Ireland in Focus from Cinematic Heritage to Contemporary Art

Art, Films and Visual Studies in Ireland

10 days Dublin and Cork

Art, Films and Visual Studies

 Ireland in Focus: from Cinematic heritage to Contemporary art offers students a unique opportunity to engage with leading cultural institutions, explore Ireland’s cinematic heritage and contemporary art scene, and gain a deep understanding of its booming creative economy.

Over 10 days, participants will visit world-renowned visual archives, meet with academic experts, and explore modern film analysis and fine art conservation across the vibrant cities of Dublin and Cork .The program combines university lectures, technical museum visits, professional networking, and visual culture exploration, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of Irish visual storytelling in an international context.

Through interactive site visits, expert faculty lectures, and hands-on experiences, students will gain insight into screen studies, experimental video production, and theoretical visual research. Visits to organizations such as the Irish Film Institute, Trinity College Dublin, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the Lewis Glucksman Gallery will provide a deeper understanding of film heritage preservation, contemporary art curation, and creative learning access. The program also includes opportunities for students to engage with academic practitioners, discuss digital multimedia evolution, and explore how visual mediums shape cultural and social identity.

In addition to the academic and professional experiences, students will enjoy cultural immersion through guided tours, regional site visits, and local excursions, including a spectacular walking tour of the UNESCO Global Geopark Cliffs of Moher, a culinary walking tour in the historic port town of Kinsale, an authentic Irish dance class, and a visit to the historic battlements of Blarney Castle.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Depart USA

    Depart from the USA on an overnight flight to Dublin.

    Overnight: In flight.

  • Day 2 – Arrival in Dublin

    • Arrive in Dublin and make your own way to the hotel. Meet your TLAC group leader in the lobby of the hotel for check in.

    • Free day to rest after arrival.

    Overnight: Dublin

  • Day 3 – Dublin: Walking Tour

    • Walking tour of the city from the historic city center to the hidden gems.

    Extra Info

    Students can explore the city and see where the first cinema in Dublin was located. Cinema-going has always been extremely popular with Dubliners. It was the city's most famous son, James Joyce, who helped bring the exciting new art-form to Dublin when the Volta Picture Theatre opened on Mary Street in December 1909.

    • Lunch break.

    • Free time.

    • Welcome dinner at The Vintage Kitchen to try modern Irish dishes.

    Overnight: Dublin

  • Day 4 – Dublin: Irish Film Institute and Trinity College

    • Guided visit at the Irish Film Institute (IFI) in Temple Bar.

    Extra Info

    It is both an arthouse cinema and a national body that supports Irish film heritage. The IFI presents film festivals, retrospectives and curated seasons, along with independent, Irish and foreign language films. It maintains an archive of Irish films and provides education in film culture.

    • Lunch break.

    • Visit at Trinity College Dublin Department of Film and Drama for a faculty lecture regarding contemporary Irish visual culture, screen studies, and the evolution of digital multimedia.

    Overnight: Dublin

  • Day 5 – Irish Museum of Modern Art and travel to Cork

    • Check out from the hotel.

    • Guided visit at the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

    Extra Info

    It is situated in 48 acres of land in the heart of Dublin, it is an extraordinary historical site of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham. Our program extends beyond the gallery space, activating the beautiful grounds and buildings of the entire campus.

    • Depart by train from Dublin to Cork.

    • Check in at the new accommodation.

    Overnight: Cork

  • Day 6 – Cork: University College Cork and The Glucksman

    • Visit the Department of Film and Screen Media at University College Cork (UCC), a leading educational hub focused on film history, experimental video production, and theoretical visual research.

    • Lunch break.

    • Guided gallery tour at the Lewis Glucksman Gallery on the UCC campus.

    Extra Info

    The Glucksman aims to make contemporary art and creative practice accessible to all. It is a leading museum nationally and internationally for creative learning and access to the visual arts. The impressive and versatile gallery spaces present thought-provoking exhibitions that have thrilled audiences of all ages and abilities.

    • Irish dance class at the Kavanagh Porter Academy.

    Overnight: Cork

  • Day 7 – Day trip to the Cliffs of Moher

    • Depart with a private coach from Cork to the Cliffs of Moher.

    • Guided walk of the Cliffs of Moher.

    Extra Info

    The Cliffs of Moher are a visually spectacular natural wonder situated along the coast of County Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way. Bordered by the striking, rocky landscape of the Burren on one side and the vast Atlantic Ocean on the other, the sheer stone walls stretch for nearly 14 kilometres (8 miles) and soar to heights of over 700 feet (214 metres) near the historic O'Brien's Tower. Formed more than 320 million years ago from ancient river delta sediments, this dramatic coastline is recognized globally as a foundational part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Beyond their immense geological significance, the cliffs serve as a protected Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds and Wildlife, hosting internationally significant colonies of nesting seabirds and standing as one of Ireland's most important seasonal bird-breeding sanctuaries.

    • Depart from the Cliffs of Moher to Cork

    Overnight: Cork

  • Day 8 – Day trip to Kinsale

    • Depart by bus from Cork to Kinsale.

    • Visit to Kinsale.

    Extra Info

    Kinsale is a scenic hillside port town, famous for its coluorful historic streets, artisan galleries, and the towering 17th-century star-shaped Charles Fort. Steeped in maritime and military history, it has transformed from a strategic naval port into the gourmet capital of Ireland. Today, it combines this historic past with a lively waterfront filled with local shops, independent design studios, and beautiful harbor views.

    • Kinsale Town Food tour.

    Extra Info

    Their town food tours are like a walking meal which take you to a selection of different eateries. We start with lighter fare for our tastings, experiencing a range of different local foods. As the tour goes on, you will have more substantial fare and round it off with some artisanal sweet treats. During the tour you will hear stories about the food and meet some of the fascinating characters who make it too.

    • Depart by bus from Kinsale to Cork.

    Overnight: Cork

  • Day 9 – Blarney Castle and Gardens

    • Depart by bus from Cork city center to Blarney.

    • Visit at Blarney Castle and Gardens.

    Extra Info

    Blarney Castle is a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and battlements. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Students visiting the castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. Surrounding the castle are extensive gardens.

    • Depart by bus from Blarney to Cork city center.

    • Farewell dinner at The Oliver Plunkett.

    Overnight: Cork

  • Day 10 – Departure day

    Students depart individually from Cork.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand film history
  • Analyze contemporary art
  • Explore the creative industry

Contact Information

We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Ireland. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Contact us

What’s Included

  • Housing

    • Students and faculty will be housed in 3-star hotel accommodation with daily breakfast included.
    • Students will share rooms: 2 students per room, each with a separate bed. Each room has its own bathroom.
    • The faculty will be provided with private bedrooms with bathrooms.
  • Meals

    • Breakfast in the hotels is included daily.
    • Two group meals are included as part of the program: a Welcome Dinner and a Farewell Dinner.
  • Transport

    • Students will primarily explore destinations on foot. Local transit cards are provided where necessary. Included excursions also include transit.
  • On-Site Support

    • A TLAC team member in Ireland will be assigned to your group for the duration of the program.
    • A 24-hour emergency contact number will be provided for support throughout the stay.

Contact Information

We would be delighted to work with you to facilitate a rich experience for your group in Ireland. If you would like to discuss any of the details in this proposal please do not
hesitate to contact us.

Contact us