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THE IRELAND SELDOM SEEN:
A Journey into Irish-American History
October 6–17, 2012
Historian Guide: Deidre Burns
There is a whole world of culture and heritage to discover when you travel with us to an Ireland most tourists never see. From the Stone Age to the present, this tour brings you a history that, when told, will weave dazzling images into a distinctive program that shines a light on the long-standing U.S.-Irish relationship.
There always has been a special tie between Ireland and the New World. Both countries were born of a revolution and both endured civil wars. Irish roots in America run deep. Descendents of immigrants from the Emerald Isle have enriched American history perhaps more than those of any other single ancestry. In fact, 15 of our presidents, one in every three, have been of Irish descent. Emigration from Ulster in the 18th century and again following the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s changed America when thousands of Irish men and women crossed the Atlantic in search of a dream. From the inception of the United States of America, through the War of Independence, the Civil War and beyond, Irish men and women have played a significant role. It is this role that we will explore as we travel though the spectacular scenic countryside and come to understand Ireland's striking kinship with the United States.
You will view Irish scenery of unparalleled beauty — mountains, moorlands, and sea cliffs; explore some of the ancestral history of past American presidents; and pay respects to such famed Irish-Americans as Grace Kelly, John F. Kennedy, and Gregory Peck. Likewise to the men and women of Irish descent who have excelled and led — men such as Patrick Cleburne, "Stonewall of the West," and Thomas Francis Meagher, General of the Irish Brigade and Governor of Montana.
We at History America TOURS are excited to be able to offer Northern Ireland with its long and tumultuous story. At last, freed from the specter of "The Troubles" with a long standing cease-fire and political agreement, the province is now enjoying the fruits of peace.
This tour is unique to History America TOURS and is designed to show an aspect of the Emerald Isle not experienced on a regular vacation. Leading it will be noted Irish guide Deirdre Burns. It was she who guided History America travelers on our first Ireland tour, and we are thrilled that she will do this new, expanded version of The Ireland Never Seen.
Cost: $3,895 Single Occupancy, $3,295 Double Occupancy
Click to request a 2012 printed Travel Guide.
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ITINERARY
Sunday, October 7
Morning arrival in Dublin. A city tour includes the 12th-century St. Patrick's Cathedral and other historic sites. Light refreshments before check in to hotel. Gather for a welcome briefing and dinner hosted by Deirdre Burns and History America in our Dublin hotel.
Monday, October 8
The story of Ireland's struggle for independence from England begins with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol, the prison where many who were captured during the struggle for independence were executed. Continue to Leinster House (the Irish Parliament) to see the flag of the Fighting 69th. End the day with a guided tour of the National Museum of History. Overnight in Dublin.
Tuesday, October 9
Depart for Bru na Boinne, Ireland's most prominent Neolithic burial site and one of three World Heritage Sites on the island. Walk the battlefield of the Battle of the Boyne, where in 1690 King William fought his father-in-law, King James II of England. This evening in Belfast hear a talk on events leading up to "the Troubles." Overnight in Belfast.
Wednesday, October 10
On a Black Taxi tour of Belfast, hear commentary relevant to the Troubles; then tour the newly opened Titanic Belfast exhibition. After lunch at the Crown Liquor Saloon, visit Carrickfergus's 12th-century castle, the Andrew Jackson Cottage, and the U.S. Rangers Centre with its presidential links to Northern Ireland. Overnight in Belfast.
Thursday, October 11
On our journey to The Giant's Causeway we pass by Slemish Mountain where St. Patrick spent six years as a slave. The Giant's Causeway is a spectacular natural formation of hexagonal basalt columns and is another World Heritage Site. End the day with a guided walking tour along the 17th-century walls of Derry city. Overnight in Derry.
Friday, October 12
A further look at the Ulster–U.S. connection shows us where John Dunlap, who printed the Declaration of Independence, was apprenticed at Gray's Printing Mills. Visit the homestead of Woodrow Wilson's grandfather and the Ulster American Folk Park on the site of the Thomas Mellon family farm. Overnight in Derry after a talk by Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald from the Center of Migration Studies.
Saturday, October 13
Travel to Ireland's National Monument to the "Fighting 69th" in Ballymote. At the Strokestown Park Famine Museum, learn more about the "Big House" and the Great Potato Famine of 1847. Overnight in the picturesque Heritage Town of Westport, designed by the descendants of Grace O'Malley, famous woman pirate.
Sunday, October 14
Travel through the fabled Connemara region, ancestral homeland of Grace Kelly and the setting for films such as "The Quiet Man" and "The Field." Stop at the Coffin Ship, a Famine memorial, and see Croagh Patrick, the mountain where St. Patrick reputedly spent 40 days in penance. After a walking tour of Galway, take a boat ride to the Cliffs of Moher. After a Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle, we overnightin Limerick.
Monday, October 15
Enjoy Relaxation at Bunratty Folk Park or some retail therapy this morning! Continue to Ovens, County Cork, the home of Patrick Cleburne, Confederate General, before checking into the Granville Hotel in Waterford, former home of Thomas Meagher, founder of the Irish Brigade and Governor of Montana.
Tuesday, October 16
On our way to Dublin, we stop to see the Dunbrody Famine Ship that re-enacts life on board for the immigrants. Final stop is Leighlinbridge to pay respects to Myles Keogh, who died with General Custer. Enjoy a farewell drink in the hotel before departure for dinner and entertainment in The Merry Ploughboys Pub.
Wednesday, October 17
Departure after a hearty Irish breakfast.
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