A N A R C H A E O L O G I C A L & H I S T O R I C A L J O U R N E Y

Transcription

1 FAMILY IRELAND A N A R C H A E O L O G I C A L & H I S T O R I C A L J O U R N E Y J U N E 28- J U L Y 5, This unique family adventure is educational as well as fun. Your Harvard study leader, joined by a team of local experts, delivers an absorbing, hands-on program featuring Ireland s history, mythology, geology, and ecology. Experience the excitement of archaeology by participating in live research from survey to excavation to laboratory analysis and attend a workshop on experimental archaeology to discover how past people made tools. Enjoy recreational activities such as, making Irish brown bread, and listening to and participating in a traditional Irish music and dancing session. You may also opt for the post-tour extension, which will take you to the southwest of Ireland to experience the Atlantic seaboard and a very different and equally enthralling Ireland. A pre-tour option is available to assist passengers in acclimatizing to Ireland s time zone prior to the commencement of the tour. Most flights departing from the USA fly overnight, and arrive into Ireland in the early morning, whereas early check-ins are unavailable at hotels before 3pm. The pre-tour includes one or two night s accommodation in Dublin, with transfers from the airport to your Dublin hotel, and from your hotel in Dublin to Trim Co Meath in time for the commencement of the tour. STUDY LEADER: JAMES ENGELL AB 73, PhD 78 is the Gurney Professor of English Literature and a professor of comparative literature at Harvard. The recipient of four facultywide teaching and advising awards, Engell offers courses on rhetoric and on the Enlightenment, romantic poetry, 18th-century studies, and environmental issues. GROUP SIZE: 15 to 30 guests PRICING: Adults: $4,695 double occupancy / $495 single supplement Children: $3,995 per person (6-17)

2 SCHEDULE BY DAY B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner SATURDAY, JUNE 27 INDEPENDENT DEPARTURES / U.S. The program officially begins the afternoon of June 28, so most travelers should plan to depart the U.S. on the evening of June 27 (or earlier for the pretour option in Dublin). Several overnight flights to Dublin are available on a variety of airlines. SUNDAY, JUNE 28 INDEPENDENT ARRIVALS, DUBLIN / TRIM HAA will schedule two airport transfers by coach from Dublin Airport to the Trim Castle Hotel in Trim. The transfers will be set to accommodate different arrival times in the early morning and in mid-to-late morning. The tour begins in a private room in the hotel at 1pm, where you will meet your local expert and tour guide, Dr. Stephen Mandal and your tour manager, Lisanne O Loughlin. Light lunch will be provided while your tour manager helps with your check in. Please note that early check in is not available before 3pm. Across the street from your hotel is Trim Castle, the largest and best preserved Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, built by Hugh de Lacy in Today you will visit the inside of this twenty-sided castle, view its defensive towers and residential areas, and learn more about life under Anglo- Norman rule in Ireland in the 12th and 13th centuries. (Please note that the keep itself is not accessible for visitors with mobility issues). Take a short walking tour of the heritage town of Trim, home to more upstanding medieval remains than any other town in Ireland, and steeped in archaeological, historical, political, and literary culture. This evening attend a brief tour orientation followed by dinner at your hotel. Overnight: Trim Castle Hotel (L, D) MONDAY, JUNE 29 NEWTOWNTRIM, BECTIVE ABBEY & THE BLACKFRIARY COMMUNITY ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECT (WITH OPTIONAL SUNRISE BALLOON TRIP OVER TRIM) Eearly risers will have the exciting opportunity to view this incredible historical landscape from the aspect of a hot air balloon sunrise adventure (optional at an additional cost, and subject to suitable weather conditions). Later in the morning, take a short stroll alongside the river Boyne (or take the coach if you prefer) to Newtowntrim, a remarkable array of medieval monastic remains, including the ruins of the medieval cathedral of the Meath Diocese and the 13th century Priory of the Augustinian Canons. From here, your coach will bring you to the nearby ruins of Bective Abbey, a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1147 by Murchadh O' Melaghin, then King of Meath. It was the first daughter house of Mellifont Abbey. The abbey was suppressed in 1536 and after passing through a number of families, fell into ruin. Many of the buildings still survive, including substantial portions of the cloister. The site was excavated by Dr. Geraldine and Matthew Stout from 2010 to 2012, in partnership with the Irish Archaeology Field School. Return to Trim for lunch, which will include a presentation on the Blackfriary Community Archaeology Project by your guide, Dr Stephen Mandal, one of the founders of the project. After lunch, visit the project at the former site of a 13th-century Dominican friary. Excavations commenced here in 2010 and for the past five years the research and teaching excavation has helped provide archaeological excavation and postexcavation training to over 500 archaeological students from as far afield as Australia, USA, Canada, Norway, and of course, Ireland. The project has been very well received in Ireland and internationally, winning high profile recognitions and

3 awards from such prestigious organizations such as National Geographic and the Archaeological Institute of America. Meet the archaeologists excavating and visit the post-excavation facilities to see what they have discovered and the processes used to record artifacts and findings. Dinner this evening will be in the hotel. Overnight: Trim Castle Hotel (B, L, D) TUESDAY, JUNE 30 EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLGY; TRADITIONAL WOOL CRAFTS & NEWGRANGE This morning travel by coach along the Boyne River Valley to a wonderful traditional craft centre (Boyne Valley Wools), where you can participate in a wool working class and learn all about this wonderful traditional craft from sheep to finished product. Younger children will have an opportunity to build a model of the monument; and everyone will have the opportunity to try their hand at the ancient Stone Age crafts that were an integral part of the daily lives of the people who built Newgrange and farmed this land in the Neolithic Period some 5,000 years ago. In the afternoon, travel the short distance to Brú na Bóinne (Gaelic for the Palace on the Boyne ), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First stop at the visitor Center, where you will have time to view the wonderful exhibits and audio-visual presentation, and have lunch (under your own arrangements). The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC, which means it is older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids at Giza. The kidney-shaped mound covers an area of over one-acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. There is no agreement about what the site was used for, but it has been speculated that it had religious significance it is aligned with the rising sun and its light floods the chamber on the winter solstice. This evening you will be entertained by a Downton Abbey evening in the period Manor house of Bellinter, designed in 1750 by the leading Irish architect of the day, Richard Castle. This will include 'Bates Bellinis' on arrival and a presentation into life at the Bellinter estate during this era. A costumed dinner will follow. Costumes are optional and are provided. Overnight: Trim Castle Hotel (B, D) WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 THE HILL OF TARA / BEING IRISH AT CAUSEY FARM This morning visit one of Ireland s most iconic archaeological landscapes, the Hill of Tara. Best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site since the Neolithic Period. The Mound of the Hostages (a passagetomb) was constructed in or around BC. In the early Christian period Tara was the political and religious center of Ireland. During the rebellion of 1798, United Irishmen formed a camp on the hill but were attacked and defeated by British troops. In 1843, the Irish Member of Parliament, Daniel O'Connell hosted a peaceful political demonstration on Hill of Tara in favor of the repeal of the Act of Union, which drew over 750,000 people. Lunch will be at Maguire s, a charming restaurant at the Hill of Tara. Next visit Causey Farm, a working family farm that allows visitors to see first-hand how farmers earn their living in Ireland. Organized activities here include bread making, learning the art of Hurling, Irish Dancing, learning to speak Gaelic, and participating in sheep dog demonstrations. Enjoy dinner tonight at the farm: a traditional Irish three course meal with live Irish music & entertainment. (Please note that Causey Farm does not have a liquor license and cannot serve alcohol). Overnight: Trim Castle Hotel (B, L, D)

4 THURSDAY, JULY 2 DUBLIN S HISTORY: KILMAINHAM JAIL, TRINITY COLLEGE & THE BOOK OF KELLS This morning travel to Dublin for a day of historical exploration. Your first visit will be to Ireland s oldest and premier college, Trinity College Dublin, for a private tour. You will see the famous 9th century book of Kells, a masterpiece of Western calligraphy featuring the four Gospels of the New Testament, in Trinity s old library (built in the 18th century). After lunch (included at your leisure) at a local restaurant, you will take the coach through the city past many of the most important landmarks of the city, to Kilmainham Jail, the largest unoccupied gaol in the British Isles. Here you will enjoy a guided tour to gain insight into some of the most profound, disturbing, and inspirational events of modern Irish history from when the jail opened in 1796 to its closure in Leaders of the numerous rebellions of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries were detained here, including Robert Emmet, Charles Stewart Parnell, and Eamon DeValera. The summary execution of many of the leaders of the failed 1916 Rising in the jail ultimately led to the foundation of the Irish republic. Dinner tonight is included at the hotel. Overnight: Herbert Park Hotel (B, L, D) FRIDAY, JULY 3 GLENDALOUGH & RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE Today, head south to County Wicklow, known as the Garden of Ireland for its beautiful scenery. Spend the morning at beautiful Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic site founded by St. Kevin. Take a guided walk around the glaciated lakes and learn about the history of the monastic settlement before setting up for a picnic lunch in the hills overlooking the lakes (weather permitting). This afternoon drive across the dramatic Wicklow Mountains to Kilruddery House, Killruddery home to the Brabazon Family (the Earls of Meath) since You will enjoy an expert guided tour of the spectacular house and stunning gardens before enjoying afternoon tea. Tonight you are at leisure for dinner and evening exploration under your own arrangements in Dublin. Overnight: Radisson Blu Royal (B, L) SATURDAY, JULY 4 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND Today take a private guided tour of the National Museum of Ireland with one of the institutions keepers. The museum is the nation s premier cultural institution and home to the greatest collections of Irish material heritage, culture, and natural history in the world. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure for shopping or sightseeing. This evening gather together for the last time for a farewell 4th of July dinner to celebrate the new friendships forged and memories shared. Overnight: Radisson Blu Royal (B, D) SUNDAY, JULY 5 DEPARTURES The program concludes with two morning coach transfers to Dublin Airport (B) Alternatively, you may join the optional five day, four night post-trip tour of the western highlights of Ireland.

5 O P T I O N A L P O S T T O U R E X T E N S I O N I R E L A N D : I N T O T H E W E S T J U L Y 5-9, Experience a different cultural and physical landscape the west of Ireland is altogether wilder and more remote, and the landscapes are truly spectacular. SUNDAY, JULY 5 DUBLIN TO KILKENNY After breakfast, travel to Kilkenny, a medieval city characterized by many beautifully restored buildings and winding slipways. Kilkenny is small and compact enough to explore on foot, yet full of fascinating historical buildings and contemporary shops, design galleries, and restaurants. The ancient city of Kilkenny was named after a 6th-century monk St Canice. A native of the area, St. Canice built a monastic enclave on the site where today we find the beautifully restored 13th St Canices Cathedral. Also visit one of the most instantly recognized buildings in Ireland: Kilkenny Castle. This castle has been an important site since it was built by the Anglo- Normans in the 12th century. It was remodeled in Victorian times and is set in extensive parklands which were the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. Enjoy a few hours of free time in Kilkenny in the afternoon to shop and meander through the medieval streetscapes. Dinner tonight will be in your luxury hotel. Overnight: Lyrath Estate (B, D) MONDAY, JULY 6 JERPOINT ABBEY / KILKENNY In the morning visit Jerpoint Abbey in County Kilkenny. This Cistercian abbey, founded in 1,180 AD, is noted for its beautiful cloister arcade and its stone carvings, including one at the tomb of Felix O'Dulany, Bishop of the Diocese of Ossory. The abbey flourished until the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in the early part of the sixteenth century. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel where you have the remainder of the day at leisure to further explore Kilkenny or choose from the hotel s activity options (some at an additional cost): spa treatments, cinema, walks of the grounds, or mountain biking on the grounds. Overnight: Lyrath Estate (B, L, D) TUESDAY, JULY 7 ROCK OF CASHEL & LOUGH GUR HERITAGE PARK / MEDIEVAL BANQUET AT BUNRATTY CASTLE After breakfast, head into the southwest of Ireland, and visit some historic sites along the way. First stop is the beautiful Rock of Cashel, once the seat of the Kings of Munster. St. Patrick visited the rock in 450, while Brian Boru was crowned the first high King of Ireland here in the 10th century. You will then head to County Limerick and Lough Gur Heritage Park, where you will enjoy (weather permitting) a picnic lunch before exploring the incredible archaeology and history of this unique setting. Lough Gur has been a place of continuous habitation for at least 6,000 years since the arrival of the Neolithic people and represents in microcosm each of the different ages: for example, the Neolithic houses of Knockadoon; the Bronze Age Grange Stone Circle; the Iron Age Ring barrow on Knockfennel; the Early Christian Stone forts of Carraig Aille; the Medieval Bouchiers Castle; and the Post-medieval Mass Rock. The Heritage Park includes a

6 wonderful interpretative center and museum. From Lough Gur, travel to Adare, Limerick in time for an early dinner at Bunratty Castle. Built in the 15th century by the Earl of Thomond on the banks of the Rathy River, the castle has a relatively new tradition: for more than 40 years, the ladies of the Castle, aided and abetted by the Earl's Butler, have welcomed guests from all over the world to join them at The Earl's Banquet. THURSDAY, JULY 9 DEPARTURES The program concludes with a morning coach transfer to Shannon Airport to depart on flights home. Overnight: The Dunraven Arms (B, L, D) WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 DINGLE PENINSULA Today, drive to Dingle for a breathtaking tour of the Dingle Peninsula. You will be joined by local archaeologist, historian, folklorist and musician. In addition to the fine coastal scenery, the Dingle Peninsula is famous for its Celtic, pre-christian monuments, and Christian churches. It is also a Gaeltacht' (Irish speaking) area, where the Irish language and traditional ways of life are preserved. Dingle itself is a thriving fishing town with plentiful pubs, narrow streets, and a busy harbor. Also stop in the picturesque fishing village of Ballyferriter, where you will enjoy lunch. The road around the Peninsula is truly spectacular. From Inch, a long beach bordered by dunes and made famous by David Lean s movie Ryan s daughter, you can admire the Iveragh Peninsula. Continue around the coast to Slea Head, where the blue of the marine landscape surrounds the Blaskets Islands, deserted since In the distance are the two rocky Skellig islands, another of Ireland s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where the ruins of an early Christian Monastery can be found. Dinner tonight is at the hotel. Overnight: The Dunraven Arms (B, L, D)