Happy 4th of July!

Today was a spectacular day and a lesson in Irish history, as we went to Wexford to visit the Irish National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig. It is a place where Ireland’s heritage comes alive with sights and sounds that shaped the country and helped to shape the world. More than any other country in Europe, […]

Life is Good

Early to rise and shine, as the students started out the morning with a breakfast of cereal, oatmeal, tea, and toast. Dee-lish! Classes today consisted of Dan’s Irish history class-learning about the Normans, Strongbow, and Irish plantations. He also shared the history of Cahir and Kilkenny Castle and prepped the students for the next day’s […]

The Real Capital

We had an early start this morning for our first long road trip of the tour. And what a place to visit–Cork, home of Michael Collins, Henry Ford, and Shona “Sconees” Linehan. Legends all. Our first stop was Kinsale harbour, where we emerged out of the mist to storm Charles Fort. This is a massive […]

Oh My My My, Oh My My My, Oh My My My July!

And what a way to start to lovely July–the kids had their first history class with Dan, where they learned that Barack O’Bama was from Co Offaly, which explained why his family were at Glendalough last week. The kids also learned about the wonders of Newgrange and the sacred Book of Kells. And, hopefully, they […]

Harlem Shakin’ in Waterford

The ILE students woke up bright and early for their first class day. They showered, ate their breakfast of cereal, oatmeal, toast, and tea. Then they were split into two different classes of 15 students-Cuchulainn and Fionn mac Cumhaill (Famous Irish legends that Dan thought would be fun to hear the students pronounce.) for Gaelic, […]

The Craic Begins

Hello ILE Families and Friends, On Friday, June 28th, 30 high school students from 16 different US states, Italy, and Spain embarked on an amazing journey…, the Irish Life Experience. Clara and Kate L. from Illinois were the first students to arrive JFK International Airport in the morning. They were met by ILE Staff-Aubrey, Miles, […]

Introducing Aubrey Alexander-Your 2013 Female Counselor

Hello 2013 ILE’ers! My name is Aubrey Alexander and I live in Emporia, Kansas. I’m currently studying to be a High School Biology Teacher, so this summer will give me some great practice working with teenagers. My great grandmother’s name was Kathleen McNamara and it was her dream to see her love of Ireland carried […]

Dublin Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon Donation

Céad Mile Fáilte (A Hundred Thousand Welcomes) to the Irish Life Experience, a summer study abroad program in Ireland offered to both American and Canadian High School students. Over the course of four weeks during the summer in Ireland, high school students are introduced to its magical landscape and rich heritage through a variety of […]