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In association with Institute of Study Abroad Ireland

June 3-13, 2025
Contact Susan St. John (susankcl@hawaii.edu) to sign up.

Find new cultural perspectives in Ireland

Ireland’s rich history is visible in its landscape and seascape, from the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way to the sacred tombs of the ancients, the forts of the tribal chieftains, and the castles of the colonizers. This trip is a chance to experience this unique place, and learn in how mythology, geography, language and history shape culture – not just Irish culture, but all indigenous cultures.

There are many narratives we share with Hawai‘i, including fascinating comparisons with our native language, music, rituals, customs and traditions.

Highlights include:

  • Optional Pre-Travel Online Course to familiarize you with Ireland
  • A warm and friendly welcome to our beach-side campus in Donegal, Ireland
  • Talks and Field trips on shared Hawaiian/Irish mythology, history, literature and language
  • Cultural experices including Music, Sports, Dance, Food and Literature
  • Visit Ireland’s Gaelic-speaking offshore islands
  • Surfing at one of Europe’s best spots, and Ireland’s surf capital, Bundoran
  • An overnight stay in Ireland’s capital city Dublin

Discover ancient castles and a storied history

Ireland’s history can be seen all over its landscape, from the ruins of castles and buildings to 3000 year old structures and monuments. We’ll visit the important Donegal Castle, an ancient tomb in Creevykeel, and discover the back-stories to these 

Experience a new culture

Immerse yourself in Irish culture; the food, the people, the music and the landscapes. We’ll visit cities and rural towns, eat at Irish restaurants, and meet people from across the island. Learn about the country’s history, with visits to the Donegal Town and Derry City.

Explore beautiful cities, rural towns and countryside

Whether its beaches or mountains, cities or villages, Ireland has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Hike the beautiful Sliabh Liag mountain, learn to surf at one of Europe’s top beaches, and visit islands off of Ireland’s coast.

Study Abroad Trip Timetable

Date (2025)MorningAfternoonEvening
03/06Depart USA for Ireland
04/06– Arrive Dublin Airport
– Meet with program leaders and transfer to Dublin Hotel
– Check into hotel.
– Orientation and visit to EPIC museum
– Supper event with Black and Irish Group
05/06– 8am Full Irish Breakfast
– 9am Travel to ISAI campus in Bundoran
– Lunch stop at Lough Crew Cairns – ancient ritual site– Continue to Donegal
– Arrive Donegal Campus.
– Check into student
apartments
– 7pm evening meal
(Included)
06/06– 8:30-9:30am, Breakfast 
– 10am Lecture 1 – Mythology, Magic & Culture
– Field Trip to Cavan Burren: Secular and sacred spaces
of first farmers, Atlantic
rock art, Mythology
– 6pm Evening Meal
(included)
– 7.30pm Focus Time with Faculty
– Journaling & Assignment
07/06– 8:30-9:30am Breakfast
– 10am Lecture 2: Tribes and Tribulation (Colonization)
– 11am Guided visit to
Donegal Town, Donegal
O’Donnell Castle & Abbey
– 6pm Evening Meal
(included)
– 7.30pm Reflection with Faculty
– Journaling & Assignment
08/06– Island Trip: visit to
Arranmore Island (Gaelic Speaking Ireland off the
West Coast)
(breakfast provided)
– Island Trip: visit to
Arranmore Island (Gaelic Speaking Ireland off the
West Coast) 
(hot Meal provided)
– Island Trip: visit to
Arranmore Island (Gaelic Speaking Ireland off the
West Coast)
– Evening Meal on own
09/06– 8:30-9:30am Breakfast
– Church services optional
– Free morning
– Beginner Surfing lesson OR Yeats Country & Sligo– 6pm Evening Meal
(included)
– 7.30pm Reflection with Faculty
– Journaling & Assignment
– Traditional Music
Workshop
10/06– 8:30-9:30am Breakfast
– 10am Lecture 3:
Catastrophe of Famine
(Narratives of Poverty,
Emigration, Welfare)
– 11am Guided visit to
Ballyshannon Famine &
Penal Sites. 
– Travel on to Sliabh Liag Cliffs
– Fish & Chips in Killybegs
– Irish Movie at Movie
Theatre
11/06– 8am Breakfast
– 9am Lecture 4: A study of Northern Ireland- Civil
Rights Social Justice &
Conflict Resolution.
– 10am Guided visit to Derry City; Museum of Free Derry & Bogside Murals. 
– Visit University of Ulster
– 6pm Evening Meal
(included)
– 9pm Irish Karaoke in 51 Pub
12/06– 8am Breakfast
– Depart for Dublin
– Free time to explore
museums, Trinity College, etc
– Free evening Dublin
– Overnight B&B Dublin
Hotel
13/06Return USA

Costs

The program fee of $2300 (incl. deposit) includes local transportation, lodging, most meals and all group activities – this fee does not include flights.

If you have any further questions

For any questions, please contact Susan St. John (susankcl@hawaii.edu). For questions about Ireland itself or trip itineraries, please contact Niamh on info@isaireland.com