The co-curricular programmes 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 co-curricular programme aims 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, St Patrick's Day 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. Finally, some events are free and some have a small fee attached. 

Thursday 15th January in the afternoon

Fáilte Series: EPIC Museum Trip 

Takes place in Dublin

Our Fáilte Series takes its name from the Irish word for welcome – it’s a great way to start your semester by making friends with other Arcadia students. Join us for a fascinating day at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, located in the heart of Dublin’s Docklands. This award-winning, fully interactive museum tells the moving story of the 10 million Irish people who left their homeland and how they shaped the world. Wander through immersive galleries, trace your family roots, and connect with stories of adventure, hardship, and triumph. Whether you're passionate about history, culture, or personal ancestry, EPIC offers a powerful and engaging experience you won't forget! 

Fee: Free! 

Registration Deadline: 15th January 2026 

Included: Entry ticket into the EPIC museum 

Accessibility: EPIC is committed to being accessible to all. The museum has full wheelchair access, lifts, accessible toilets, and welcomes guide and assistance dogs. Audio-visual content includes captions and transcripts, with printed guides in several languages.

Saturday 17th January 

Fáilte Series: A day in Limerick- The Hunt Museum and King John’s Castle 

Starts in Limerick 

Step back in time with us on a day trip to historic Limerick! We’ll explore King John’s Castle, a beautifully restored 13th-century fortress overlooking the River Shannon. Wander through immersive exhibitions, walk the ancient battlements, and experience the sights and sounds of medieval life. Afterwards, we’ll visit The Hunt Museum, home to an impressive collection of art and antiquities—everything from Celtic artifacts to works by Picasso and Renoir. A perfect blend of history, art, and Irish heritage—all in the heart of Limerick City!

Fee: Free! 

Registration Deadline: 15th January 2026

Included: Entry ticket into the Hunt Museum and King John's Castle! 

Accessibility: The Hunt Museum has lifts and stairs. We will be walking around campus and Limerick City, so please wear comfortable shoes. Parts of King John’s Castle are inaccessible to wheelchairs. There are wheelchair accessible toilet facilities on site.

Saturday 24th January 

Fáilte Series: Belfast and Beyond 

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 tour of the city when we arrive in Belfast. 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. 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 (Free for Queen’s University Students) 

Registration Deadline: 22nd January 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.

Friday 6th- Sunday 8th February 

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 the stunning Irish countryside of County Clare with us 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 or explore caves, experience traditional Irish music and dance at a céilí, 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.

Fee: Free! 

Included: Two group dinners, lunch on Saturday, transportation for the weekend, hotel accommodation with breakfasts (shared rooms). Further a choice of activities inc. surf lesson or caving experience and a traditional céilí. 

Fun Fact: We will be staying in Ireland’s first carbon neutral hotel!

Accessibility: 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.

Friday 20th- Sunday 22nd February 

Discover Bristol: Regional Weekend with Arcadia Scotland and England

Starts at Dublin Airport 

The weekend trip begins on Friday flying from Dublin Airport to Bristol. Once there, we will check in at the hostel and enjoy a group meal in the evening. On Saturday, we will take a morning train to Bath to explore the historic Roman baths, followed by some free time to wander the city before returning to Bristol in the afternoon. The evening will be open for leisure and exploring at your own pace. On Sunday, after checking out of the hotel we will head out for a Street Art Walking Tour and Graffiti Workshop. We will then depart back to Dublin in the afternoon. 

Fee: $420

Registration Deadline: 27th January 2026 

Included: Flights between Dublin Airport and Bristol, bus transfer to and from hostel, hostel accommodation for two nights inc. breakfast, Street Art Walking Tour & Graffiti Workshop, dinner on Saturday night, return train ticket to Bath with entry to the Roman baths. 

Accessibility: The walking tour is mostly wheelchair accessible, but there may be some uneven pavements and inclines. While in Bristol, we will be getting the train; both train stations have step-free access and wheelchair accessible toilets. Finally, in the Roman baths there is step-free access via an alternate entrance and lift, but some ancient areas are not wheelchair accessible.

Saturday 21st February  

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: $25 

Registration Deadline: 12th February 2026

Included: Round-trip from Dublin and a ticket to Causey Farm inc. lunch 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. 

Saturday 7th March 

Discover Cobh: A Day of History, Scenery, and Seaside Charm in Ireland 

Starts in Cork 

Discover the charming town’s rich history, from its iconic harbor to the historic Titanic Experience. Stroll through colorful streets, visit the stunning St. Colman’s Cathedral, and enjoy breath-taking views of Cork Harbor. Whether you’re a history buff or just want to take in the scenery, Cobh offers a memorable escape that captures the heart of Ireland’s beauty and culture! This trip will start and finish in Cork, therefore students must make their own way to the meeting point in Cork!

Fee: $15 

Registration Deadline: 28th February 2026

Included: Return train ticket from Cork to Cobh and entry to the Titanic Experience. 

Accessibility: The Titanic Experience is completely wheelchair accessible. The tour is estimated to be around an hour, so there may be significant time standing. 

Saturday 21st March 

The Aran Islands: Exploring Irish Rural Life!

Starts in Galway

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 the 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 there. 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 breath-taking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, leaving you in awe of nature's grandeur. 

Fee: $20 

Registration Deadline: 12th March 2026

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

Accessibility: 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.

Important notes about co-curriculars:

• Register for events through your Arcadia portal. Registration deadlines vary depending on the event. Please see individual events for more details.
• If your plans change, please cancel your place as soon as possible by messaging Abby (Irish Programmes Officer) via WhatsApp. Please note that refunds are not given once signed up. 
• 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. 
• Some events have a fee attached. 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.
• Please be sure to check the dates of your particular programme as some events might fall outside of some programmes’ dates.
• 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.