Day 1: Depart from the USA
Flight
Depart from the USA on an overnight flight to Dublin.
Overnight
In flight.
Itinerary
Day 2: Arrival in Dublin
Morning
Arrive in Dublin and make your own way to the accommodation. Meet your TLAC group leader for check in.
Remainder of the day
Free day to rest after arrival.
Overnight
Dublin.
Day 3: Dublin: Walking tour and Trinity College Dublin
Morning
Walking tour of Dublin to discover some of the absolute ‘must sees’ in Dublin, like Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral and Trinity College, and also some of the city’s forgotten corners and hidden gems.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Visit to Trinity College Dublin where students will have a lecture on Irish biogeography.
Evening
Welcome dinner at The Shack Restaurant.
Overnight
Dublin.
Day 4: Dublin: Wicklow Mountains National Park
Day trip
Depart by private coach from Dublin to Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Hike in the Wicklow Mountains National Park. It preserves the largest continuous upland area in Ireland, showcasing a dramatic landscape of glaciated valleys, mountain lakes, and vast blanket bogs. The park features the iconic twin lakes of Glendalough, where native sessile oak woods frame a historic 6th-century monastic settlement. From the rushing waters of Powerscourt Waterfall to the sweeping vistas along the Military Road, the park offers a profound look into the natural forces and ancient habitats that shape Ireland's wilderness.
Depart by private coach from Wicklow Mountains National Park to Dublin.
Remainder of the day
Free time.
Overnight:
Dublin.
Day 5: Dublin to Galway
Early morning
Check out of previous accommodation.
Morning
Depart by train from Dublin to Galway.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Check in at new accommodation.
Walking tour of Galway’s medieval centre and waterways. Students will see how Galway’s natural waterways and engineered canals shaped its defensive layout and industrial evolution. Students begin at the Spanish Arch to analyze 16th-century limestone fortifications and Anglo-Norman urban design. Moving along the River Corrib, the group examines the environmental dynamics, tidal shifts, and siltation of the Atlantic estuary. The tour concludes along the 19th-century Eglinton Canal network, tracking how historic industrial water-power infrastructure can be adapted into modern urban greenways and sustainable ecosystem corridors.
Overnight:
Galway.
Day 6: Galway: University of Galway and Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed Co.
Morning
Visit to University of Galway where students will have a lecture on coastal protection methods.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Depart by private coach from Galway to Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed Co.
Guided tour of Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed Co. Students will see their boutique aquaculture farm on the edge of Galway Bay. Following a tour around our modern land- based aquaculture farm, they will be providing a light tasting of freshly prepared seaweed snacks.
Depart by private coach from Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed Co. to Galway.
Overnight:
Galway.
Day 7: Galway: Free day
Entire day:
Free day to explore the city or the nearby Aran Islands to observe island biogeography.
Overnight:
Galway.
Day 8: Galway: day trip to the Cliffs of Moher
Morning
Depart by private coach from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher.
Day trip
Guided walk of the Cliffs of Moher. 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 kilometers (8 miles) and soar to heights of over 700 feet (214 meters) 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 by private coach from Cliffs of Moher to Galway.
Remainder of the day
Dancing class at Galway Céilí Club.
Overnight
Galway.
Day 9: Galway to Cork
Morning
Check out of previous accommodation.
Depart by private coach from Galway to Cork.
Check in to new accommodation.
Remainder of the day
Free time
Overnight:
Cork.
Day 10: Cork: Walking tour and University College Cork
Morning
Walking tour of the city. Explore the vibrant heart of Cork through its rich history and intriguing tales. This tour brings the city to life as you discover key sites like St. Finbarr's Cathedral, St. Anne's Church, and the English Market. Learn about Cork's influential figures such as Michael Collins and Cillian Murphy, while uncovering the stories that have shaped this unique community.
Noon
Lunch break.
Afternoon
Visit to the University College Cork where students will have a lecture on marine mammal conservation.
Escape room experience at NoEscape.
Overnight:
Cork.
Day 11: Cork: Day Trip to Fota and Cobh
Morning
Depart by train from Cork to Fota.
Visit to Fota Wildlife Park, a primary research partner of UCC. Fota Wildlife Park cares for several different animal species in danger of extinction. Through long-established Breeding programs, which are run cooperatively with other institutions around the world, the Park is helping restore populations of some species while protecting the very survival of others.
Depart by train from Fota to Cobh.
Remainder of the day
Free time in Cobh. Cobh is a scenic hillside port town, famous for its colorful coastal houses and the towering St Colman's Cathedral. Steeped in maritime history, it was the final port of call for the Titanic in 1912 and the main departure point for millions of Irish emigrants sailing to North America. Today, it combines this historic past with a lively waterfront filled with local shops, cafes, and beautiful ocean views.
Depart by train from Cobh to Cork.
Overnight:
Cork.
Day 12: Cork: day trip to Blarney Castle
Day trip
Depart by bus from Cork city center to Blarney Castle.
Visit to Blarney Castle and Gardens. 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.
Evening
Farewell dinner at The Oliver Plunkett.
Overnight:
Cork.
Day 13: Cork: Free day
Students depart individually from Cork. Must checkout of accommodations by 10am.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Island Biogeography & Ecosystem Dynamics
- Marine & Coastal Conservation
- Glacial Geology & Peatland Ecology
- Wildlife Conservation & Endangered Species Management
- Aquaculture & Sustainable Food Systems
- Field-Based Environmental Science Skills
- Global Perspectives on Biodiversity & Environmental Policy
Support for Faculty
Support for Faculty
At The Learning Abroad Co., we collaborate with faculty to design custom programs that align with their academic vision. We provide comprehensive support in curriculum development, logistics and resources for promoting and recruiting students for these unique global learning experiences.
- Online faculty-led program website for consultation by faculty and students pre- and during the trip
- Expertise from the local team who developed the program proposal
- Collaborative planning for a unique and customized program
- Feedback forms for continuous evaluation
- Pre-departure webinar
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.
