Day 1 : Fly to Ireland

Begin your Irish adventure with an overnight flight to the Emerald Isle.

Day 2 : Belfast

We arrive in Ireland today and depart the Dublin airport for Belfast. This evening, we get to know our fellow traveling companions during a Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner. Our accommodations for the next two evenings are in Belfast.

Day 3 : Giant’s Causeway

We experience our first glimpse of Northern Ireland’s majestic coast this morning and discover the beauty of Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and unique geological wonder offers unmatched landscapes and surreal views. After returning to Belfast, we enjoy a city tour with a local guide. Learn all about this vibrant city including the political murals and Belfast’s turbulent past. In the afternoon we explore Titanic Belfast, a museum commemorating the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship. Built to resemble the doomed vessel, the museum extends over nine interactive galleries and is frequently rated as one of the top museums in the world.

Day 4 : Ulster American Folk Park

We begin our day learning about three centuries of Irish immigration at Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air folk museum in Omagh. This museum highlights Irish immigration to the Americas. Explore up to 30 buildings and learn about skilled artisans from earlier eras by observing costumed interpretive guides scattered throughout the property. We then tour Belleek Pottery, known the world over for its delicate basketwork appearance and shamrock accents. We’ll tour the factory and learn how this enchanting pottery is created and hand painted.

Day 5 : Kylemore Abbey

We begin the day with a visit to the neo-Gothic Church of Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, home to a Benedictine Community of Nuns since World War I. While there, we explore the grounds and can stroll through the six acres of its Victorian Walled Garden. Later, we visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory in Moycullen, where Celtic motifs are expertly cut into colored crystal. This evening, we gather for an included dinner at the hotel and then are free to independently explore the city’s lively entertainment scene.

Day 6 : Rathbaun Farm & Irish Coffee

This morning we experience authentic Irish hospitality at the Rathbaun Farm in Ardahan. Here, sheep graze the fields and the fragrance of home-baked scones fill the air. We visit with our hosts in their charming, thatched cottage and sample freshly baked scones with a pot of Irish tea. Following the visit, we travel to Athlone for some free time and lunch. Then, we walk over to Sean’s Bar for an immersive Irish Coffee lesson and a taste of this classic beverage! In the afternoon, we travel to Clonmacnoise. This beloved ancient monastic site was once a major center of religion and education that attracted scholars from all over Europe. The grounds contain remains of nine churches, a round tower, and Celtic Crosses.

Day 7 : Guinness Storehouse

Today we have the opportunity to learn all about Ireland’s most famous brew: Guinness. We will experience interactive exhibits that explore the history and brewing process of this internationally-renowned Irish dry stout. Then enjoy a pint together afterward! The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Dublin and participate in any activities that have been arranged by the university for the game.

Day 8 : Game Day!

After an included breakfast, transportation will be provided to the Aviva stadium where we enjoy the Aer Lingus College Football Classic game in a shared suite that includes food and beverages. Our seats are in a covered area of the stadium, attached to the suite. The game package includes our early admission to the suite, a premium game ticket and lanyard, all day gourmet grazing menus, a commemorative game day program and VIP guest wallet and invitation. In-suite TV viewing and game highlight replays are also offered. After enjoying the game, transportation back to the hotel is included.

Day 9 : Dublin

Following breakfast and a leisurely morning, we embark on a guided tour of Dublin. View Dublin Castle, the Spire of Dublin, the Ha’penny Bridge, and visit the National Museum of Ireland. Tonight, we celebrate our amazing escape to the Emerald Isle at Taylor’s Three Rock Dinner & Show, complete with delicious food, great music, and award-winning Irish dancing.

Day 10 : Fly Home