The Champlain College Ireland Trip Itinerary

A Rich Experience. Outstanding Travel Companions

Day 1—Friday, June 1

Depart the United States late afternoon or early evening for an arrival in Dublin early the following morning.

Day 2—Saturday June 2

You will be met at Dublin Airport by Dr. Stephen Robinson, Director of Champlain College Dublin, and  transferred to Augustine Apartments in central Dublin. The apartments offer everything you'll need for the first few days (internet, kitchen and laundry).  Some may want time to rest, but for others, we will offer a tour of Trinity College and the Book of Kells in the afternoon.  We will all meet for a group dinner in the evening.  Meals included:  Breakfast and dinner

Day 3—Sunday, June 3

Dr. Kelli Maoileoin, Champlain College Dublin faculty member will lead a day tour of the historic Boyne Valley.  Stops will include the Hill of Tara (ancient sacred site and seat of 142 Irish kings), and Loughcrew (megalithic passage tomb dating back to the 3,000 BC).  Back in Dublin, you will have the evening on your own.   Of course the Dublin staff are full of great suggestions on how to spend the evening.  Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4—Monday, June 4

The group will start the day with a walking tour of historic Dublin and then head to Champlain College Dublin's Academic Center for lunch with faculty & staff.  A lecture on Irish and a tour of Dáil Éireann (Irish Parliament) will follow.  Dinner and evening entertainment will finish the busy day.  Meals included:  Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5—Tuesday, June 5

There is much more to Ireland than Dublin, so today begins our four-night trip around the island.  Our first stop will be Belfast, Northern Ireland.  The city has largely overcome the destruction of the Troubles and is now peaceful, cultural and abuzz with activity.  Lunch will be at The Crown Bar, an amazing old style pub in central Belfast.  We will take a fascinating tour highlighting the sights and stories of the Troubles on both sides of the West Belfast Peace Wall.  The rest of the afternoon and evening are on your own to discover Belfast.  Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

 Day 6—Wednesday, June 6

The drive to the west coast is a long one, so we will break the journey at Florence Court House, the 18th Century home of the Earl of Enniskillen, where you can tour the house and gardens.  Following lunch we will continue on to our overnight stop in Westport, a busy town filled with the classic brightly colored pubs, cafes and shops.  After dinner at the hotel you will be free to have the craic ("crack" is Irish for fun) in town.  Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7—Thursday June 7

Today we will head south through the stunning yet desolate mountains and dramatic coastline of Connemara. Stops will include Kylemore Abbey and Joyce Country Sheepdog Demonstrations.  We will then head to Rossaveal Port to take an afternoon ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands where we will spend the night.  Travel to Inishmore is weather dependent.  Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8—Friday June 8

The morning will be spent touring Inishmore with excursions to Dun Aengus Fort and other island sites.  After a late lunch, we will head back to the mainland and stop in the bustling city of Galway where you are free to explore for the evening.  Dining and sightseeing suggestions will be provided.  Meals included:  Breakfast and lunch

Day 9—Saturday June 9

We will drive to Dublin in the morning. The afternoon is free for you to spend however you like and we will meet for a farewell dinner in the evening.  Meals include: Breakfast and dinner

Day 10—Sunday June 10

Sorry, but this is the end of the trip. Bus transfer to the airport will be arranged for mid-morning flights.  The Champlain College Dublin staff can assist with planning if anyone is extending their trip to see more of Ireland.