Arcadia Ireland

We have some excellent co-curricular activities planned for the Fall semester! Take a look at what's on offer within your program and other regions.

Registration opens Wednesday August 12th at Noon (EST) in your Arcadia Passport.

Regions!

Important: Arcadia events are planned regionally and are usually open to all students on Arcadia Ireland programs. If attending a co-curricular event outside of your study region, you will be responsible for your own transportation and accommodation costs, and you will need to make your own way to collection points. If attending events in your region, the event will either take place close by or transport will be included. Events are only open to Arcadia program participants. Please note that dates, times and prices are subject to change.

Welcome Event: Food, Fairies & Folklore

Theme: Local Ireland
Open to all regions except University of Limerick, Queens University Belfast or University of Ulster students

Join Arcadia staff for an evening of food and the world's oldest form of entertainment -storytelling. The Irish word for storytelling is Seanchai, meaning a bearer of "old lore" or "old thoughts". The storyteller will provide you with words to engage your imagination, creating your own personal experience of Irish history and folklore.

Killarney National Park

Themes: Active Ireland; Imagined Ireland
Region: University College Cork students
Open to all other regions

Recent winner of "Ireland’s Best Day out", a trip to Killarney National Park is not to be missed. It is home to 26,000 acres of lush mountains, aboriginal forest, walkways, rivers, stately homes, cycle paths, disused mines, golf courses, waterfalls, bat caves, and islands populated by swimming deer, well-preserved castles and the country’s tallest mountain range. This trip begins with a tour of Muckross House; a beautiful 19th century Victorian mansion with expansive gardens in the center of the park. This will be followed by a guided two hour hike around the picturesque Killarney Lakes.

Cork Food Trail

Themes: Global Ireland; Innovation Ireland
Region: University College Cork students
Open to all other regions

Known as the culinary capital of Ireland, Cork city has some fabulous food on offer! Join Arcadia staff on this award-winning Cork Tasting Trail. We will visit a range of bakeries, food halls, street markets, cheesemongers, delicatessens and other speciality shops. You'll meet artisans whose families have traded for generations producing great food as well as new arrivals to the food scene bringing new international tastes and food ideas to the Irish table. Those familiar with the city will be amazed to discover food outlets and tasty modern surprises they never knew existed and visitors will leave with an insider and up-to-date knowledge of the best of what is happening in foodie Ireland.

Welcome Event: Irish Set Dancing

Themes: Active Ireland; Local Ireland
Region: University of Limerick students only

Students join Arcadia staff for an evening of food, music and Irish dance at a fine local restaurant. After dinner you will learn and practice the skills of Irish ceili dancing. A ceili (kay-lee) is a traditional Irish gathering for fun, fellowship, and laughs (or craic as the Irish might say). Traditional ceili dances were enjoyed at house parties and corner road gatherings in the rural countryside of Ireland. They are still danced in Ireland today. The bonfire, haymakers jig, siege of Ennis, fairy reel, etc. are very easy dances to learn. You can dance jigs, reels, hornpipes and a waltz in a night of fun, good food and friends.

Bunratty Castle & The Cliffs of Moher

Themes: Imagined Ireland; Local Ireland
Region: University of Limerick students
Open to all other regions

Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Today, the castle stands peacefully in delightful grounds. The houses and cottages of the folk park spread out at the foot of the castle’s massive walls, much in the way that the cottages and crofts of old would have clustered around its base. You are invited to wander through the castle and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country, which brings to life a fascinating part of Ireland’s medieval past.

Our next stop will be the Cliffs of Moher, aka "The Cliffs of Insanity". The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most outstanding coastal features of Ireland and are located in County Clare on the Burren’s edge. Rising slowly from Doolin they ascend to over 700 feet (213 metres) stretching south for nearly five miles (8km) to Hag's Head. The Cliffs of Moher are home to one of the major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds in Ireland. Over 30,000 pairs of seabirds can be found here during the nesting season from April to July and it is possible to view over 20 species of birds in the area.

Rugby Match

Themes: Active Ireland; Global Ireland
Region: University of Limerick students
Open to all other regions

Join Arcadia staff for an evening of Munster Rugby at Thomand Park, the home ground of Munster Rugby and one of the most successful and best supported rugby clubs in the world. You cannot leave Limerick without an appreciation for this sport and what it means to the region and the hearts and minds of its people.

The Aran Islands

Themes: Local Ireland; Active Ireland
Region: NUI Galway and Burren College of Art students
Open to all other regions

The Aran Islands (also known as the Islands of Saints and Scholars) is located just off the coast of Galway in the Atlantic. These spectacular and scenic islands are an excellent break from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Famous for the "Aran sweater" these islands are also one of the few places where the Irish language is still spoken.

Assistant Director of Arcadia Ireland, Grainne Hand writes "The best part of the Islands is getting on a bike and cycling to Dún Aonghasa fort stopping off along the way to maybe walk along the shore or have a picnic. It’s a Gaeltacht part of Ireland, meaning that the people living there speak Irish mainly. This helps create such a traditional feel to the place. When you step off the ferry it’s like stepping into a different world."

Cookery Class

Themes: Local Ireland; Innovation Ireland
Region: NUI Galway and Burren College of Art students
Open to all other regions

Ireland produces some of the best seafood in the world, and the fish in Galway is the best of the best! Galway Bay Seafood boasts Irelands only dedicated Seafood Cookery School. Situated in the heart of the Galway Docks in Galway city, their state-of-the-art kitchen is the perfect place for you to release our inner chef by taking part in a Seafood Cookery Classes. The best part is when the dishes are cooked, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your creation!

Tin Whistle Workshop

Theme: Imagined Ireland
Region: University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Parliamentary Internship, Dublin Internship Program and Maynooth University students only

Music has always played a pivotal role in Irish life, from ancient times until the modern era. Arcadia holds a workshop on traditional Irish music at its Dublin Center. Led by Dearbhaill Troy, a talented and accomplished musician and teacher, this workshop will introduce you to the history, rhythm and importance of music to the Irish. While traditional instruments like the fiddle, uillean pipes, and Bodhrán will be covered, you will also receive lessons on the tin whistle, a beloved instrument at the heart of traditional music. Tin whistles are provided for students to keep!

Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Themes: Global Ireland; Innovation Ireland
Region: University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Parliamentary Internship, Dublin Internship Program and Maynooth University students
Open to all other regions

Game of Thrones is now one of the most popular and highest grossing series of all time and Northern Ireland is one of main filming locations for the series!

This tour involves trekking from Winterfell to one of Walder Frey's Twins, past Robb's Camp in the Riverlands and on to where Brienne confronted three Stark soldiers. The afternoon trek is into Tollymore Forest, to the bridge where the Starks found a dead direwolf and her pups, finally ending up in Winterfell.

Director of Arcadia Ireland, Tom Kelley writes "Ireland is a great location for "Game of Thrones". The landscape, the weather, the sky all contribute to the imagined Westeros. And Westeros is just Ireland flipped upside down, just compare the maps."

Dublin Food Trail

Themes: Innovation Ireland; Active Ireland
Region: University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Parliamentary Internship, Dublin Internship Program and Maynooth University students
Open to all other regions

Join Arcadia staff on this award-winning Dublin walking tour, the Dublin Tasting Trail. We will visit a range of bakeries, food halls, street markets, cheesemongers, delicatessens and other speciality shops. You'll meet artisans whose families have traded for generations producing great food as well as new arrivals to the food scene bringing new international tastes and food ideas to the Irish table. And you will taste Irish produce served in both traditional and contemporary styles. As you enjoy the food, you'll also learn a little about the culture and history of each neighbourhood. Those familiar with the city will be amazed to discover food outlets and tasty modern surprises they never knew existed and visitors will leave with an insider and up-to-date knowledge of the best of what is happening in foodie Ireland.

Theatre in Ireland - Gate Theatre Dublin

Theme: Imagined Ireland
Region: University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin Parliamentary Internship, Dublin Internship Program and Maynooth University students
Open to all other regions

One cannot talk about Imagined Ireland without discussing the Irish theatrical tradition: from writing, producing, acting and staging, Irish drama is world renowned. Join Arcadia staff in the Gate Theatre Dublin for a production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Irish poet, Oscar Wilde.

Program Manager, Kate Jones writes "People think of Ireland for it's rolling green hills, trad music and pub scene. Going to the theatre in Ireland is highly a underrated and enjoyable activity (Especially in the midst of winter!). More importantly, though, it's a fun way to get a greater understanding and appreciation of Irish Culture."

Belfast and Antrim Coast Weekend

Themes: Global Ireland; Active Ireland; Imagined Ireland; Local Ireland
Open to all regions except Queens University Belfast and University of Ulster students

Always the most popular activity of the semester, this weekend is not to be missed! Nestled on the north coast below Cave Hill and the Black Mountain, Belfast is a dynamic city where the hospitality is legendary and the warmth of the people is genuine. On this weekend excursion you will be introduced to the political and social history of Belfast city through a fascinating talk on the internationally-renowned murals of Belfast as well as an exciting tour of the city led by local academics.

We will visit the Titanic Quarter, where the tragically-fated steamliner was built. You will also have time to explore the Queens University neighborhood. The spectacular landscape of Ireland's North Coast, highlighted by a visit to the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will show you first-hand the culturally rich heritage and beautiful landscape of Northern Ireland.

Welcome Event: The Bodhrán

Themes: Imagined Ireland; Local Ireland
Queens University Belfast and University of Ulster students only

Trendy dining and a nuanced intro to a beloved Irish instrument - the Bodhrán! Join your Support Assistant for an evening of culture and fun. Following dinner there will be Bodhrán lessons with Rohan Young. Bodhrán teacher and performer Rohan Young has taught in Belfast for the past 10 years. With Bodhráns supplied by An Droichead, Rohan’s group will cater for newcomers and experienced players.

Dublin Weekend

Themes: Active Ireland; Imagined Ireland
Queens University Belfast and University of Ulster students only

Northern Ireland students have a special opportunity to join Arcadia staff for a weekend in Dublin City. Throughout the weekend you’ll enjoy a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to help you take in the Fair City’s top attractions at your leisure. You’ll also enjoy a tour of Kilmainham Gaol Museum (Irish: Príosún Chill Mhaighneann). This former prison witnessed some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from the 1780s to the 1920s. Many leaders of Irish rebellions, including the Easter Rising, were imprisoned and some executed in the prison by the British and in 1923 by the Irish Free State. You will also join Arcadia staff and some Dublin students on The Food Trail of Dublin, which is an award-winning Dublin walking tour. We will visit a range of bakeries, food halls, street markets, cheesemongers, delicatessens and other speciality shops. You’ll meet artisans whose families have traded for generations producing great food as well as new arrivals to the food scene bringing new international tastes and food ideas to the Irish table. As you enjoy the food, you’ll also learn a little about the culture and history of each neighbourhood.

Theatre in Ireland - Lyric Theatre

Theme: Imagined Ireland
Queens University Belfast and University of Ulster students only

One cannot talk about Imagined Ireland without discussing the Irish theatrical tradition: from writing, producing, acting and staging, Irish drama is world renowned. Join Arcadia staff in the acclaimed Lyric Theatre for a production of "Tom Crean - Antarctic Explorer". This award-winning one-man show tells the story of this Irish man's famous expedition to the Antarctic.

Titanic Experience

Themes: Imagined Ireland; Global Ireland
Queens University Belfast and University of Ulster students only

The Titanic Experience is an incredible exhibition, which brings to life the Titanic story through full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features; from the shipyard to the maiden voyage to the final sinking of the ship, this is a must-see museum.

Giant's Causeway

Theme: Active Ireland
Queens University Belfast and University of Ulster students only

In the footsteps of giants... Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant's Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. Why not experience the Giant's Causeway for yourself? Visit the world-famous basalt columns along with experienced tour guides, Arcadia staff and fellow students.

City Tour of Belfast & Presentation on the Troubles in Northern Ireland

Theme: Local Ireland
Queens University Belfast and University of Ulster students only

Join Arcadia staff and program participants as we take you into various areas of Belfast with political significance. We will drive along the Peace Wall, erected to separate nationalist and unionist areas of the city, and provide you with useful information and facts on the violent period known as The Troubles in Northern Ireland and the award-winning path to peace. This tour will be followed by an informative lecture on The Troubles of Northern Ireland by Prof. Bill Rolsten from the University of Ulster.

Important

Arcadia Dublin Center may also add free events throughout the semester. Past student events include; Pancake Tuesday, Hot Chocolate mornings, Charity Fun Runs, Giving Tuesday and Tree decorating event.

Remember most events are regionally run! You are invited to attend events outside of your region but you are responsible for your own transport to the pick-up point.

Learn more about Co-Curricular Themes & Excursions in Ireland.