Ireland 2008 - University of Texas at Austin

May 22 - June 5 , 2008

Escorted by Mary Paige Huey:
A native of Austin and a graduate of the University of Texas, Mary Paige Huey has been involved in the art scene in Austin as an artist and also a volunteer for numerous art organizations all of her adult life. She has traveled extensively in Mexico where her interest in art history led her to many Pre Columbian sites as well as Spanish Colonial areas. She began escorting groups for Laguna Gloria Art Museum in the 70’s to various destinations, and in the 80’s and 90’s she led people on art related tours to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. She recently had the opportunity to lead the Third Age TraveLearn group to China in May of 2007 and was impressed by the quality of their program. Now she is looking forward to gathering an interested group of Third Age members for this tour to Ireland. “I have traveled to the southwest part of Ireland and I was very impressed by the high standard of living, the friendly people, ancient cultural roots and incredible scenery. I don’t know how anyone could NOT like Ireland! As my artistic interest involves photography I will make sure we have ample time to take advantage of the many photo opportunities in Ireland, in fact I would consider the whole country a photo op.”

People to People Experiences: Meet the Irish people while spending two relaxing nights at Hanora’s Cottage, a charming Irish Inn. Enjoy an evening of Irish music and laughter as you gather for an evening at a local Pub.

Sample Lectures: “The Call of the Skelligs,” “Exploring 6,000 Years of Connemaras’ Archaeology and History,” “The Titanic Trail,” “The Potato Famine and Irish Immigration.”

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne (Boyne Valley) Valley of the Boyne, Newgrange

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. Sit in on a few 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 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!

Experience and learn not only about Ireland's ancient traditions and culture, but also gain insights into the contemporary local customs and the current social, economic and political situation of Today's Ireland.

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 lecture/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.

PROGRAM PRICE
$4,295 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

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

Monthly Weather in degrees Fahrenheit
Average rainfall in inches
Shannon, Ireland

Month

Average High

Average Low

Average rain

3.9

2.9

2.7

2.3

2.4

2.6

2.9

3.5

3.3

3.8

4.2

May 22 - June 5 , 2008

PROGRAM FEATURES

PROGRAM PRICE $4,295 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 PRICE
$4,295 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