Cork Excursions

One of the benefits of studying abroad is the ability to venture outside your host city and explore the surrounding area. Excursions are offered for all semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered two to three excursions and summer students are typically offered one to two excursions. You will receive a calendar of the specific CEA excursions offered for your program during orientation. To give you an idea of the possibilities, we have collected typical experiences from some of the day trips and weekend tours offered to our students in the past.

Blarney

Students will be transported into a perfectly magical, picturesque place where they can kiss the Blarney Stone and be blessed with the gift of the gab, explore the castle, climb the spiraling staircases to overlook lush gardens which surround it, and descend into the dungeon.

Cliffs of Moher/Co. Clare

Co. Clare, with its strong Celtic folklore influences, thriving music scene, and tranquil natural beauty, is the perfect place for a weekend retreat. Staying with the lovely Mrs. Daly in the coastal village of Doolin, the traditional music capital of Ireland, students will have ample opportunity to enjoy the Miko Russell Music Festival. Lively sessions around the turf fires in the famous O’ Connors bar make for a toe-tapping good time, made all the better by the accomplished musicians who love to teach visitors a few dance steps. Another great experience awaits students at the stunning Lahinch beach, where skilled instructors will show them everything they need to know to become accomplished surfers, from surf-speak to actually riding waves! Scrumptious seafood chowder and buttery soda bread will fill up empty stomachs before students travel to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, where one can truly experience the force of nature and the terrain once inhabited by Celtic warriors; this natural spectacle never fails to impress. Dinner is an elaborate affair at Bunratty Castle, where students shall dine like lords and ladies of olden times, while medieval songs and poetry are performed with traditional harp accompaniment. It makes for an exciting lesson in Irish medieval history, teaching students everything from dinnertime rituals to the dress conventions and lifestyle of Plantation families. It’s an experience they will remember for many years to come!

Dublin/Wicklow

Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, is Mecca for culture lovers. From the world famous artwork of the Book of Kells to the Bronze Age artifacts in the National History Museum and the lyrical prose of James Joyce, there is something to cater to every taste. History lovers will enjoy fascinating accounts of the 1916 Rising and Irish War of Independence which are commemorated across the city-- particularly fascinating is the General Post Office on O’ Connell Street where you can still trace your fingers over bullet holes and learn about the courageous men who fought in the war. In addition to exploring Dublin’s riveting historical past, students will also stop by the Guinness Factory, the perfect place to sample Ireland’s number one export, while also learning about the scientific practices behind brewing this popular tipple. Moving to County Wicklow, students may tour the remarkable Powerscourt House, one of Ireland’s great treasures. This picturesque Palladian manor is set in forty-seven acres of beautifully manicured grounds, including an exquisite Japanese Garden. It is the perfect sanctuary after a weekend in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Galway

The easygoing charm and rugged landscape of the West of Ireland has long enchanted visitors. It represents the picture-perfect visions of grazing sheep, lush green hills and thatched cottages that frequently draw people to Ireland. Staying in the heart of the Irish countryside, students will rise early to set off for a day’s kayaking in Killary Fjord, better known as the “Gateway to Connemara”. It is a thoroughly exhilarating experience, made all the better by the informative guides that navigate you towards Seal Island and mussel farms that dot the coastline. Once students have established their sea legs, they may tackle a ropes and climbing course designed to test their confidence. It will also teach them how to depend on and share the skills and strengths of other CEA participants. Less strenuous activities in the form of mountain trails and archery top off this action-packed weekend! Time is also spent in Galway city where students may see the world famous Claddagh jewellery and visit the bric-a-brac stalls in the busy market. This is the perfect place to purchase a cozy wool sweater!

Kerry

Kerry is known as The Kingdom for good reason. It is home to some of the most magnificent scenery in Ireland, from the gorgeous Killarney National Park to the jaw-dropping beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. Away from the typical bus tour routes, students will experience these places in a unique fashion, with early morning horse rides through the park and a gentle bike ride to Muckross House and Abbey. There is much to learn about the park’s flora and fauna, as well as the lives of the Kerry Chieftains that once resided there. No introduction to Kerry would be complete without a visit to Fungi the Dolphin-- local fishermen will take students out to sea to meet Dingle’s biggest celebrity and learn about his Atlantic home. A tasty lunch will be provided under the canopy of trees at Torc Waterfall and the evening will allow time to relax and mingle with locals while experiencing the nightlife of Killarney town. The trip to Kerry offers a delicious combination of action, history and nature that is sure to leave students spellbound.

Kinsale

This beautiful town is set right on the coast. Students will spend the day exploring a sixteenth century military base—Charlesfort-- and wander around this adorable town. Kinsale is the culinary capital of Ireland, so of course students will have the chance to sample some of the best seafood they will ever taste. Deep sea fishing with local fisherman Sean Og will make this coastal visit complete.