Program Directed by
Andrew Manzella
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Ireland
Tradition & Adventure on the Emerald Isle
Dive deep into the past and present of the Emerald Isle during your student travels in Ireland. Experience the rugged landscapes of the island’s west coast, vibrant craft and music traditions, and the constant call of the ocean as you journey from the Burren to the cities of Galway and Killarney, capping your program on the pristine Dingle Peninsula. Visit Iron Age hill forts, medieval ruins, and colorful villages. Explore the natural wonders on land, underground, and in the waters of the Irish sea.
- Highlights
• Kayak through islets, ancient structures, and Atlantic waters
• Sample fish and chips and watch the sunset over the ocean
• Walk the music-filled streets of Galway City
• Take a beginner’s surfing lesson on the Dingle Peninsula
• Sample fish and chips and watch the sunset over the ocean
• Walk the music-filled streets of Galway City
• Take a beginner’s surfing lesson on the Dingle Peninsula
“Our son enjoyed experiencing a new place through the lens of leaders who had the knowledge and the ability to put history into the context of current events. He had a great time making new friends, enjoyed tasting new things, and experiencing a new culture.”
—Kate & Matt F., New Canaan, CT
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Departure — Travel Day
Meet your fellow middle school student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in New York, and fly together to Shannon, Ireland. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Galway — 3 days
Begin your journey in the west coast’s largest city and cultural capital. Explore the winding streets and meet artists, writers, and musicians. Learn traditional crafts and dances as you soak up the city’s and the island’s vivid history.
The Burren — 3 days
Head to one of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes. Visit seaside towns, ancient caves, and the soaring Cliffs of Moher. Sea kayak with guides along the coast and through caves as you spot birds, marine life, and medieval ruins.
Dingle — 3 days
Continue your outdoor adventure in and around the pristine Dingle Peninsula, surrounded by the sea and off the main tourist paths. Learn to surf on beginner waves at gorgeous Inch Beach. Hop on your bike for a ride around the countryside and see the iconic rows of colorful houses in Southwest Ireland, and keep an eye out for dolphins. Hike to archaeological ruins and get a sense of how the ancient Celts lived.
Killarney — 3 days
Cap your trip to the Emerald Isle in this charming city that’s a perfect base for exploring the beauty and history of the surrounding National Park. Take a falconry lesson with local guides and learn how they’ve been used for centuries. Traverse canyons and tunnels with a mountaineer.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from Shannon to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Itinerary
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
Departure — Travel Day
Meet your fellow middle school student travelers and one or more of your program leaders in New York, and fly together to Shannon, Ireland. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Galway — 3 days
Begin your journey in the west coast’s largest city and cultural capital. Explore the winding streets and meet artists, writers, and musicians. Learn traditional crafts and dances as you soak up the city’s and the island’s vivid history.
The Burren — 3 days
Head to one of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes. Visit seaside towns, ancient caves, and the soaring Cliffs of Moher. Sea kayak with guides along the coast and through caves as you spot birds, marine life, and medieval ruins.
Dingle — 3 days
Continue your outdoor adventure in and around the pristine Dingle Peninsula, surrounded by the sea and off the main tourist paths. Learn to surf on beginner waves at gorgeous Inch Beach. Hop on your bike for a ride around the countryside and see the iconic rows of colorful houses in Southwest Ireland, and keep an eye out for dolphins. Hike to archaeological ruins and get a sense of how the ancient Celts lived.
Killarney — 3 days
Cap your trip to the Emerald Isle in this charming city that’s a perfect base for exploring the beauty and history of the surrounding National Park. Take a falconry lesson with local guides and learn how they’ve been used for centuries. Traverse canyons and tunnels with a mountaineer.
Return — Travel Day
Fly from Shannon to New York with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.
Featured
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
Featured
Leaders
Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Exploration
To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
Independent Project
Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—learn and teach a traditional song to the group, recreate a favorite recipe, or go deeper into the history and folklore of Ireland’s West Country.
Technology
To help students fully engage and immerse themselves in the Putney travel experience, we do not allow cell phones, tablets, or laptops on our Middle School programs. Students may have their cell phones during travel to and from the program. During in-country orientation, leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones until departure day. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program. Exploring the streets of Galway on foot, hiking coastal trails, playing a pick-up game of frisbee, or taking an Irish step-dancing lesson are all activities in which you might participate during this program. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
Accommodations
Our accommodations feature country hostels providing shared private rooms and breakfast. Stay at youth centers with bunk-style accommodations in the Burren and Killarney.
Meals
We begin each day with a simple breakfast at our residence. For lunches and dinners, we find small restaurants and pubs, or hit the markets to purchase food for a picnic in the field.
What to Expect
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
Exploration
To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
Independent Project
Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you—learn and teach a traditional song to the group, recreate a favorite recipe, or go deeper into the history and folklore of Ireland’s West Country.
Technology
To help students fully engage and immerse themselves in the Putney travel experience, we do not allow cell phones, tablets, or laptops on our Middle School programs. Students may have their cell phones during travel to and from the program. During in-country orientation, leaders facilitate a call home, then collect and securely store all phones until departure day. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity for a weekly call home according to a pre-arranged schedule. For more details, please see our FAQ.
Physical Activity
This is a physically active summer travel program. Exploring the streets of Galway on foot, hiking coastal trails, playing a pick-up game of frisbee, or taking an Irish step-dancing lesson are all activities in which you might participate during this program. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.
Accommodations
Our accommodations feature country hostels providing shared private rooms and breakfast. Stay at youth centers with bunk-style accommodations in the Burren and Killarney.
Meals
We begin each day with a simple breakfast at our residence. For lunches and dinners, we find small restaurants and pubs, or hit the markets to purchase food for a picnic in the field.
A Day in the Life: The Burren
Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in The Burren, Ireland.
- Morning
8:00am
Eat a full Irish breakfast, complete with sausages, tomatoes, and eggs
9:00am
Meet at Ballyvaughan Harbor for an introduction to sea kayaking
10:00am
Kayak through sea caves as you spot marine life
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Enjoy a lunch of fish and chips on the beach
2:00pm
Hike to a nearby archaeological site in the limestone hills
5:00pm
Return to town for a bit of rest and down time
- Evening
6:30pm
Take a short walk into town for a dinner in a traditional public house
7:30pm
Head to a music session with local fiddlers and spoon players
8:00pm
Enjoy ice cream and watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean
10:00pm
Nightly meeting with the whole group and off to bed
A Day in the Life:
The Burren
Due to the traveling nature of this student program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in The Burren, Ireland.
- Morning
8:00am
Eat a full Irish breakfast, complete with sausages, tomatoes, and eggs
9:00am
Meet at Ballyvaughan Harbor for an introduction to sea kayaking
10:00am
Kayak through sea caves as you spot marine life
- Afternoon
12:00pm
Enjoy a lunch of fish and chips on the beach
2:00pm
Hike to a nearby archaeological site in the limestone hills
5:00pm
Return to town for a bit of rest and down time
- Evening
6:30pm
Take a short walk into town for a dinner in a traditional public house
7:30pm
Head to a music session with local fiddlers and spoon players
8:00pm
Enjoy ice cream and watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean
10:00pm
Nightly meeting with the whole group and off to bed
“Where do I begin? Zoe really enjoyed the other students on the trip and I believe some will be friends for years to come. I just want you to know how grateful we are for your expertise in planning, staffing, and executing these programs. It is a gift to have opportunities like this at this age. Thanks for making this a memorable summer for Zoe.”
—Amy & Jason G., Houston, TX
Program Directed by
Andrew Manzella
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
