Warnborough

Tour Itinerary

The 2009 International Summer School UK Programme is multi-disciplinary in nature and interdisciplinary in approach—and designed to satisfy a broad range of interests. A primary goal is to acquaint attendees with some of the important and wondrous monuments and areas of the United Kingdom, and to present programme content in a multicultural, global framework. The programme will facilitate cross-cultural understanding, encourage deeper interest and investigation, and provide attendees with a great deal of fun!

LONDON

Our starting point. London is the capital city of the U.K. and of England. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been part of many important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. It is among the oldest of the world’s great cities—and is one of the most cosmopolitan. By far Britain’s largest metropolis, it is also the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural center. London is generally listed among the four major global cities, alongside New York City, Paris, and Tokyo. London was recently identified as the World’s Favorite City.

SITE LOCATIONS WE WILL VISIT IN LONDON:

Bayswater Road Artists

A weekly open air exhibit (held each Sunday) features oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, pastels, sculptures in wood and metal, enamels, collages—pictures in every medium, size, and subject, from contemporary abstracts and traditional landscapes to the tiniest miniature flower paintings. Some artists are members of Royal Art Societies, others have exhibited at the Royal Academy; many are established names that are known worldwide; some are unknowns who may become the Van Goghs of tomorrow! Many visitors have built extensive collections by returning many times either to their favorite artist or by mixing the different styles of several artists. Talk with the artists, other visitors, and important collectors!

British Museum

The British Museum holds in trust for the nation and the world a collection of art and antiquities from ancient and living cultures. Housed in one of Britain's architectural landmarks, the collection is one of the finest in existence, spanning two million years of human history. The British Museum was founded in 1753 to promote universal understanding through the arts, natural history and science in a public museum. Since its foundation, the British Museum has been guided by three important principles: that the collections are held in perpetuity in their entirety; that they are widely available, and that they are curated by full-time specialists.

Fashion and Textile Museum

The Fashion and Textile Museum (FTM) is the first museum in the U.K. dedicated to contemporary fashion and textiles. Located in one of the fashion capitals of the world, its mission is to exhibit the immense changes in contemporary fashion and textiles, and to educate a wide audience in all areas of fashion and textile design. FTM is the first exhibition space in London solely dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of this global industry. Situated in the culturally thriving South Bank, FTM holds major exhibitions, manages innovative education and outreach programs, and hosts an extensive digital fashion and textile archive. Our visit will include demonstrations on the use of technology in fashion design, and possibly some hands-on exercises.

Little Venice

Little Venice is a tranquil oasis in Northwest London's Paddington area. This beautiful neighborhood is centered around the Regent's Canal, which flows into Regent's Park, completing the last link in the Grand Union Canal between Birmingham and the Thames. Little Venice is home to Lord's Cricket Ground and is just south of Primrose Hill. There are lovely shops, open markets and plenty of street entertainments. We will either hire one of the Narrow Boats and/or stroll the Tow Path along the canal—perfect for long walks.

Living History at Hatfield House

A short train ride from London. Hatfield is famous for being the place where Elizabeth I spent much of her youth and where she received the news that she was to be Queen of England. Hatfield House offers an experience that brings that period in history alive, culminating in an audience with her father King Henry VIII. We will tour the Old Tudor Palace and grounds of Hatfield House, then attend a special medieval banquet. Hatfield provides an exciting educational program of Living History for studying the Tudors, which has been recognized by the Sandford Award from the Heritage Education Trust. A living history event will be followed by a tour and relaxation at the Old Tudor Palace and grounds. A medieval banquet will follow.

Houses of Parliament

Guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. The Houses of Parliament, otherwise known as The Palace of Westminster, stand on the site where Edward the Confessor had the original palace built in the first half of the eleventh century. In 1547 the royal residence was moved to Whitehall Palace, but the Lords continued to meet at Westminster, while the commons met in St. Stephen’s Chapel. Ever since these early times, the Palace of Westminster has been home to the English Parliament. We will take a guided tour of the Houses.

Old Bailey

The Old Bailey or Central Criminal Court offers a unique authentic insight into London. The Old Bailey is the main criminal court for the U.K. where all the big criminal trials are hosted. The courts consist of 18 courtrooms, nearly all having public viewing galleries. The British justice system with its peculiar wigged judges and banisters are there to be seen. Attendees should not expect the drama of a filmed courtroom epic! The reality is more ponderous—but is an authentic experience of the British criminal system at work.

Portobello Road Antique’s Market

Market day starts gradually from around 5.30 am, with trading between dealers from the UK and overseas. Most stall holders have arrived by 8.00 am and the market is in full swing for the rest of the day, with collectors and visitors from all over the world. The shops and stalls of Portobello Road offer an extraordinary variety of goods ranging in price from a few pounds to several thousands. Visitors come from all over the world, because they know they will find the most extensive selection of antiques in Britain.

The Tate Galleries

Originally the National Gallery of British Art. The original building (in Millbank on the former site of Millbank Prison), with a collection of 65 modern British paintings, was given by Sir Henry Tate and was opened in 1897. It was extended by another gift of Tate's in 1899, and in 1910 the Turner wing was completed, the gift of Sir Joseph Duveen. A gallery of modern foreign art was added in 1916. One for the works of John Singer Sargent was opened in 1926. The museum was damaged in World War II but reopened in 1949. The gallery's collection of J. M.W. Turner works is the most extensive in the world. Now renamed the Tate Britain, the complex is devoted to British art. Tate Modern - Tate Modern is located on the south bank of the River Thames at Bankside, near Blackfriars Bridge, opposite St Paul's Cathedral and next to the Globe Theatre. Tate Modern is the national gallery of international modern art. Britain's first national modern-art museum in 100 years opened in a large, refurbished power station on the south bank of the Thames in 2000. We will take a tour or Tate sponsored workshop that offers varying perspectives on modern and contemporary art. Attendees may participate in a discussion that draws on personal experience and knowledge, as applied to interpreting works of art.

Trafalgar Square

Built to commemorate Admiral Nelson, the square was named after the Spanish Cape Trafalgar where Nelson’s last battle was won. In 2003, the redevelopment of the north side of the square was completed. The work involved demolishing part of the wall and building a wide set of stairs. The new stairs lead to a large terrace or piazza in front of the National Gallery. Trafalgar Sqare is now pedestrianized—and much easier to navigate.

Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum is the largest museum of decorative arts in the world. It was founded in 1852 as the South Kensington Museum, but was renamed the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1899, in honor of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.  Today, the beautiful Victorian and Edwardian buildings house 145 galleries containing some of the world's greatest collections of sculpture, furniture, fashion and textiles, paintings, silver, glass, ceramics, jewelry, books, prints and photographs.  The purpose of the Victoria and Albert Museum is to enable everyone to enjoy its collections and explore the cultures that created them—and to inspire people interested in shaping/expressing their culture, through craftsmanship. The National Art Library at the Victoria and Albert Museum is a major public reference library. Its strength lies in the range and depth of its holdings of documentary material concerning the fine and decorative arts of many countries and periods. We will visit the library, as well as the museum. A customized tour will provide a venue where attendees can examine current research, engage in debates, listen to leading scholars, artists, artisans and designers, and meet other individuals working in arts and crafts, and museum studies involving arts and crafts.

Westminster Abbey

An architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries, Westminster Abbey also presents a unique pageant of British history, including the shrine of St Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, and countless memorials to the famous and the great. It has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions. Today it is still a church dedicated to regular worship and to the celebration of great events in the life of the nation. Neither a cathedral nor a parish church, Westminster Abbey is a “Royal Peculiar” under the jurisdiction of a Dean and Chapter, subject only to the Sovereign. We will take a guided architectural tour and a general tour of the Shrine, the Royal Tombs, Poet’s Corner, the Cloisters and the Nave.

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BATH

A beautiful city in the historic county of Somerset, Bath lies along the River Avon in a natural amphitheatre of steep hills. Built of local limestone, it is one of the most elegant and architecturally distinguished of British cities. Its 16th-century abbey church of St. Peter and St. Paul is late Perpendicular Gothic, and is noted for its windows. But it is the wealth of classical Georgian buildings mounting the steep valley sides that gives Bath its distinction. As the leading center of English high society outside London in the 18th and early 19th centuries, the city is rich in literary associations. Jane Austen’s novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion portray, with delicate satire and keen perception, the fashionable life of Bath in the early 1800s.

Jane Austen Centre

Jane Austen is perhaps the best known and best loved of Bath's many famous residents. She made two long visits to Bath towards the end of the eighteenth century. From 1801 to 1806, Bath was Austen’s home. We will take a cultural-historical tour of the Centre and its grounds.

Museum of Costume

For centuries, Bath has been a center of fashion, attracting visitors to its spa and social diversions. The Assembly Rooms is one of Bath’s finest Georgian buildings and is still central to the city’s social life. Very appropriately, it also houses the Museum of Costume and its internationally renowned collection of fashionable dress—from before 1800 to the present day. We will enjoy a guided exploration of different fashion styles from both historical and major contemporary collections.

Roman Baths

The best preserved Roman religious spa is found in Bath. At the very heart of the site is Britain's only hot spring, which is what inspired the Romans to build the magnificent religious spa around it. This natural phenomenon was beyond human understanding.  The Celts and Romans who lived in the area in the first century CE believed it to be the domain of the gods. The site also features some extraordinary Roman architecture, along with many priceless artifacts and treasures. We will participate in an interactive tour/workshop designed to demonstrate to attendees the proper handling of artifacts, and engage then in an exercise of doing history and archeaology.

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OXFORD

Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, is famous the world over for its University (the oldest in England),  its beautiful skyline of Gothic towers and steeples, and its place in history. For over 800 years, Oxford has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century an established town. The first written mention Oxford was in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of 912. The university’s buildings were built from the 13th through the 17th centuries. Each college is built around two or three quadrangles, with a chapel, hall, library, and walled gardens. After the university was founded in the second half of the 12th century, Oxford remained a market town, but this function declined in importance from the 13th century on. The town’s subsequent history became the history of the university, although there was always (and remains) a certain antipathy between “town and gown.”

Bodleian Library

The Bodleian Library is the main research library of the University of Oxford. It is also a copyright deposit library, and its collections are used by scholars from around the world. The Bodleian Library houses one of the finest collections of illuminated manuscripts in the world. The buildings within the central site include Duke Humfrey's Library above the Divinity School, the Old Schools Quadrangle with its Great Gate and Tower, the Radcliffe Camera, Britain’s first circular library, and the Clarendon Building. The Divinity School and the Bodleian's exhibition room receive a quarter of a million visitors each year. Attendees will tour those areas open to the public. A special program will also be offered on the acquisition, restoration and ongoing preservation of priceless manuscripts.

Oxford Town Hall

The seat of local government has been on the same site since a Guild Hall was built on the former east side of the Great Jewry in 1292. One of the City's attractive landmarks, the building continues to play a key part in the management, social and cultural life of the thriving historic city. The Museum of Oxford is located in the Town Hall. The museum tells the story of the city and Oxford University, including its history, archaeology, architecture and environment.  Displays include Oxford's 1192 charter, period room settings, and historic paintings. After touring the museum, attendees will visit an interactive gallery and participate in a handling workshop—investigating the evidence for Anglo-Saxon life in Oxford, with three different activity options. Attendees can choose from costume and jewelry, costume and weaving, or pottery and burial practices.

University of Oxford

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world and lays claim to nine centuries of continuous existence. As an internationally renowned center for teaching and research, Oxford attracts attendees and scholars from across the globe, with almost a quarter of its students from overseas. More than 130 nationalities are represented among a student population of over 16,000. Oxford is a unique and historic institution. There is no precise date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. We’ll tour of those areas of the university to which we can have access.

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CANTERBURY

After hustling and bustling in and about London for several days, we will relocate to the smaller and more relaxed setting of lovely Canterbury—a small medieval cathedral city in the county of Kent, in southeast England. The city is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the primate of the Church of England. The area has been a settlement since prehistoric times, with Bronze Age and Neolithic discoveries made in the region. Because of its location, Canterbury became a Roman administrative center. The Roman city walls and gates remain. The name Canterbury derives from the Old English Cantwarebyrig, meaning “fortress of the men of Kent”. The city can be walked—end to end—in approximately 20-30 minutes, and no vehicles (other than bicycles) are allowed in the center of town. Attendees will enjoy the calmer pace and more manageable size of Canterbury, although the city is always filled with plenty of tourists and local residents, and has a bustling charm all its own. There is plenty to see and do.

Canterbury:  Historic Walking Tour

Canterbury is an ancient walled city with many narrow streets dating back to medieval times. The city center is therefore best seen on foot. A walking tour with a local resident, who is also an officially trained guide, is a must. It provides an excellent introduction to the history, customs and architecture of this lovely area—and its charm and beauty.

Canterbury Cathedral

The most outstanding site in Canterbury is its cathedral. The first Archbishop of Canterbury was St Augustine, who arrived on the coast of Kent as a missionary to England in 597 CE. Upon his arrival, Augustine was given a church at Canterbury by the local ruler, King Ethelbert, whose wife, Queen, Bertha, was already a Christian. The building had previously been a place of worship during the Roman occupation of Britain. Soon consecrated Bishop, Augustine established his seat (or "cathedra") in this place as the first Archbishop of Canterbury. The present archbishop, Most Rev’d Dr. Rowan Williams, is 104th in the line of succession. There have been many famous individuals associated with Canterbury Cathedral, among them such historical figures as Henry II, Henry IV, Edward the Black Prince, and Thomas More. Most famous is Thomas Becket (St. Thomas), murdered at the cathedral in 1170, resulting in Canterbury’s establishment as a most important pilgrimage site. Its significance to pilgrims inspired Geoffrey Chaucer to write The Canterbury Tales. Its many outstanding features include the magnificent Shrine of St. Thomas (Becket), stained glass programs, and sculptural, architectural and painting fragments—all dating back to the medieval period.

Our adventures at Canterbury Cathedral will include the following:

Sacred Mysteries Revealed through the Glass: An Exploration into the Cathedral’s Stained Glass Programs - Canterbury Cathedral holds one of the most splendid stained glass collections of the late 12th century. We will explore the scenes from both the Old and New Testaments of the popular Poor Man’s Bible, the windows in the Shrine of St. Thomas and the Genealogical Series, which presents paired figures from Adam to the Virgin Mary and Christ. We will utilize the art, along with scholarship into the life of Thomas Becket and the broader historical period, to understand what comprised a 12th century mindset. This will be a fascinating journey through the Middle Ages, as it is seen through the glass. We will also see special demonstrations of the processes associated with the restoration and conservation of stained glass

Fragments and Fables in Canterbury Cathedral.

In Canterbury Cathedral, a series of capitals in the large crypt represent a fine example of Norman architectural sculpture, which features animals and monsters of fable. Prior to the destruction of art brought about by the Reformation, Canterbury Cathedral was virtually covered in wall paintings, of which only fragments remain. These fragments, however, are fine examples of medieval painting that inspire both awe and curiosity. Our focus will be on those remaining fragments of sculpture and architecture—and the areas of the paintings that have been lost. We will examine the symbolism and mythology underlying the images, the literary and religious sources of the iconography, and their significance in the context of the church and culture, past and present.

The Shrine of St. Thomas (Becket):  The Man, the Myth, the Saint 

The figure of St. Thomas (Becket) of Canterbury casts a long shadow in the realms of history, religion, literature and popular culture. We will examine the Shrine of St. Thomas of Canterbury (Becket) in historical, art historical, fictional and sacred contexts. Attendees may want to read The Quest for Becket's Bones: The Mystery of the Relics of St. Thomas Becket of Canterbury by John Butler, and the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer—prior to our trip—and/or watch the 1964 film, Becket, starring Richard Burton as Becket and Peter O’Toole as King Henry II.

Canterbury Roman Museum

The Roman Museum is underground at the level of the Roman town. It's an exciting mix of excavated real objects: authentic reconstructions; and preserved remains of a Roman town house with its famous mosaics. Reconstructions include a Roman market place, with a shoe maker, fabric seller and fruit and vegetable stall. There is also part of a house with its kitchen set out in authentic detail. A skilfull computer program brings together pictures of the excavations on the site, and from the archaeologists' detail it generates reconstruction images of what the great house found there was like in Roman times. Our tour of the museum will include a hands-on experience, where attendees can touch and handle Roman objects and become archaeological detectives. We can also create their own magnetic mosaics, and explore rotten Roman rubbish!

The Eastbridge Hospital 

The medieval Hospital of St. Thomas the Martyr (now known as Eastbridge Hospital) is situated in the center of Canterbury. Described by its Patron, the Archbishop of Canterbury, as one of the treasures of the city, its dark knapped-flint exterior belies a veritable array of architectural gems within. Descending into the interior via a Gothic doorway into the late 12th century vestibule immediately conveys the sense of antiquity that pervades this historical building. Stone steps leading down into the Undercroft, built as sleeping quarters for poor pilgrims visiting the shrine of Thomas Becket, reveal the recesses between stout pillars, in which the pilgrims slept. Upstairs, the Refectory and Pilgrim's Chapel, also of late 12th century origin, are considered to be among the most beautiful works of architecture in the city. We will take a guided tour of the full site, which includes Chantry Chapel, The Undercroft with Gothic arches, The Refectory (featuring an early 13th century mural), and the Pilgrims Chapel.

The Gardens of Canterbury

The earliest English gardens were planted by the Roman conquerors of Britain, during the 1st century CE. They consisted of a symmetrical formal planting of low box hedges split by graveled walks. Hedges were punctuated by small niches to accommodate statues, urns, and garden seats. Formal gardens near homes gave way to carefully landscaped green spaces leading down to the water. Small kitchen gardens planted with fruits and vegetables were also common in Roman Britain. Gardens again became an important component in British life during the Middle Ages. Monasteries had both kitchen and herb gardens to provide food and medicine. Medieval castles often featured small courtyard gardens. Approaches to English gardens over time reflected lifestyle changes, cultural and scientific developments. Our garden visits will give attendees the opportunity to sketch, paint, photograph or just relax!

River Stour (Historic Boat Tour) from the Old Weavers House

The River Stour crosses through the center of Canterbury, flowing past The Old Weavers House pub, which has a medieval Ducking Stool in the grounds extending over the River. The ducking stool was for punishing nagging wives and witches! The Old Weavers House is one of Canterbury's best-known and most photographed landmarks. Located right in the picturesque heart of the high street, its black and white timbers are reflected beautifully in the River Stour, which flows beneath it. Built in 1507, it is named after the Hugenot Weavers who worked there. The Historic Boat Tour, is a wonderful opportunity to experience the relaxing calm and quiet one can only find right on the water. We will begin our sojourn with lunch at the Old Weavers House pub. The river tour is an excellent way to digest!

Royal Museum & Art Gallery with Buffs Regimental Museum

The Royal Museum is a splendid Victorian building that houses decorative arts and picture collections, including a gallery for T.S. Cooper, England's finest cattle painter! The art gallery is the major space in the area for the visual arts. The annual program is wide ranging, with exhibitions of both contemporary and historical works. The Buffs Regimental Museum is situated on the first floor of the Beaney Institute, in The Royal Museum. Its displays trace the history of the Buffs from Elizabethan times until the amalgamation of 1961. Pictures, medals (including Victoria Crosses), trophies, mess silver, weapons and uniforms illustrate the Regiment's worldwide service over four centuries. We will tour the museum with its many interactive activities.

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DUBLIN

Dublin is a warm and welcoming city, known for the friendliness of its people and famous for its craic (or “crack”)—that mixture of repartee, humor, intelligence, and acerbic and deflating insight that has attracted writers, intellectuals, and visitors for centuries. Approximately one-fourth of the residents of the Republic of Ireland live in the Greater Dublin urban area, providing a good deal of bustle. Pubs (where much of the city’s social life is conducted), cafés, and restaurants abound, and Irish musicality rarely allows silence. Though Dublin has undergone modernization, a strong sense of history and of a centuries-old capital is ever present.

Abbey Theatre (National Theatre of Ireland) 

Dublin theatre, established in 1904. The Abbey has a long, fascinating history, which is associated with some of the most renowned figures in drama and literature. In the early 1950s the Abbey company moved to the nearby Queen’s Theatre after a fire had destroyed its playhouse. A new Abbey Theatre, housing a smaller, experimental theatre, was completed in 1966 on the original site. While the Abbey today retains its traditional focus on Irish plays, it also stages a wide range of classic and new works from around the world. Due to the location of the building next to the Liffey river, the structure 'floats' on a concrete raft. Containing two theatres, the Abbey Theatre, and the studio space Peacock Theatre, the building is four stories high, reaching 47 feet above street level. We’ll tour the theatre, and attend a theatrical production. 

The Custom House

The magnificent Custom House is often considered architecturally the most important building in Dublin and is sited on the riverfront, with Beresford Place to the rear. The Custom House was the first major public building built in Dublin as an isolated structure with four monumental façades. It was designed by James Gandon and built between 1781-91 to replace an older building on Essex Quay. It was designed to be viewed from all angles and is rich in structural detail. Of particular interest are the 14 keystone heads, which represent the 13 Irish Rivers and the Atlantic Ocean—cornerstones of Irish trade. The original interior was completely destroyed in 1921, during the War of Independence. It currently houses the Dept. of the Environment. We’ll take an architectural tour of the building.

The General Post Office (GPO)

The main building on O'Connell Street, Dublin City's main street, and the home to An Post, the Irish postal service. It was built between 1815-18 and is one of the last great Georgian buildings erected in the city. Its main features include a huge portico with six columns, which is surmounted by three figures, Mercury, Hibernia and Fidelity. Today, the GPO is open daily as a post office, and its history is remembered with paintings in the interior, memorializing the 1916 Rising, a plaque of the 'The Proclamation of the Irish Republic' which hangs on the wall, and a statue of the Legendary Celtic Warrior, Cuchulainn. We will explore the interior and exterior features of the site.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is situated in the very heart of historic Dublin. Built in 1204 by King John, Dublin Castle was erected as a fortress suitable for administration and the defense of Dublin. Despite its function, the castle never had to withstand a major attack, only minor battles. It was the center for British rule until 1922, when it was handed over to the new Irish Free State. The original building was constructed between 1204-68. After a fire in 1684, the building was largely rebuilt, with very little of the old medieval structure left. Nevertheless, the long and complex history of Ireland is embedded in the castle—particularly in its towers. The south-east Record Tower is the last intact medieval tower, not only of Dublin Castle but also of Dublin itself. It functioned as a high security prison and held native Irish hostages and priests in Tudor times. We’ll tour the castle, and discuss the many historical events and periods it has witnessed.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

The National Cathedral for the whole of Ireland, St. Patrick’s was originally built as a church in 1192. It was erected on the site where it is believed St. Patrick performed his first baptism in Ireland, in a well on the grounds, which is still there. The church was upgraded to cathedral status in 1213. Most of the present building dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. It did fall into poor condition up until the 19th century, but was restored by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness. The author Jonathon Swift was dean of the cathedral from 1713 to 1745. We will focus on the formal and aesthetic features of the cathedral’s art and architecture, and the ecclesiastical history linked with its evolution.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral has been the cathedral church of the archdiocese of Dublin and Glendalough, since 1038 C.E.. The current structure was built in 1234 by the Anglo-Normans, had further additions, and was extensively restored in the 1870's. The cathedral, as the main church of the English empire in Ireland, was and remains a very important building in the city. It is here that King Edward VI was crowned, and where the lord deputies took their oaths of office. Now, Christ Church Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Dublinia, a Viking museum, is also located on its grounds. Christ Church is known for its extraordinary music—and its bells—both of which we will enjoy on our visit to Christ Church. Choirs come from all over the world to sing in the unique surroundings of this nine centuries-old cathedral. We will attend a service featuring the choir, and participate in a bell ringing session.

Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo

This is Dublin's playground - the largest urban enclosed park in Europe. Situated 3km (2m) west of the city center, the park is filled with ornamental gardens, nature trails, and broad expanses of grassland, separated by avenues oak, beech, pine, chestnut, and lime trees. Livestock graze peacefully on pasturelands, deer roam the forested areas, and horses romp on polo fields. Dublin Zoo, located on park grounds, houses more than 700 animals and birds from around the world. Founded in 1830, it’s the fourth oldest zoo in the world. Other significant monuments we’ll visit include Ashtown Castle, The Wellington Monument, The Deerfield Residence, and the Papal Cross.

St. Stephens Green

A beautiful Georgian park in the center of the city, it is surrounded by St. Stephens Square, which is a square of old Georgian houses overlooking the park. The park was built as a gift to the people of the city, by the Guinness family, in the 19th century. To this day, St. Stephens Green is a major park in the city. It consists of 22 acres of beautifully laid out and manicured parkland. In the hearts of southside Dubliners, it is a familiar and much-loved back garden. At lunch time, children, students and workers are found in the park, sprawling and munching sandwiches. A shopping trip to town always includes a visit to "The Green" to feed the ducks, play on the swings, and peruse the sculptures and monuments. We’ll enjoy it all!

Trinity College

Trinity College was the first university established in Ireland. It was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I of England and Ireland, and endowed by the city of Dublin. It was intended that Trinity College would be the first of many constituent colleges of the University of Dublin. No other colleges were established, however, and the two names became interchangeable. The full benefits of the university were limited to Anglicans for many years, but in 1873 all religious requirements were eliminated. The university library contains many illuminated manuscripts, including the famous Book of Kells. Produced around the year 800 C.E., it is one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world. The manuscript was given to Trinity College in the 17th century and has been on display in the Old Library since the 19th century. Two volumes can normally be seen, one opened to display a major decorated page, and one to show two pages of script. We will tour the university and its grounds, the Old Library and the Book of Kells on exhibit. We will also view some of the other significant manuscripts housed at Trinity College.

The Dublin Spire

The 'Spike' as it now more commonly known, is the newest addition to the Dublin skyline. It was commissioned to mark the millennium celebrations in the city, but it in reality it was not completed until early 2003. It stands on the old site of Nelsons Pillar, which was famously blown up by the IRA in 1966. It has, however, become a major argument amongst Dubliners as to whether it is a worthy addition to the cityscape. The Spire, a monument of light, stands 120 meters tall and is the largest sculpture in the world. It is the center of the new O'Connell Street redevelopment, which aimed to reshape the famous street, and make it into more of a boulevard style, modeled on la Champs-Élysées in Paris. We will visit the spire and the surrounding area. 

Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is Ireland's No. 1 visitor attraction—and a high  point of any trip to Dublin. At the Guinness Storehouse you'll discover all there is to know about the world famous beer. It's a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in Gravity, the sky bar, with a complimentary pint of Guinness and an astonishing view of Dublin City! A fermentation plant at St. James's Gate Brewery has been transformed into a place where you can experience one of the world's best known brands of beer in a totally unexpected way. It's the Home, Heart & Soul of Guinness. We will tour the storehouse, and enjoy some samplings of the world’s best known brands of beer!