerary
Saturday, June 27 - Meet at Visitor's Center in Dublin Airport no later than 11am. Travel by bus to Glencolmcille, arriving late afternoon. Check in, arrive at B&Bs, and dinner. Welcome and orientation in the evening.

Sunday, June 28 - Arrive at Oideas Gael for review of week's schedule and the syllabus, followed by a tour of the site. After lunch, a pilgrimage walk led by a local guide, study groups, dinner, and Ceili dancing in the evening.

Monday, June 29 - Lecture and discussion on the land and its early inhabitants. Ecology and archaeology field trip in the afternoon, group meetings, and Gaelic singing in the evening.

Tuesday, June 30 - Lecture and discussion of key parts of Irish history, afternoon tour of Donegal town, study groups, and storytelling in the evening.

Wednesday, July 1 - Visit to Folk Museum in the morning, tour of Taipeis Gael weaving workshop, and set dancing in the evening.

Thursday, July 2 - Day trip to Derry, and project discussions and presentations in the evening.

Friday, July 3 - Lecture and discussion of the Famine and its impacts, bus trip to Dublin in the afternoon, arrival at Trinity College, and short walking tour of Grafton Street area.

Saturday, July 4 - Visit to National Museum of Ireland in the morning. The Museum is home ot the greatest collection of Irish material heritage, culture and natural history in the world. Choice of afternoon activities: guided tour of Dublin Castle (4.50 Euros) and the Chester Beatty Library, awarded the title European Museum of the Year in 2002; or, visit to National Gallery of Ireland to view the collection, including paintings by Irish artists from the 17th century to the 20th century, followed by a walk around Merrion Square, one of the city's finest Georgian squares, and a visit to the St. Stephen's Green park area.

Sunday, July 5 - Departure to Dublin Airport. Participants should schedule their flights home after 1:00pm in order to allow time to catch a bus or take a cab to the airport, and to visit the duty free shops.


For more information and to register, contact Joyce Wadlington at (617) 349-8298 or jwadling@lesley.edu.