

In association with Institute of Study Abroad Ireland
June 3-13, 2025
Contact Susan St. John (susankcl@hawaii.edu) to sign up.
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:
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
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.
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.
Date (2025) | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
---|---|---|---|
03/06 | Depart 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 |
13/06 | Return USA |
The program fee of $2300 (incl. deposit) includes local transportation, lodging, most meals and all group activities – this fee does not include flights.
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