Dublin in an Irish Castle
June 9-17, 2008

Overview
Itinerary

Overview (Return to top)

Ireland is a rare land where rugged beauty surrounds quaint villages and contemporary cities alike. Explore this spellbinding country from the cosmopolitan capital of Dublin. Learn about its literary heritage with a visit to the Writers' Museum, stop at Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells and delight in some of the sights in Dublin's West End. Discover Irish history with a journey to the Neolithic monument of Newgrange; the Hill of Tara, the coronation site of 142 High Kings; and Slane, where St. Patrick lit the Pascal Fire. Marvel at the beauty of the Irish countryside as you travel to Belfast and its impressive squares and buildings. Admire the lovely Powerscourt Gardens and drive through Wicklow Mountains and Gap, which boast some of the most breathtaking panoramas in Ireland.

Priced from $2,095 plus air
Alumni Holidays, Inc.

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Itinerary (Return to top)

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Dublin, Ireland.

Day 2
Upon arrival, transfer to the Clontarf Castle Hotel.
Excursion: Howth and the Bay of Dublin.  This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to the charming village of Howth. See the historic Baily Lighthouse and admire the magnificent views , then indulge in an Irish coffee at the Abbey Tavern.
Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception.

Day 3
Excursion: Cosmopolitan Dublin.  See the memorial to Jonathan Swift at St. Patrick's Cathedral, admire the majestic fa‡ade of the Customs House and learn about Ireland's literary greats at the Writers' Museum. Visit Trinity College to see its Book of Kells.
Educational Focus: Ireland's Literary Heritage.

Day 4
Educational Focus: Origins of the Irish People.
Excursion: A Celtic Experience-Newgrange and the Boyne Valley.  Today, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange, a Neolithic ritual center and passage tomb. Continue to the Hill of Tara, where 142 Irish High Kings were crowned. Conclude in the village of Slane, where St. Patrick lit the Pascal Fire.

Day 5
Excursion: The Other Ireland-Belfast and the North.  The beauty of the Irish countryside comes alive as you journey to Belfast. Upon arrival, a tour showcases the city's highlights, including Stormont Castle, which houses the offices of Northern Ireland government officials, and Queens University and the Golden Mile, the lively university district. Visit Donegall Square, bordered by the neo-Renaissance Town Hall, Linen Hall Library and the main pedestrian shopping district.
Independent Exploration:  After lunch at a local pub, there is time to pursue individual interests.
Educational Focus: Northern Ireland Today.

Day 6
Educational Focus: Causes and Consequences of Irish Immigration.
Excursion: Kilmainham Gaol, Royal Hospital and Guinness Storehouse.  Travel to Dublin's West End and tour the historic Kilmainham Gaol and the Royal Hospital, which houses the Irish Museum of Modern Art, then visit another famous Irish icon: the Guinness Storehouse. Founded by Arthur Guinness, it is the largest brewery in Europe. Learn how the Irish national drink is brewed and enjoy a pint in the Gravity Bar, which commands magnificent views of Dublin.
Educational Focus: Meet the People.

Day 7
Educational Focus and Excursion: Powerscourt Gardens, Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains.  Travel to Powerscourt Estate, whose 45 acres include formal gardens, sweeping terraces and ornamental lakes. Pass through Glendalough, the Wicklow Mountains and Wicklow Gap, home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland.

Day 8
Educational Focus: The Celtic Tiger. 
Independent Exploration:  The remainder of the day is at leisure.
This evening, attend a Graduation Ceremony, followed by your Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 9
Transfer to the Dublin airport for the return flight to your gateway city.