Arcadia Ireland

Are you studying in Ireland with Arcadia this fall? We have lots planned for you - in this blog post we will share with you details of our two paid excursion options as well as the range of activities we have planned at no charge for you!

Paid Excursions

Our paid excursions this semester offer you the chance to visit two British capital cities - Edinburgh and Belfast - and experience Ireland’s rich theatre scene, all while making friends across Arcadia’s programs.

October 11-13
Regional Trip: Edinburgh

Each semester, Arcadia students in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland come together for a weekend of fun and exploration - this semester we are heading to Edinburgh! Get a snapshot of Scottish culture in the capital city. You’ll have a chance to try out traditional Scottish dancing and compare it to the Irish version, plus explore a historic abbey and country house and immerse yourself in the history of Edinburgh through our walking tours.

What’s included: airfare to Edinburgh and travel into the city; hotel accommodation (sharing); a Scottish ceilidh dance in historic Surgeons’ Hall; visit to Traquair House; city walking tour; a dinner and two breakfasts
Considerations: As this trip involves travel to the United Kingdom, students who have non-US passports should check on any visa requirements in advance. Ceilidhs are high energy dances with physical contact and loud music, ensure you wear proper footwear and stay hydrated. There will be a significant amount of walking including on uneven and steep historical streets. Not all venues are wheelchair accessible.
Cost: $260

October 23
Theatre Night: Grania at the Abbey

Folklorist Lady Gregory explored themes of love, jealousy, and women’s rights in her 1912 play Grania based on ancient Irish legends. Rarely produced, the Abbey Theatre is bringing Grania to its stage for the first time in a production that reimagines these ancient characters for the modern day. This promises to be a very special event for anyone interested in Irish literature, theatre, and culture.

What’s included: one ticket to a production of Grania at the Abbey Theatre
Considerations: The theatre is wheelchair accessible.
Cost: $15

November 1-3
Belfast Weekend

Head north to explore another side of the Irish experience in vibrant Belfast! We’ll pay a visit to the stunning Giants Causeway which links Ireland and Scotland geologically and has inspired centuries of writers, artists, and scientists alike. You’ll see traces of Belfast’s troubled past and have plenty of time to experience its cultural riches, including a group visit to the Ulster Museum.

What’s included: private coach transport to and from Dublin with transfer from Cork/Limerick for UCC and UL students; hotel accommodation (sharing); guided city tour; entrance to the Giants Causeway visitor centre; one dinner and two breakfasts.
Considerations: As this trip involves travel to the United Kingdom, students who have non-US passports should check on any visa requirements in advance. The Giants Causeway is a rugged natural landscape; there is a shuttle bus between the visitor centre and the rocks. Access to the rocks may depend on weather conditions. The hotel and all itinerary stops are wheelchair accessible.
Cost: $160

Free Community Events & Excursions

Your Arcadia community is here to help you get the most out of your time in Ireland. To help you connect and make friends among your fellow Arcadia students we have planned a series of events and excursions that are covered by your program fees - read on for details!

Fáilte Fridays!

Fáilte is the Irish word for welcome, and this series of Friday events are designed to be a warm welcome to the Emerald Isle. You’ll make new friends while getting to know your new surroundings; what better foundation for a semester of adventures? All of these events are free but sign ups will open close to each date - so keep an eye on WhatsApp to be ready to grab your place! On the agenda:

Dublin events:

September 6: Kilmainham Gaol Learn about the social and political history of the island through the stories of those kept prisoner at this historic jail.
September 13: Stress Less Yoga Morning Make your wellness a priority with a session focused on mind and body techniques that will serve you through the semester. No yoga experience needed.
September 20: Butlers Chocolate Factory Wonka who? Students with a sweet tooth will love this visit to a Dublin institution that features plenty of samples and a close-up view of the factory in action!
September 27: Liffey River Tour See the city and learn its history from a whole new angle with a Dublin Discovered boat tour. From the Vikings to the age of international finance, this tour has it all!

Cork and Limerick events:

September 13: King John’s Castle Vikings, Normans, and the rebellious Irish - visit the centrepiece of medieval Limerick where interactive exhibits and costumed interpreters bring the past to life!
September 20: Cobh Titanic Experience Did you know that the Titanic was built in Ireland? Join us on a day in the postcard-pretty town where it made its last stop before setting out on its fateful journey.

Éalú
October 4-6

Named with the Irish word for ‘escape’ this weekend trip is the centrepiece of our programme and a true highlight of the semester. All Arcadia students in Ireland will come together in County Clare for activities including a ceili with set dancing lesson, a beginner’s surf lesson, a sheep dog demonstration, a visit to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, and our famous Arcadia Ireland Quiz Night! Not to be missed - and sure you’re all already registered.

Accessibility notes: You will have a choice between the surfing lesson or the sheep dog demonstration; students must be independent swimmers in order to participate in the surfing lesson. There are paved paths and golf carts to aid those with mobility challenges at the Cliffs of Moher. The set dancing lesson is opt-in. Accommodation is in a hotel with shared rooms. The hotel and all itinerary venues aside from the surf facility are wheelchair accessible.