Ireland Study Trips

Since May of 2000 I have traveled to Ireland 8 times. I have taken students to the Burren College of Art in County Clare on 7 of those 8 trips. The study trips are sponsored by the Midwest Institute for International and Intercultural Education - the study trip class is SOCI 150 Irish Life and Culture. Student qualifications: 18 or over, gets along with others, friendly, kind, doesn’t mind walking (a lot), and who has the ability to climb around on rocks.

The academics . . .

This course offers students the opportunity to experience the culture and history of Ireland. The Burren College of Art is on the grounds of a 16th century castle and serves as the base for the study trip. Lectures cover geology, history, flora, fauna, and the culture of this unique area of Ireland. The Burren area is home to a wealth of archeological and historical monuments, including megalithic tombs, medieval castles, and abandoned abbeys. The mystical beauty of this part of Ireland has long served as a source of inspiration to artists and writers of all genres.

During the course the students explore areas of Irish life past and present, including ancient to medieval history, legends, poetry, mythology, religion, music and dance. The course relies on the active participation of students and faculty and integrates field excursions, class lectures, reading, walking tours and group discussions.

Class sessions are scheduled from Monday through Thursday noon - allowing time for individual student weekend travel. Students have taken advantage of this free time to travel to Galway, Dublin, Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Tara, Newgrange and Northern Ireland. Students interested in individual travel can take a bus from Ballyvaughan to the university city of Galway to connect to buses and trains to other destinations.

The accommodations . . .

While in Ireland, students live in cottages in the village of Ballyvaughan located on the western coast of County Clare. The cottages have modern bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry, with bedrooms that accommodate two students each. Student cook their meals in the cottage kitchen or purchase their meals in Ballyvaughan’s restaurants and pubs. The Burren College of Art provides transportation to and from the cottages to the school each day.

Excursions and activities . . .

As mentioned above this particular part of Ireland has many interesting things to see, visit and explore. Some are within walking distance of the college - so we walk, other times we are driven in the college van. These are some of the sites that we have visited in past field excursions:

Cliffs of Moher

Poulnabrone Portal Tomb

Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb

Aran Islands

Craggaunowen Castle

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Kilfenora’s Burren Display Center

Doorty High Cross

High Cross of St. Tola

Clare Archaeology Center

Aillwee Cave

Gleninagh Castle