Ireland is a region that is known for its traditional music and dance as well as ancient prehistoric megaliths– both can be found throughout the country. Spend 10 days traveling through Ireland and learning about traditional music and dance, history, and culture of the “Emerald Isle.” By day, we will explore big rocks, cultural sites, and scenery (involving a few optional moderate hikes), and in the evenings, we will enjoy traditional music and dance. Your hosts are Natalya Weinstein and John Cloyd Miller — a husband-and-wife duo who teach in the Warren Wilson College music department and perform together as Zoe & Cloyd, an award-winning bluegrass/Americana act from Asheville. Joining them as co-leader and trip coordinator is Marley Fischer `16, Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement at Warren Wilson. Fellow musicians are welcome to join the trip, but no musical experience is required.
Begin your journey with two days in Dublin, visiting cultural sites such as the National Museum of Ireland and the Book of Kells at Trinity College. In the evenings, revel in the pubs of Dublin with musical performances and dancing. From Dublin, the group will travel by private coach to Westport, a beautiful and walkable town on Ireland’s west coast, known for its colorful Georgian streets, great pubs, and easy charm. In Westport the group will stay at the beautiful Clew Bay Hotel. By day, the group will visit breathtaking historical sites and megaliths, including Brú na Bóinne and Achill Island. Evenings will be spent enjoying music sessions and visiting with musicians with whom Natalya and John have built enduring musical bonds. From Westport, the group will travel by private coach to County Clare, where they will stay for five nights in Ennis where you will enjoy the 52nd annual Fleadh Nua Festival. This is a traditional Irish music and dance festival that is full to the brim with concerts, Ceilis, sessions, recitals, Sean-Nós dancing and street entertainment. The group will also do some day trips in County Clare including visiting Kilfenora Vistiors’ Center, the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, and a ferry trip to the island of Inishmore to visit Dun Aengus (a prehistoric stone fort). The trip will conclude with breakfast in Ennis and travel to either Shannon Airport (just 30 minutes from Ennis) or back to Dublin where folks can plan to either fly home in the afternoon or continue their travels independently.
The course fee includes all activities, accommodation, transportation, and most meals while in Ireland. Airfare is not included. Included in the course is a two hour orientation with the course leaders on the beautiful campus of Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC (virtual option available for those who are not local). In addition to a robust program of planned activities, there will be ample free time for participants to explore their own interests and unwind.
Activity levels will be moderate, with considerable walking each day (up to five miles). Some hiking will also be included, with alternative options for those who aren’t interested. Please think carefully about your level of fitness and whether or not this will be realistic for you prior to committing. Group size will be limited to 15 participants, and the spots are first come first serve. To reserve your spot, a deposit of $500 will need to be made by check. After registering, you’ll receive an invoice for the deposit along with instructions for where to mail your check.