Explore Ireland with our Summer 2026 Excursions!

The excursions at Arcadia Ireland are all about community – connecting you with the Arcadia network of students studying across Ireland, while 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 – this semester’s excursions aim to broaden your horizons and help you gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a part of a community in Ireland. Keep in mind we will also have other events happening along the way – welcome and farewell events, Pride Month celebrations, movie nights, and other pop-up events with Arcadia staff and students!

We have an exciting range of events planned for you, and we hope you’re just as enthusiastic as we are! Please note that each event has a registration deadline and a designated start location, and it is each student’s responsibility to make their own way there. 

Please scroll down!

Saturday 6th June 

Belfast and Beyond Day Trip 

Starts in Dublin 

Travel north for a day in Ireland's other capital city! We will leave Dublin early on Saturday morning and enjoy a bus tour of the famous Belfast murals and an exploration of the history of the Troubles. Professor Dominic Bryan will lead the tour whose particular specialism has been examining conflict and civic space in Northern Ireland with reference to parades, flags and historical narratives.You will then have free time to explore the city centre and have lunch before we go to the old shipyards where the Titanic was built. We'll visit the award-winning museum there, which will give you an insight into the city's industrial past as well as telling the story of this most famous ship. This trip departs from Dublin.

Fee: $30 (Dublin Internship Students do not need to sign up as this is a mandatory free field trip) 

Registration Deadline: 2nd June 2026

Included: Bus transfer to and from Belfast from Dublin, a bus tour of Belfast focusing on the Troubles and a Titanic Museum ticket. 

Accessibility: You will have free time walking in an urban environment. The Titanic Museum is wheelchair accessible except for certain parts of the SS Nomadic (a historic ship). Some galleries have low lighting.

Saturday 13th June 

Causey Farm and Trim Castle in County Meath! 

Starts in Dublin 

Experience the magic of Ireland’s heritage on a day trip from Dublin to Causey Farm and Trim Castle! We’ll begin with a scenic drive through the countryside to a real working farm, Causey Farm, where you’ll enjoy hands-on cultural experiences—try your hand at traditional bread baking, see sheepdog demonstrations, learn how to play the bodhran, pet a llama or even jump into a bog if you're feeling adventurous! In the afternoon, we head to the majestic 12th-century Trim Castle—the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, and filming location for Braveheart. Explore the impressive ruins, walk the ancient walls, and soak in centuries of history. A perfect blend of fun, culture, and medieval charm—ideal for a unique Irish day out! 

Fee: $30

Registration Deadline: 2nd June 2026

Included: Round-trip from Dublin and a ticket to Causey Farm inc. bread making and Trim Castle.

Accessibility: The tower at Trim has steep and narrow historic stairs and high walkways. We will be outside for most of the day; please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. This is a working farm with some uneven areas, however it does have wheelchair accessible toilets onsite. 

Friday 19th-Sunday 21st June

Éalú: Arcadia Adventure Weekend in the West of Ireland!

Transportation will be provided free  from all programme cities

ÉALÚ means escape in the Irish language — and that’s exactly what we will do! Join us for 2 days and 2 nights escaping to Ireland’s spectacular Atlantic coast. We’ll surf, swim or take a walk on the beautiful Lahinch Beach, explore the historic caves, and visit the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher. Standing over 200 metres above the Atlantic, the Cliffs of Moher give you some of the best views on the west coast. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to take your time walking the paths and grabbing photos with friends. 

We’ll be staying in the lively city of Galway, known for its colourful streets, traditional Irish music, and vibrant cultural atmosphere. During your time there, you’ll have the chance to wander through cobbled lanes, discover cosy venues filled with live music, sample delicious local seafood, and soak up the friendly energy that makes Galway one of Ireland’s most beloved cities! 

Fee: $150

Registration Deadline: 2nd June 2026

Included:  Round trip private coach transport from your programme location; two night hostel accommodation ; entrance to the Cliffs of Moher; Aillwee caves experience, a beginner friendly surf lesson and lunch in Doolin. 

Accessibility: Hostel rooms are accessed by stairs. There are shuttles at the Cliffs of Moher to help less mobile visitors access the cliffs. Note: hostel accommodation will be in dorm-style rooms exclusively with other Arcadia students.

Important notes about excursions:

• Register for events through your Arcadia portal. Registration deadlines vary depending on the event. Please see individual events for more details. Please be sure to check the dates of your particular programme as some events might fall outside of some programmes’ dates.
• If your plans change, please cancel your place as soon as possible by messaging Abby (Irish Programmes Officer) via WhatsApp. 
• If an event is full, sign up for the waitlist via your portal to be notified if a place becomes available.
• Each event has a city that it starts from. If you are studying outside that city, you are still very welcome to join. You will need to make your own way to the starting point, however we can support you with logistics. 
• We subsidize these events, so they are 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.
• Accessibility of each event is listed above. Please get in contact with specific questions or concerns. All Arcadia arranged group meals will cater for allergies and dietary restrictions.