TTC - The Great Tours: Ireland and Northern Ireland

Ireland is one of the most enchanting places in the world to visit. Split between the independent Republic of Ireland and the British Northern Ireland, the Emerald Isle is home to breathtaking natural scenery; world-renowned artistic and cultural achievements; and a mysterious, passionate—and sometimes turbulent—history. From the spectacular vistas of the Cliffs of Moher to the hallowed stage of the Abbey Theatre, a tour of this magical island rewards even armchair travelers with a unique array of historical, cultural, and scenic delights.

Less than 200 miles across and home to roughly 6.5 million people, Ireland is packed with an astonishing array of tourist treasures, including:

Dublin, truly a world-class epicenter for arts, culture, music, and more;
Belfast, whose story showcases the north-south and Catholic-Protestant divide, yet is more welcoming to visitors today than ever before;
The Dingle Peninsula and the Wild Atlantic Way, places where Irish is still spoken and the scenery is stunning;
Ancient ruins, Norman castles, and medieval cathedrals that showcase the complex history of the island; and
Country farms and village pubs that offer an inviting look at the real Ireland.
The Great Tours: Ireland and Northern Ireland gives you the chance to traverse this amazing land with a leading scholar in the field of Irish history, culture, and literature. Taught by Professor Marc Conner, president of Skidmore College and a scholar of modern Irish literature, these 24 captivating lessons give you a sweeping tour of the Emerald Isle, from the Guinness Brewery in Dublin to the ancient ruins of Newgrange to the battle-scarred village of Derry in Northern Ireland.

While you tour the island, Professor Conner explores the essential elements of the Irish identity. You’ll reflect on the myths associated with otherworldly places like the Giant’s Causeway, and the Christian symbols carved into the high crosses of Clonmacnoise. You’ll visit the haunts of literary giants like W. B. Yeats and James Joyce. You’ll stop at a pub in the tiny village of Doolin, a legendary center of traditional music. And you’ll visit sites that are living testaments to Ireland’s long struggle for independence.

The Great Tours: Ireland and Northern Ireland is an enchanting and enlightening journey through a land with a history that will move and inspire you, a land of poetry, art, and song. It is truly a must-see destination, and now you can experience it virtually from your living room.

Uncover a Mysterious, Turbulent History

No exploration of Ireland would be complete without an investigation into its history. Professor Conner opens by outlining the scope of Irish history, with a particular emphasis on the effect that various invasions had on the island, and on the longstanding conflict between Ireland and Britain, Catholic and Protestant. In the early lessons focused on this history, you will:

Find out about the Celtic people and the origins of Christianity in Ireland;
Tour the medieval castles and cathedrals that reflect the style of Norman invasions;
Reflect on the Protestant Ascendancy and the push for Irish independence;
Witness the 1916 uprising and other key events in the history of Irish nationalism;
Survey the Irish Revival in arts and literature; and much more.
As you will find out, much of Irish history is the story of conquerors and of the native Irish trying to fight forces from abroad. By the 18th century, British Protestants reigned in the splendors of Georgian Ireland; but not even a century later, the Great Famine would devastate the Catholic population and the Catholic-Protestant divide would later split the nation. Even after the Republic of Ireland gained independence, conflict with Northern Ireland continued, and one of the most harrowing stops on your journey is the town of Derry (or Londonderry, depending on whether you are an Irish nationalist or a Protestant Unionist). This village serves as a microcosm for the “Troubles,” as it was home of the infamous Bloody Sunday massacre. Truly, echoes of the past haunt the landscape of Ireland.

A Week in Dublin, a Week in the Countryside

Of all the world’s destinations, it’s no wonder that Ireland tops the list for tourists of all kinds. But where should you start? With so many destinations and such a rich history, what would an ideal tour of the Emerald Isle look like? Professor Conner advises tourists to plan for at least a week in Dublin and a week in the countryside, so you can truly immerse yourself in the full experience of Ireland.

With these lessons—all of which allow you to move at your own pace—you have the opportunity to do both! Start with a walking tour of Dublin to encounter some of the most important landmarks, including:

Stephen’s Green
Patrick’s Cathedral
Trinity College
The General Post Office
Audoen’s Gate
O’Connell Bridge and the Liffey River
The National Museum of Ireland
The National Gallery
Dublin Castle
You will love learning the backstory of the city’s Georgian architecture, visiting the Guinness Brewery, and seeing the landmarks of Irish independence, including Kilmainham Gaol. It’s astounding that ordinary sites—such as the Wood Quay along the Liffey that marks an ancient Viking settlement—are alive with history. Knowing this history brings the city to life in ways you couldn’t otherwise experience.

Go on a Sweeping Voyage around the Island

After several rich lessons in and around Dublin, you will accompany Professor Conner on a loop around Ireland, south to County Cork, west to Galway, north to Sligo, and around Northern Ireland. You will venture into villages and loughs, traverse mountains, peer over sheer cliffs, and take a ship out to the legendary Aran Islands. Highlights of this journey include:

The Wicklow Mountains
The monastery at Glendalough
Kilkenny Castle and Blarney Castle
The Cliffs of Moher
The Aran Islands
Belfast
Bushmills Distillery
Some of the most enjoyable vignettes on this leg of your journey include stops in rural villages teeming with life, such as a pint in a pub in the tiny village of Doolin, a legendary center of traditional music; a visit to Yeats’s home in County Sligo, which inspired poems such as “The Lake Isle of Innisfree”; and a typical Irish farmhouse, which gives you a true sense of the country.

Discover the Irish Identity

One of the beautiful things about travel is that you come away with more than the experience of seeing famous landmarks. Done properly, a good tour will give you a sense of the people and the culture of a place. Throughout this course, not only will you visit some of the most famous sites in the world, but you will also experience the poetry, the passion, and the melody of Ireland. The Great Tours: Ireland and Northern Ireland gives you the full experience of the Emerald Isle—where the extraordinary beauty of the landscape is matched by the warmth and hospitality of the people.

More Info