The Spirit of Ireland: Stories, Landscapes & Traditions

Ruined medieval castle atop a grassy hill with sheep in the foreground under dark storm clouds.

Experience the history, culture, landscapes, and traditions of Ireland on an unforgettable journey across the Emerald Isle. From the lively streets of Dublin and Galway to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and the legendary Ring of Kerry, this non-credit travel program combines guided exploration, cultural experiences, historic sites, music, and time to discover Ireland on your own.

Designed for lifelong learners 18 years of age and older, this Georgia Southern Travel With Purpose experience offers more than a traditional tour. You’ll explore the stories, people, and places that have shaped Ireland while traveling alongside fellow learners and experiencing the country firsthand.

Trip Overview

Join Georgia Southern University October 1-11, 2027, for an 11-day journey through Ireland.

Our adventure begins in Dublin before traveling west to Galway and south to Killarney, with experiences throughout Counties Meath, Clare, Kerry, and Cork. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient archaeological sites, historic cities, working farms, breathtaking landscapes, traditional music, and some of Ireland’s most recognizable landmarks.

What is Included in the Ireland Travel Program?

  • 11-day travel experience, including 9 hotel nights and 1 overnight flight
  • Accommodations in Dublin, Galway, and Killarney
  • Full Irish/American breakfast daily at the hotels
  • Four dinners, including a welcome dinner and farewell dinner
  • Lunch at historic Slane Castle
  • Private ground transportation throughout Ireland
  • Dedicated English-speaking local tour guide
  • Airport meet-and-greet and transfers in Ireland
  • Ferry transportation to the Aran Islands
  • Guided tours and cultural experiences throughout the program

Featured Experiences Include:

  • Guided tour of Dublin
  • Kilmainham Gaol
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Dublin literary walking tour
  • Trinity College and the Book of Kells
  • EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
  • Evening of traditional Irish music
  • Newgrange UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Lunch at Slane Castle
  • Irish working farm and sheep-herding experience
  • Clonmacnoise monastic site
  • Guided tour of Galway
  • Ferry to and guided exploration of Inis Mór in the Aran Islands
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Killarney National Park
  • Ross Castle
  • Muckross House
  • Ring of Kerry
  • Blarney Castle and the legendary Blarney Stone
  • Guided tour of Cork

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended to protect your trip investment.
  • Georgia Southern University does not assume liability or risk during your trip.

Price Exclusions

  • Airfare to and from Ireland, unless purchased as an optional airfare add-on
  • Meals unless otherwise indicated
  • Checked baggage fees
  • Transportation to the departure airport
  • Airport parking fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Cost Details

The current tour proposal provides land-only pricing of:

  • Georgia Southern Employee/Alumni Rate Double occupancy: $3,573 per person
  • Georgia Southern Employee/Alumni Rate Single occupancy: $4,299 per person
  • Regular Registration (Double Sharing):  $4,499 per person
  • Regular Registration (Single Sharing): $5,799
  • Deposit: $700 (non-refundable).  To reserve your spot ahead of time by making a deposit, call 912-478-7977.
  • Final Payment Deadline: June 1, 2027
  • Payment Plan: Available to make your journey more accessible

Airfare

Airfare can be added to your trip for an additional $1,400.  

Cancellation Policy:

Deposits are non-refundable. In the event that Georgia Southern has to cancel the trip, all deposits will be fully refunded. 

Cancellations must be received by June 1, 2027.

From the time of booking to: 

  • All payments are refundable 120 days prior to departure (Must cancel in writing by June 1, 2027).
  • 120-90 days, 50% of the trip cost.
  • 90 days – 45 days, 35% of the trip cost.
  • Within 30 days, all payments are non-refundable.

Please note: If airfare has already been purchased, those ticket prices will not be refunded.  You will be notified before tickets are purchased. 

Passport Requirements

To enter Ireland, travelers will need a valid passport. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that their passports meet all entry requirements in effect at the time of travel.

I would also add the same recommendation you use for Tuscany that passports be valid for at least six months beyond the travel dates, even if Ireland’s formal requirement is less restrictive.

Additional Information

  • Open to learners 18 years of age and older.
  • This is a non-credit Georgia Southern University Travel With Purpose program.
  • Participants should be prepared for regular walking, stairs, uneven surfaces, and changing weather conditions.
  • The itinerary is subject to change based on availability, weather, transportation, and other circumstances.
  • Participants who arrange their own airfare will be responsible for meeting the group at the designated arrival location and time in Ireland.
  • Please do not make independent flight arrangements until Georgia Southern confirms that the program has met the required number of registrations.

Secure Your Spot!

Discover Ireland beyond the traditional tourist experience. Walk through thousands of years of history, experience the warmth of Irish culture, hear traditional music, explore dramatic coastlines, and see firsthand how Ireland’s past and present come together.  A minimum of 15 participants will be needed to run this trip.

Travel with purpose, experience something new, and return home with a deeper understanding of Ireland and its people.

Space is limited, so reserve your place on this unforgettable Georgia Southern adventure.  A minimum of 15 participants will be needed to run this trip.