Northern Ireland
The Best of Northern Ireland: Past, Present and Future
Program No. 22092RJ
Unravel the complex story of Northern Ireland as you meet its people, learn its history, explore its monuments and discover the exciting transformation of this vibrant region.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
9 days
8 nights
15 meals
7B 3L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Political Murals in Belfast
Belfast
4
Titanic Belfast, Free Time
Belfast
8
Brú na Bóinne
Dublin
9
Program Concludes
Dublin
At a Glance
Northern Ireland is known as much for its verdant landscapes as it is for its complex history of political and social tensions that culminated in three decades of violence known as the Troubles. Discover how an area so scarred by historical unrest is redefining itself as a haven of culture and heritage as you dive deep into the ever-shifting story of Northern Ireland, visiting the landmarks, learning about the key figures and gaining a deeper understanding of the events that forged this unique region.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles each day, with periods of standing. Varied terrain including paved streets with cobblestones, gravel and woodland paths, uneven rocky terrain.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Immerse yourself in maritime history at Titanic Belfast.
- Discover megalithic ruins and preserved castles as you explore the region’s lush countryside.
- Gain an insider’s perspective on historic Northern Ireland as you ride between Belfast’s vibrant political murals in a black taxi.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "The Best of Ireland: A Week on the Emerald Isle" (#22088) for even more learning in Ireland!
Suggested Reading List
(14 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of Northern Ireland: Past, Present and Future
Program Number: 22092
I Never Knew That About Ireland
A treasure trove of fascinating stories, I Never Knew That About Ireland is packed full of information on the colorful history of the Emerald Isle. This irresistible book gives a captivating insight into the heritage, memories, and monuments that have shaped each county in Ireland, searching out their secrets and unearthing their hidden gems.
Say Nothing
A riveting work of investigative journalism by one of the most compelling U.S. reporters working today. Its starting point is the murder of a woman in Belfast in 1972. But it’s far more than the history of a crime.
This is Happiness
This historical novel spans over four centuries of Irish history, from pre-Christian times through to the establishment of the Free Irish State in 1922. Rutherfurd weaves together the lives of a diverse cast of characters—monks, noblemen, soldiers, and rebels—against the backdrop of significant historical events such as the Viking invasions, the Great Famine, and the Easter Rebellion.
How the Irish Saved Western Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland’s Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe
A compelling historical narrative that explores the crucial role of Ireland during a pivotal period in Western history, specifically from the fall of the Roman Empire to the rise of medieval Europe. First published in 1995, the book argues that as Europe descended into chaos and barbarism, Irish monks and scholars preserved the remnants of classical knowledge, ensuring its survival for future generations.
Ireland in the 20th Century
Ireland entered the twentieth century savaged by poverty and memories of the famine but inspired by the Celtic Dawn, a remarkable cultural renaissance led by Yeats, Synge and Lady Gregory. She left it in the era of the Celtic Tiger, with unparalleled prosperity and a new, confident, outward-looking view of herself and the world - although this prosperity and self-confidence is now giving way to uncertainty. In the intervening hundred years, Ireland has experienced more 'history' than almost any other country: beginning under the British crown, she was racked by revolution, the Anglo-Irish war, partition and civil conflict. Led by towering figures such as Michael Collins and De Valera, she has suffered terrible hardships and disputes but has nevertheless provided brilliant cultural and literary examples and is now a country of importance in the wider international community, providing leadership in a variety of moral and development issues. In this readable and authoritative study, Ireland's bestselling popular historian tells the extraordinary story of how contemporary Ireland came into existence. Covering both South and North and dealing with social and cultural history as well as political, this will surely become a definitive single-volume account of the making of modern Ireland.
Milkman
This award-winning novel is set during the Troubles and tells the story of a young woman who becomes the target of unwanted attention from a local paramilitary.
Making Sense of the Troubles
Making Sense of the Troubles: The Story of the Conflict in Northern Ireland is a comprehensive and insightful examination of the complex history surrounding the Northern Ireland conflict, commonly known as "The Troubles." This book delves into the roots of the conflict from its inception in 1921 through its violent escalation in the late 1960s and the subsequent decades of turmoil.
101 Things You Didn't Know About Irish History: The People, Places, Culture, and Tradition of The Emerald Isle
This book is packed with fascinating facts and stories about Irish history, culture, and traditions, making it a great introduction to the island of Ireland.
Dubliners
A seminal collection of fifteen short stories that provides a vivid and unflinching portrayal of life in early 20th-century Dublin. The narratives revolve around middle-class characters who grapple with themes of paralysis, disillusionment, and the quest for identity amidst the constraints imposed by society, religion, and politics.
Legendary Ireland – Myths and Legends of Ireland
This captivating book takes readers on a journey through twenty-eight atmospheric sites, each linked to legendary tales of love, betrayal, courage, and revenge, featuring iconic figures from Celtic lore such as Cu Chulainn, the children of Lir, and Queen Maeve.
The Rebels of Ireland
This historical novel spans over four centuries of Irish history, from pre-Christian times through to the establishment of the Free Irish State in 1922. Rutherfurd weaves together the lives of a diverse cast of characters—monks, noblemen, soldiers, and rebels—against the backdrop of significant historical events such as the Viking invasions, the Great Famine, and the Easter Rebellion.
We Don’t Know Ourselves
This acclaimed work intertwines O'Toole's own experiences with significant historical events, capturing the transformative changes in Ireland from 1958 to the present day.
A Brief History of Ireland
Designed as an introduction to Irish history, this pocket-sized book details the history of the island, from Viking and Norman invasions, Plantation and the Cromwellian wars to the present.
Tracing your Irish Ancestors
This book serves as an essential resource for both beginners and experienced genealogists, offering detailed insights into the various sources available for tracing Irish ancestry.
