Itiner...(wait for it)...ARY!

Today was another informational meeting for our professors to discuss with the 30+ of us what in the world we will be doing in Ireland for the 10 weeks of Spring Term.  Throughout the course of this trip, we will be exploring as much of Ireland as we can, so after a certain number of days in one city, we will be traveling to another to spend some time there/see some historical and famous sites.  We will arrive in Dublin (Ireland's capital) on March 9th, 2013 and leave from Dublin after coming full circle on May 17th, 2013. Here is a simplified version of our itinerary concerning which cities we will be in at what times, and some notes as to what we will be seeing there.  Also, I will try to post some pictures of the famous sites that aren't as well known to give you all an idea of what awaits us:

Arrive in Dublin on March 9th, 2013 where we will meet our professors so they can take us over to our first hotel. However, to help us recover from jet lag, they informed us that we will be dropping off our bags and leaving right away to begin a "forced march" as they like to call it.  A.k.a. they want us to explore the streets of Dublin with them from 8am until whenever to tire us out so we can reset our biological clocks. Good news is, though, that this march may involve a side quest to a pub ;)

Week 1: Classes in Dublin (Tues, Wed, Thurs) and other orientation activities
 *Also note that St. Patrick's Day will be on the upcoming Sunday, and though it isn't as celebrated in Ireland, we were informed that there are parades in the country that appear as a mix of Gay Pride Parade and immigrants galore...interesting...My friends and I will definitely use this as an excuse to drink regardless!



Week 2: Travel to Killarney with side stops to the cities Kildare and Cashel

Week 3: More class time with Good Friday and Easter Sunday occurring in that upcoming weekend. Potential travel plans to other countries may occur for the Holy days.

Week 4: Day trip to Cahservieen and Valentia; Full day to Dingle Peninsula (including Gallarus Oratory, Beehive huts, Blaskt Island's Visitor Centre); Travel to Ennis and visit Kilrush Whale and Dolphin Museum (:DDDD !!!)

Week 5: Travel to Galway via site visits + classes



Week 6: Aran Islands Tour (Dun Angus) + classes

Week 7: Classes; travel to Sligo

Week 8: Travel to Derry and on to Belfast (This is part of Northern Ireland where the rebellions occurred between religions); Day trip to Giant's Causeway and coastal sites; Classes; Return to Dublin via Boyne Valley

Week 9: TBA

Week 10: Day trip through Wicklow Mountain National Park including Powerscourt House and Gardens, Glendalough, and Avoca.

Return flight May 17th, 2013

Graduate May 19th, 2013

I have a feeling that a lot of reflection of not only the past 10 weeks, but also the past 4 years will be flying through my mind as I prepare myself to walk across that stage. It'll be legend...(wait for it)...DARY!