IMPORTANT NOTE: After the summer 2007 tour, Global Exchange will be offering the Northern Ireland destination as a customized-only travel seminar. There will no longer be regularly scheduled, open-to-all tours to Ireland after the July 30 to August 13, 2007 trip - so now is the time to sing on to this tour!
Global Exchange has been sending educational, cultural, and political tours to Northern Ireland since 1994. Designed to break though the political isolation and media distortion, these travel seminars will give you unprecedented access to long-standing organizations which have prevailed against all odds to bring about equality and justice in a deeply divided society.
Travel to Ireland with Global Exchange and explore the roots of over 800 years of British colonialism and occupation. Grasp the complexities of domination and dependence. See how the non-violent, progressive groups in the north of Ireland make many international links to peace and justice movements around the world.
Enjoy the dynamic, annual West Belfast Festival, where culture and politics merge. Attend Irish and international forums, exhibits and cultural events that will deepen your understanding of "The Troubles." Enjoy the rich history, natural beauty and unique spirit of Ireland.
Program Highlights:
- Travel to Dublin, New Grange, Crossmaglen, Portadown, Derry and Belfast.
- Tour Dublin, heart of the 1916 Rising
- Travel to New Grange, an ancient megalithic tomb.
- Meet with the South Armagh Farmers and Residents Committee in South Armagh (one of the six counties of the north of Ireland, in the far south of the country, just across the border from the Republic of Ireland).
- Spend at least one night in rural South Armagh and participate in a guided bus tour of the border with the south (the Republic) to see the remaining British army bases of an original of 19.
- Stop at the infamous Garvaghy Road in Portadown, site of past pitched battles over annual sectarian Orange Order marches.
- Meet with grassroots progressive organizations and with representatives of all sides of the conflict, including officials from Sinn Fein, Unionist/Loyalist parties and community leaders.
- Dialogue with Irish people in their own homes about how they are dealing with the conflict in the north.
- Stay with local families in the Falls Road community of West Belfast (this tour includes 7 nights of home stays - B&B-only accommodation is available for an extra fee).
- Visit an Irish language school, a university, trade unions, a women's group and intellectuals.
- Enjoy the annual, week-long West Belfast Festival, the largest community festival in all of Europe, where culture and politics merge.
- Enjoy Ireland's rich cultural heritage, lively pubs and beautiful landscape. Tour historical cities, abbey ruins and ancient megalithic sites.
Cost: $2,200 - in-country, land-only for 15 days, 14 nights (international airfare not included)
Price Includes:
- All accommodations in shared double rooms - we can usually pair you up with a roommate. Please add $350 for a single room.
- All in-country transportation
- Two meals per day (breakfast and dinner)
- Full-time trip leader
- Area-specific guides
- All program activities and entrance fees
- Preparatory reading materials
- Personal meeting to suit your particular interest (as available)
- One-year membership in Global Exchange and in the national solidarity organization, the US-based Irish American Unity Conference
- Price does not include international airfare, tips, optional donations or personal expenses.
How to Register:
To secure your space on this trip, please submit your registration form and a deposit of $200 two months before departure. A late fee of $50 will be applied for late registration. Deposits are non-refundable but transferable for up to one year toward the cost of another tour. Payments by check, Mastercard or Visa are welcome.This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.
Make your reservation online now!
Contact Nadya with any questions about this trip,
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