Texas State in Ireland - Cork
Spend five weeks in Ireland, living in Cork, the historical heart of Ireland, and earn 6 hours of university credit.
Comments from our 2024 Student Evaluations
• The faculty impressed me the most - their passion on the subjects made the courses and overall trip all the more enjoyable. Really really appreciated them.
• Every aspect of it impressed and moved me. I think without Steve and Nancy, the trip would not have been half of what it was. Having the opportunity to travel with instructors that are so so familiar with Ireland and so deeply connected to it made the trip absolutely life changing.
• Reading similar books and stories to those of people who went to school in Ireland allowed me to be able to have more in-depth conversations with the locals. I didn't realize how complicated the Irish revolution and civil war were and how the effects of those wars still linger in modern day Ireland.
• Living in near and operating through the train and bus systems nearly everyday, and meeting/interacting with locals enhanced my understanding and appreciation of how different the culture here is different from home.
• Don't change anything. I had the time of my life, and I'm so incredibly grateful to have spent five weeks in my new favorite place on Earth!! It's so clear that Steve and Nancy are passionate about both the locations and their classes, and everything we did together was 100% engaging
During this year's amazing group excursions, we will . . .
- Hike through the enchanted mountains of Gougane Barra National Forest, spending the night at the Gougane Barra Hotel with a breathtaking view of the lake and St. Finnbarre's Chapel.
- Tour The Rock of Cashel, a medieval cathedral complex.
- Explore Barryscourt Castle, a 15th-century castle.
- In Dublin, visit Kilmainham Gaol where fourteen leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed by firing squad.
- Visit the National Museum of Archaeology in Dublin.
- Tour Fota House, a Victorian manor house.
Typical Week:
Monday-Friday: 8:30-12:10 class sessions at University College Cork. Trips to Gougane Barra, Dublin, and Cashel/Barryscourt replace class time on those days.
Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for students to engage in their own explorations of Cork, Ireland, and places further afield such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
In Cork City, you may wish to . . .
- Have high tea at 18th-century Hayfield Manor.
- Visit the Cork City Museum to view ancient standing stones and the 7th-century Garryduff Gold Bird.
- At the local Ceili learn traditional Irish dance steps from local Corkonian dancers, accompanied by live musicians.
- Take a tour of the Victorian-era University College Cork campus where you will be attending class.
You can also sea kayak in Kinsale, bike in Killarney National Park, and tour seaside villages such as Cobh and Youghal.
Your trip includes paid excursions to Barryscourt Castle; The Rock of Cashel; Fota House; and Kilmainham Gaol and the National Museum of Archaeology in Dublin. The group will also stay overnight at the Gougane Barra Hotel in the National Gougane Barra Forest Park. The program cost also includes payment for six hours of university credit and your housing at University Hall.
For more information and to set up a pre-application interview, contact:
Steve Wilson, Co-Director
Texas State in Ireland
Department of English
Texas State University-San Marcos
512.245.7680 • sw13@txstate.edu
Nancy Wilson, Co-Director
Texas State in Ireland
Department of English
Texas State University-San Marcos
512.245.5273 • nw05@txstate.edu
