Program Directed by
Andrew Manzella
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Leadership
Travel programs with the Smithsonian Institution for grades 8–12
Challenge yourself academically at the world's most prestigious universities
Non-profit organization offering student travel scholarships
High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity
Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12
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.
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
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.
Settle in to your trip in 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.
Head to 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.
Get comfortable 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.
Cap your trip to the Emerald Isle with outdoor adventures 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.
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.
This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.
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.
Settle in to your trip in 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.
Head to 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.
Get comfortable 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.
Cap your trip to the Emerald Isle with outdoor adventures 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.
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.
Ireland’s poetic storytelling and music are famous throughout the world. Galway is a bustling port town on Ireland’s west coast and is home to many historical, literary, and cultural sites, as well as a lively modern food, arts, and entertainment scene that you’ll have ample opportunity to explore. The rugged west coast boasts the Wild Atlantic Way, and hundreds of beautiful islands where the Irish language and traditions remain strong.
English and Irish (also called Irish Gaelic or Gaelic) are the official languages of Ireland. While Gaelic is not as widely spoken as English, it is more commonly practiced in some areas of rural Ireland (known as the Gaeltacht).
Daytime temperatures during Ireland’s summer months range from 60–70°F, while nighttime temperatures average 50–60°F. You can expect a fair number of overcast days, punctuated by rain showers and sunshine.
There is so much more to Irish cuisine than just corned beef and cabbage! The country boasts a diverse seafood cuisine and a robust farm to table scene. You can also find international cuisine throughout the country, ranging from Thai to Indian. Vegetarian and vegan food is readily available, as are Irish classics such as lamb stew.
Ireland’s poetic storytelling and music are famous throughout the world. Galway is a bustling port town on Ireland’s west coast and is home to many historical, literary, and cultural sites, as well as a lively modern food, arts, and entertainment scene that you’ll have ample opportunity to explore. The rugged west coast boasts the Wild Atlantic Way, and hundreds of beautiful islands where the Irish language and traditions remain strong.
English and Irish (also called Irish Gaelic or Gaelic) are the official languages of Ireland. While Gaelic is not as widely spoken as English, it is more commonly practiced in some areas of rural Ireland (known as the Gaeltacht).
Daytime temperatures during Ireland’s summer months range from 60–70°F, while nighttime temperatures average 50–60°F. You can expect a fair number of overcast days, punctuated by rain showers and sunshine.
There is so much more to Irish cuisine than just corned beef and cabbage! The country boasts a diverse seafood cuisine and a robust farm to table scene. You can also find international cuisine throughout the country, ranging from Thai to Indian. Vegetarian and vegan food is readily available, as are Irish classics such as lamb stew.
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
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.
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.
Our accommodations feature country hostels providing shared private rooms and breakfast.
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.
Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:
To learn more about our Exploration programs click here.
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.
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.
Our accommodations feature country hostels providing shared private rooms and breakfast.
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.
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!
Providing immersive summer travel programs for middle & high school students since 1951.