April 24 - May 8, 2008

Ireland - Yesterday and Today is an escorted tour that will enable you to see the Ireland that you have heard about. The vibrancy that marks the new, and the monuments that speaks to its antiquity.

Take a trip around the beautiful Ring of Kerry, visiting a Heritage Center to learn about the offshore monastic settlement dating to the 6th century. Stand on the Cliffs of Moher, rising majestically 700 feet above the Atlantic, and ferry out to the Aran Islands, one of the few remaining Irish-speaking areas of Ireland. Stay overnight in a castle, in a country inn and enjoy the work of Irish chefs. Experience traditional music sessions, as well as enjoy a play at one of Dublin's famous theaters. See how they make the famous Irish crystal and parien china, and watch a 5th generation loom operator create the intricate designs used in capes and jackets. Tour the famous Rock of Cashel, home of many Irish Kings, meticulously restored Cahir Castle, the town of Cobh from where so many Irish emigrated, as well as Glendalough, the site of St. Kevin's monastery. Then close out your 2-week learning experience with a medieval banquet, entertained royally by musicians and a talented chorus. And these are just the highlights!

Escorted by Professor Hatch
Professor Ed Hatch, co-director of Encore Vienna and Beautiful Bavaria since their inception, was a member of the German faculty at the University of Dayton for 35 years until his retirement in 2006. In addition to numerous trips to Vienna as co-director of Encore Vienna and site coordinator of the University of Dayton's Interdepartmental Summer Study Abroad Program, Professor Hatch has lived for extended periods in Germany, including a year in Munich and two years in Mainz, where he held an appointment in the American Studies Department at the Johannes Gutenberg Universitat. He has also spent several summers in Augsburg, Germany, Dayton's Sister City, teaching for UD's School of Business. Professor Hatch has been active in the Sister City Program and has frequently served as a translator and interpreter in dealings between Kettering, Ohio, and its sister city, Steyr, Austria. Professor Hatch also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in English, and is very much looking forward to acting as the escort for Ireland - Yesterday and Today. 

Day 2 - Friday (D)
Shannon/Killarney
Transfer with assistance to your coach and begin your journey through County Clare to Killarney, renowned for the beauty of its lake and the enchantment of its mountains. Arrive in time for a light lunch at a local pub, and then check in at your hotel. Afternoon free to explore the picturesque village of Killarney.
Caharnane House Hotel.

Day 3 - Saturday (B, L, D)
Ring of Kerry
Lecture by noted naturalist Des Lavelle is planned for this morning. Tour the "Ring of Kerry" known for its breathtaking scenery and historic sites. Short visits will include the home of Daniel O'Connell (The Catholic Emancipator), the picturesque village of Sneem, and Lady's View, which overlooks the world-famous lakes. Many consider the Ring of Kerry and the nearby Skellig Islands to be the most beautiful spot in the world.
Cahernane House Hotel.

"I loved the Irish landscape! I especially liked the way the vacation was organized and structured. It was well planned and very thorough. The pace facilitated group and individual styles. The Bed and Breakfast experience in the Nire Valley at Hanora's Cottage with the Wall family that included a visit to Melody's Pub and great Irish music from community participants was a significant highlight. A visit to the Aran Islands gave perspective and balance from a historical and cultural viewpoint".
Ireland - M. Crawford, NY

Day 4 - Sunday (B, L, D)
Kerry/Cork
Start the day with a jaunting car ride will bring you to Muckross House. Tour the Kerry countryside while traveling east to the County of Cork. Following the route of the River Lee, arrive in the lovely village of Blarney, renowned for its Castle and Stone, as well as for the shopping available at the Blarney Woolen Mills. A lengthy visit is planned, providing time to shop and to kiss the stone of eloquence. Proceed into Cork the second city of Ireland, with its Shandon Bells and famous past.
Silversprings Hotel.

Day 5 - Monday (B, D)
Cork/Nire Valley
Travel along the Coast Road to Cobh. Here you will visit St. Colmans' Cathedral, built with emigrants' donations, and the Cobh Emigration Museum, which highlights Cobh as the point of embarkation for thousands of immigrants. A lecture "The Titanic Trail" will be given by Michael Martin. Stop at Middleton to visit the Jameson Heritage Centre, before traveling on through Youghal where Francis Drake introduced the potato to Ireland and where the hated Cromwell departed. Turning West, your coach will take you into the Knockmealdown Mountains, past Lismore Castle, through the scenic Vee into the Golden Vale of Tipperary. your destination, the Nire Valley is tucked in the beautiful Comeragh Mountains near the village of Ballymacarbery. Bed and breakfast arrangements for two nights in the Nire Valley will provide a special opportunity to meet the people of Ireland.
Hanora's Castle.

Day 6 - Tuesday (B, D)
Nire Valley
You may elect to stay in the lovely valley of the Nire, taking the opportunity for long walks, some mountain hiking, pony trekking, or to catch up on reading and rest. Others may board the coach after breakfast for visits to two of Ireland's finest castles: the restored Castle of Cahir and the ancient Rock of Cashel.
Hanora's Castle.

Day 7 - Wednesday (B, L)
Nire Valley/Dublin
Board the coach for a lengthy morning journey through Tipperary, along the river Suir, through the ancient Viking town of Waterford, through Wexford and New Ross, famous in the rebellion of 1798, and into Wickow. You will stop for a tour of Waterford Crystal. A late luncheon is planned at a local restaurant, followed by a leisurely visit and tour of the beautiful Glendalough, the monastic development of St. Kevin, set in the magnificent Wickow Hills. Continue your journey through the mountains to the coast road and arrive in Dublin from the South.
Jurys Ballsbridge Hotel.

Day 8 - Thursday (B)
Dublin
After breakfast, board the coach for a morning tour which includes visits to Trinity College (the Book of Kells) and St. Patrick's Cathedral, with other city highlights pointed out along the way. The afternoon is free to explore Dublin on your own. Wander the streets made famous by Molly Malone, visit the haunts of James Joyce, the National Museum, Kilmainham Jail Goal or give in to the temptation to shop on the renowned Grafton Street. A local theatrical performance will round out your stay in Dublin. (The production will be chosen on the basis of which presentation best depicts Irish history and culture).
Jurys Ballsbridge Hotel.

Day 9 - Friday (B, D)
Dublin/Donegal
The coach will bring you to the historic Boyne Valley with a tour and visit of the ancient passage grave at Newgrange, a burial ground that predates the Pyramids and is one of Ireland's great wonders. Continuing through the area of the Battle of the Boyne, the 1691 confrontation of William of Orange and James II, the coach will move westward through the center of Ireland, crossing the Shannon, at the lovely village of Carrick on Shannon and finally reach the rugged mountains and scenic coastline of Donegal.
Great Northern Hotel.

"The Irish countryside was as beautiful and green as I'd imagined, and the people are so friendly and outgoing, not a situation you find everywhere in the world today. When I take these small group tours, I enjoy getting to know the other travelers and the familiar atmosphere that develops".
Ireland - L. Bennett, KS

Day 10 - Saturday, (B, D)
Donegal
Board the coach for a scenic tour of Donegal's beautiful mountains and coast, including Glencolumbkille, a village depicting the life in the west of Ireland a hundred years ago. Your program will carry you on a loop through Killybegs, Kilcar, Carrick, Ardara, and back to Donegal Town.
Great Northern Hotel.

Day 11 - Sunday (B, D)
Donegal/Sligo/Mayo
Tour Yeats' country, including a stop at the grave of Ireland's greatest poet. The Sligo countryside offers magnificent views, including Ben Bulben and the Cairn of Queen Maeve, all part of the inspiration for Yeats' work.  You will proceed into Mayo, before heading toward Cong, famous for the filming of The Quiet Man and for beautiful Ashford Castle.
Ashford Castle.

Day 12 - Monday (B, L, D)
Connemara/Galway
Time to enjoy the beauty and grace of Ashford Castle before departing in the late morning. The day's coach tour will include the rugged and rocky countryside of Connemara. Traveling through historic Clifden, where you will stop for lunch and a lecture by one of Ireland's foremost archaeologists, your day's journey will bring you to Galway, City of the Kings, along the coast of the renowned Galway Bay. An afternoon visit is planned at the Connemara Marble Factory.
Galway Great Southern Hotel.

Day 13 - Tuesday (B, D)
Galway
Visit the famous Kenny's Bookstore, and the Galway Cathedral. For the somewhat adventurous (and those interested in some physical exertion), a boat trip to the Aran Islands is available. The Arans preserve an early version of Irish life and are the site of Dun Aengus, a fort that has overlooked the Atlantic for 3,000 years, and the Aran Heritage Centre. The rugged Aran Islands are of great significance to the serious student of Irish culture, history, and folklore.
Galway Great Southern Hotel.

Day 14 - Wednesday (B, D)
Galway/Shannon
Saving perhaps the best for last, your final day's journey takes you around Galway Bay and back into County Clare, the best known of Ireland's domains, through the lunar landscape of the Burren and on the Cliffs of Moher, the most dramatic example of Ireland's coastal wonders. Continue through the resort town of Lahinch and on to Shannon. A banquet at Bunratty Castle will make the last night in Ireland a truly special memory.
Bunratty Shannon Shamrock Hotel.

Day 15 - Thursday (B)
Shannon/USA
Transfer to Shannon Airport in time for some last minute shopping at one of the largest duty-free facilities in the world.

B - Breakfast
L - Lunch
D - Dinner
Drinks are not included.

PROGRAM PRICE:
APRIL Departure
$3,995 per person double occupancy. Land Only - Plus airfare (does not include international airfare, giving you the flexibility to use frequent flyer miles or search the internet for the best airfares available)
$795 single room supplement

PROGRAM FEATURES:

• Accommodations on a double occupancy basis at first class hotels throughout, except in the Nire Valley where your accommodations will be at a delightful B&B.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary. Also includes a special luncheon and a medieval banquet at a castle.
• All specially arranged lectures/seminars and field experiences as indicated in the itinerary.
• Transfers and all sightseeing, including baggage handling, by private motor coach.
• All sightseeing and park entrance fees, and tips and taxes normally added to your hotel bills.

Please note:
For registration and payment information, please contact, Special Programs/CE at (937) 229-2347.
For additional program information, please contact Edward Hatch at (937) 298-6124, email: edward.hatch@gmail.com