Join UTHSC’s Chancellor Dr. Peter Buckley for a return to his birth country—Ireland.
Day 1 (Sunday, 10/6) – Arrival and departure from the airport to Cork. Enjoy a traditional pub lunch and a visit to the Rock of Cashel before continuing your journey to Cork, Ireland’s second largest city.
Day 2 (Monday, 10/7) – Enjoy a relaxing morning and breakfast with some free time to explore Cork or the Old English Market before venturing out to the Jameson Distillery for a tour and tasting followed by lunch on your own with some free time to shop. Next, departure to the famous Ballymaloe Cookery for a tour of their organic farm, gardens and dairy. You will enjoy a demonstration by one of the senior tutors and make the connection of food and health. Afterwards, prepare to cook a 3-course meal as you enjoy dinner and sip on wine at this historic establishment. Travel back to Cork for the remainder of the evening on your own to explore the town/pubs.
Day 3 (Tuesday, 10/8) – After breakfast at the hotel, visit Blarney Castle, built in 1446, originally as a defensive fortress. This is the famous site where visitors can kiss the Blarney Stone, giving them the gift of eloquence. Next, take some time for a shopping opportunity at Blarney Woolen Mills and have a deli Continue to Killarney for some down time and as you enjoy the popular town shops and pubs. Finish the day with dinner at an Irish Cabaret evening filled with traditional Irish food and dancing.
Day 4 (Wednesday, 10/9) – Day tour of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most spectacular drive. It begins in Killarney and makes a circular route passing several attractions including: Waterville, Coomakista Pass with magnificent views over Kenmare Bay, picturesque village of Sneem, over Molls Gap and along the Lakes of Killarney, through Killarney National Park and back to Killarney. Lunch will be served at a local pub in this popular area for some local cuisine and a pint of Guinness. Free evening on your own in Killarney tonight.
Day 5 (Thursday, 10/10) – After breakfast, continue along the Wild Atlantic Way, crossing the Shannon River by roll-on/roll-off ferry to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most visited tourist destinations. The cliffs stand at an amazing 702 feet at their highest point and stretch for 5 miles along the beautiful Atlantic coast of County Clare. Experience a delicious lunch at a local pub in Doolin, a town known as the traditional music capital of Ireland. Later, continue to Galway for a tour and free night on your own.
Day 6 (Friday, 10/11) – Mid-morning, depart for Dublin, Ireland’s capital and largest city. Lunch and afternoon visit with RCSI faculty, etc. rcsi.com/dublin and the evening is on your own in Dublin!
Day 7 (Saturday, 10/12) – In the morning after breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour around Dublin City to see and learn about this capital and Ireland’s largest city. Tour the Emigration Museum, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College to name a few. Also visit Christchurch Cathedral. This cathedral started in 1038 by King Sitrick Silkenbeard, the Danish Viking King of Dublin and is officially claimed at the seat of both the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic archbishops of Dublin. Next, enjoy some free time shopping and exploring this amazon city. You can also visit the Guinness Storehouse and other sites in downtown Dublin. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner!
Day 8 (Sunday, 10/13) – Transfer in the morning to the Dublin airport for your return flight arriving on the same day.
