immersion: –noun
state of being deeply engaged or involved; absorption
This October (from the 5th to the 12th) we’re trying out a new way of experiencing Ireland. A group of us will descend on Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare for a week and spend the mornings taking classes in Irish culture, literature, music and history. The afternoons will be spent exploring the locality, and the evenings taking in a seisún in one of the area’s many excellent pubs. We’ll be staying in some of the locality’s thatched cottages for the week.
The schedule is as follows:
| Day | Morning – Classes | Afternoon – Outings | ||
| 1 | Rest & recovery following flight, followed by private concert in the hotel that evening. | |||
| 2 | Irish language and expressions | Cliffs of Moher, including St. Bridgets Well | ||
| 3 | Irish History | West Clare | ||
| 4 | Irish cookery and baking | Kilnaboy Old Monastry and Dysert O’Dea Castle | ||
| 5 | Irish literature & culture | The Burren including the Poulnabrone Dolmen | ||
| 6 | Learn to play Irish traditional instruments such as the tin whistle and bodhrán | Pub Tour, where we will learn how to pull the PERFECT PINT OF GUINNESS. | ||
| 7 | Full day trip to Galway | |||
The classes should run from 9:30am to 12:30pm and the sightseeing will last until 5.00pm. Then it’s NAP TIME for me and 
I am sure Trekking Time for the fearless and brave and we head to the pubs at approx 7.30pm for food and music. Those of you who will be cooking, need not be in the pubs until approx. 9.00pm
There will be musical entertainment in all the pubs in Ballyvauhan and we will be going to the pubs with the best entertainment each night. Of course people are free to catch a different pub if they so desire. It is also a great idea to eat in the local pubs. You will be surprised at the quality of the pub meals.
On the opening night we will host a very special private concert with some of Ireland’s best singers and musicians performing.
Note:
- Start date is October 5, finish on October 12 = 7 nights.
- It is best to fly into Shannon Airport and we will provide transportation on the day to Ballyvaughan, and of course back to Shannon Airport. If people come in a day early, we will pick them up at Bunratty.
- We will be based in Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare.
- Meals are NOT included. The options are that there are cooking facilities in the houses. There are many places to enjoy inexpensive meals in the locality. We will have a list of menus waiting for you when you arrive.
Hi Tom – This sounds fantastic! I can’t go this year but hope it will be successful enough for you to do next year as I’d love to be a part of it. I’m really looking forward to seeing you next July. Take care, say hi to Paddy and be safe. Love ya!
Slainte`
“Martini” Mary
April 24th, 2010 | #
Have a great time on this new adventure.
April 24th, 2010 | #
We’re hoping to take this trip, and expecting to have daughter Celeste Scholl and son Piper Hollier along for a mini-family reunion. We also hope to extend for an additional week of unplanned travel in Ireland. We like that a daily nap is listed in the activities. We can do that!!
May 18th, 2010 | #