~Living History and Heritage~Music~Archeology~Natural History~Cultural Traditions~
Author, FLOWING TIDES–History and Memory in an Irish Soundscape (Oxford Univ Press, 2016) and SHORT HISTORY OF IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC (O’Brien Press, Dublin)
Space is limited to 25 participants
–Reserve by January 15 to SAVE $300!
→Immerse yourself in the rich history and heritage of Ireland
→ Travel with Ireland’s noted cultural historian and award-winning traditional musician Dr Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin, Johnson Chair of Canadian Irish Studies at Concordia University in Montréal and formerly Smurfit Stone Professor of Irish Studies at UM-St Louis. (SEE ‘Meet Your Guide’)
Dr Gearóid is author of ‘Flowing Tides– History and Memory in an Irish Soundscape’ – a 200 year journey through the historical events and musical characters that shaped the beloved traditional music of County Clare from the Napoleon Wars down through Celtic Tiger. He is a fourth generation County Clare musician and former member of the legendary Kilfenora Céilí Band.
→ Explore Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry
→ Meet locals, taste authentic cuisine and enjoy expert-led excursions
→ Discover an country of spectacular natural beauty
→ Enjoy nightly musical sessions and private recitals
→ Explore a living history and heritage of Ireland, dating to the mesolithic period
Dr Gearóid’s History and Heritage Tour of Ireland
Learn about the extraordinary events of 1916, which placed Ireland on the road to independence from Britain- Stand at the edge of the 702 foot high Cliffs of Moher and feel the mighty Atlantic winds embrace you
- Walk amid the semi circular stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, on the island of Inis Mór. Imagine the Irish who lived at the hilltop from c.1500 BC
- Visit the castle of the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley
- Spend time in Craggaunowen a heritage site revealing Irish life in the Iron Age
Learn about the - Learn useful Irish expressions– the oldest spoken language in western Europe
- Step out for a traditional dance or try your hand at learning a simple tune on the traditional whistle
- Enjoy nightly musical sessions and initmate recitals
- Meet members of the Kilfenora Céilí Band–Ireland’s oldest continually surviving dance band
- Engage with ancient Irish archaeology at Caherconnell Stone Fort–which dates to Viking invasions
- Wonder at the wildflowers which thrive in the breathtakingly barren Burren karst landscape–a cracked bedrock of glacial-era limestone, with cliffs and caves, fossils and rock formations
- Ponder the iconic megalithic tomb at Poulnabrone dating from the Neolithic period–one of Ireland’s most photographed archaeological sites
- Climb the gravelly incline of Ireland’s sacred mountain, Croagh Patrick, or rest at Teach na Miasa visitor centre to watch others follow in St Patrick’s footsteps
- Travel the Ring of Kerry winding around beautiful mountains, lakes and hidden vistas
- Explore archaeological monuments along the Dingle Peninsula, which National Geographic Traveler once described as “the most beautiful place on earth.”
- Behold the 1200-year-old Gallarus Oratory–an early Christian stone church and rare prehistoric Fahan Beehive Huts
- Cruise along the majestic River Corrib onto Lough Corrib, the Irish Republic’s largest lake, past castles and various sites of historical and cultural interest
- Explore Galway City, European Capital of Culture (2020)
- Encounter dramatic shadows of the Great Famine (1850) –which caused a million deaths and a million to across the ocean
- Meet local artists and craft designers
- Be welcomed as a royal visitor at Bunratty Castle’s famed medieval banquet and theatrical performance
- Visit Claddagh Village–inspiration for the timeless Claddagh Ring
- Perhaps try your hand at the ancient sport of hurling
- Savor locally sourced cuisine and perhaps try your hand at scavenging for nutritional seaweed
- And much more!
PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS by Celtic Tours World Vacations (Albany, NY) Travel experts and family-owned company founded in 1972
Email: jeanneo@celtictours.com
RATES INCLUDE:
- 9 nights hotel accommodations plus full breakfast daily (except day of arrival)
- 4 hotel dinners plus Bunratty Castle Banquet
- Admissions: Cragganowen Project, Quin Abbey, Bunratty Folk Park, Cliffs of Moher, Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog demonstration, Aran Island Ferry, Aran Island tour, Dun Aonghasa, Kylemore Abbey (photo stop), Muckross House, Burren Museum, Lough Corrib Cruise and Galway Walking tour.
- All transportation and sightseeing via deluxe touring motor coach
- Tips and taxes on items included.
Meet your History and Heritage of Ireland guide
Professor Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin (Concordia University, Montréal)