Arcadia Ireland

The co-curricular programme here at Arcadia Ireland is all about community – connecting you to the Arcadia community of students studying in Ireland and also introducing you to the many facets of community life on the island. Urban and rural, ancient and modern; communities formed around music, the arts and shared identities – the co-curricular programme this semester aims to widen your horizons and help you find your community in Ireland. We have a whole range of events planned for you and we hope you are as excited as we are!

On to the co-curriculars - and keep in mind we will have other events happening along the way – welcome and farewell events, contests, Pancake Tuesday celebrations, and other pop-up events with Arcadia staff!

January 17

Fáilte Series: Discover Dublin through the eyes of James Joyce

Takes place in Dublin

Our Fáilte Series takes its name from the Irish word for welcome; they’re a great way to start your semester by making friends with other Arcadia students. Explore the streets of Dublin with our first event following in the footsteps of one of its greatest authors! James Joyce, a pioneering modernist writer, set nearly all of his work in Dublin. Whether you are new to Joyce or already a fan, you will gain new appreciation for the city when you look at it through the lens of his work. Professor Garrett Fagan, who has been teaching with Arcadia for many years, will lead the group around key locations in Dublin city centre, concluding with a discussion at a historic pub that features in the pages of Ulysses.

Charge: Free!

Included: Guided walking tour.

Accessibility notes: The tour will take place in Dublin city centre, which is a historic environment with the potential for uneven pavements, street noise and inclement weather. We will be walking and standing throughout the tour. 

January 22 - February 26 (weekly on wednesday evenings)

Irish Traditional Tin Whistle Lessons:  A Unique Musical and Cultural Experience

Takes place in Dublin

Irish traditional music is a key part of the cultural patrimony of Ireland - why not dive in and be part of it? The tin whistle is a relatively simple instrument that is nevertheless key to the lilting melodies characteristic of Irish music - click here to hear a sample! Join us for a series of beginner-friendly lessons, hosted in the Arcadia Dublin offices on six Wednesday evenings. No need to have any musical knowledge or experience, and we'll even provide the tin whistle (yours to keep). Your tutor is a traditional musician and UCD student with experience playing and competing around Ireland. This is a great chance to learn about Irish music and the community of traditional musicians first hand! Plus - if you complete the series of lessons you can apply for a Co-curricular Learning Certificate to put on your resume!

Charge: $40

Included: Traditional tin whistle; half hour tuition in small groups for six sessions. 

Accessibility notes: Lessons will take place in the Arcadia Centre in Fishamble Street which has step-free access.

January 25

Fáilte Series: The Aran Islands: Exploring Irish Rural Life

Starts in Galway

Another Fáilte Series event, this day trip to the Aran Islands by ferry is an unforgettable experience that combines scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a different perspective on Irish rural community. The Aran Islands are steeped in history and tradition, and this becomes evident as you stroll along the narrow lanes bordered by traditional thatched cottages. The Aran Islands are a Gaeltacht area, meaning that the Irish language is widely spoken on an everyday basis here. On Inis Mór, you can embark on a leisurely hike or rent a bicycle to traverse the island's enchanting landscapes. The iconic stone fort of Dún Aonghasa perched on a cliff's edge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, leaving you in awe of nature's grandeur.

Charge: Free!

Included: Ferry ticket with bus transfer from Galway to Inis Mór.

Accessibility notes: The crossing can be rough depending on weather, and wheelchairs are not always able to be accommodated. There can be wet weather and rough terrain on the island. Van tours are available on the island to reduce the amount of walking.

February 5

Fáilte Series: Queer Dublin Walking Tour Celebrating Inclusive Ireland

Takes place in Dublin

“Be yourself; everyone else is taken” — Irish author and queer icon Oscar Wilde 

At Arcadia we take pride in being a diverse and welcoming community. For our third Fáilte Series event, we will have an introduction to the diversity and inclusivity of your Irish community through a fascinating tour themed around Ireland’s LGBTQ+ history. Discover trailblazers, rebels, and revolutionaries all around you in the struggles and triumphs of Irish queer history. This event will leave you saying “Tá to Grá” (yes to love - a slogan used during the same sex marriage campaign)!

Charge: Free!

Included: Guided walking tour.

Accessibility notes: The tour will take place in Dublin city centre, which is a historic environment with the potential for uneven pavements, street noise and inclement weather. We will be walking and standing throughout the tour. 

February 14-16

Éalú: Arcadia Community Weekend in the west of ireland

Transportation will be provided from all programme cities

This three day weekend is our star event of the semester bringing together everyone studying in Ireland with Arcadia. Come enjoy with us the stunning Irish countryside for a weekend immersed in both the Arcadia and the Irish community. Activities will include a trip to the Cliffs of Moher, the opportunity to take a beginners’ surf lesson, a traditional ceili, and more! This signature weekend is truly fun and a highlight of each semester! All students are automatically registered and there is no need to sign up. We will be in touch closer to the date to confirm participation.

Charge: Free!

Included: Two group dinners, transportation for the weekend, hotel accommodation with breakfasts (shared rooms), and activities

Accessibility notes: Dietary needs will be taken into consideration for meals and activities will be planned with mobility and other needs in mind. More details will be provided closer to the weekend.

February 21-23

Paris in the Spring: Regional Weekend with Arcadia Scotland and England

Starts in Dublin

Follow in the footsteps of Irish luminaries like Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and Mainie Jellett and discover Paris! Each semester, Arcadia students in England, Scotland, and Ireland, get together for a weekend trip and this semester we are going continental. We’ll fly into Paris direct from Dublin and explore the city with a walking tour. Our weekend includes two bucket-list destinations - the Louvre, home of masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, and the Eiffel Tower, the perfect vantage point to admire the city. Plus we’ll provide you with a Metro pass to explore with your new friends.

Charge: $400

Included: Group airfare from Dublin to Paris; bed and breakfast accommodation (sharing); entry to the Louvre and Eiffel Tower; walking tour; one group meal; 3-day metro pass. 

Accessibility notes: Some walking, including on uneven ground at historic sites. Unfortunately as we will be staying in a hostel it will not be possible to make individual accommodations, such as single rooms. If you are a non-US passport holder check if an additional visa is required to attend this trip.

March 8

Belfast: Communities Past and Present for International Women’s Day

Starts in Dublin

On International Women’s Day, we travel north for a day in Ireland's other capital city! We will leave Dublin early on Saturday morning and enjoy a tour of the city when we arrive in Belfast. We will have a tour of the city focusing on the Troubles, the civil war that broke out between Protestant and Catholic communities in the 1970s, including the progress made by these two communities to achieve the peace enjoyed today and the contributions of women to that process. You will have free time to explore the city centre and have lunch before we go to the old shipyards where the Titanic was built. The award-winning Titanic museum there will take us through the building of the famous doomed ship, while shedding light on Belfast’s industrial past, including the linen industry which employed thousands of local women.

Cost: $30

Includes: Private coach travel from Dublin to Belfast; guided bus tour of Belfast; entrance to the Titanic Belfast museum. 

Accessibility notes: Some walking in an urban environment. The Titanic museum is fully wheelchair accessible with the exception of one historic boat. This trip involves travel into the United Kingdom; if you are a non-US passport holder check if an additional visa is required to attend this trip.

March 21-23

Killarney Land, Sea and Sky: Landscape and Heritage Weekend

Starts in Cork

Take in the beauty of land, sea, and sky! For this weekend we are based in Killarney in County Kerry, known as ‘The Kingdom’ for its majestic landscape and independent spirit. After a visit to the historic town of Kenmare, we’ll take in the wild beauty of Killarney National Park, including Torc waterfall and the lakes of Killarney. The park is designated as a biosphere reserve and the perfect place to experience the natural world up close. Take in the scenery as we drive the route known as the ‘Ring of Kerry’ on our way to the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve where we will view the stars as the ancients did. Our final stop will be in scenic Kinsale, Co Cork, rounding off our visit to the southwest of Ireland.

Cost: $160

Includes: Bed and breakfast accommodation (sharing); private coach transport; two group dinners; guided tours.

Accessibility notes: This trip involves significant walking and outdoor activity.

March 29

Boyne Valley: Ancient Myth and Medieval History

Starts in Dublin

Journey through the mists of time with a day trip that combines prehistoric and medieval sites. Our first visit will be to the passage tomb at Newgrange, remarkable for the way the light from the rising sun at the winter solstice perfectly illuminates the inner chamber. The visitor centre will introduce you to the site before we go out to visit the tomb itself. We will then go on to the castle at Trim, one of the most impressive in Ireland. Used in the filming of Braveheart, the massive walls and towers offer unmatched views over the countryside.

Cost: $30

Includes: Coach transport from Dublin for the day; admission to Newgrange and Trim Castle with guided tours.

Accessibility notes: The passage at Newgrange is low and narrow and may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or mobility challenges; you have the option to stay outside the monument. The tower at Trim Castle has steep and narrow historic stairs and high walkways.

A few notes about co-curriculars:

• Register for events through your Arcadia portal (with the exception of Éalú which all students are automatically registered for!).
• Each event has a city that it starts from - if you are studying outside this city you are very welcome to join, you will just need to make your own way to the starting point.
• Some events have a fee attached - we subsidize these events so they are still great value, but we ask you to contribute toward the cost. Please read the terms & conditions; refunds can only be granted in very limited circumstances.
• If an event is full please join the waiting list to be notified of any cancellations.
• We have made a few notes on the accessibility of each event but please just get in touch with any questions or concerns. Any group meals will have options for dietary needs.