Study Abroad: Galway and Dublin, Ireland (August 15-21, 2026)


In order to register, you must fill out the pre-registration form.

Registration is open for Night School Bar students only through May 15. At least one person per room must have taken a previous class–this includes a one-day class or workshop–in order to register at this time. 

Ireland is a country rich with artistic and literary traditions, revolutionary and rebellious histories, and beautiful landscapes. From James Joyce and W.B. Yeats to Hozier and Enya, mythic and storytelling traditions have made Irish culture renowned the world over. Throughout its history, Ireland has epitomized the struggle for sovereignty and resistance to Empire, all the while fighting to maintain connections to the art, language, and music that are the heart of its people. Night School Bar is thrilled to invite students (age 21+) to explore the cultural depths of the Republic of Ireland in Galway and Dublin this Summer.

We will stay in the city centers and explore them with local experts, encounter the wild natural landscapes of the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands by boat, and attend live theatre and music events. Together, we will engage Ireland’s history, story-making traditions, literary and cultural legacies, and politics. The trip will be facilitated by Night School Bar instructors who will offer opportunities to study, discuss, and process what you learn.

The trip will conclude on a Friday morning in case you want to extend your trip for an extra weekend in the city or travel on your own to other locations in Ireland before heading home.

All rates include:

  • 6-nights lodging (3 nights in each city)

    • Galway lodging (8/15-18): double bed in an aparthotel

    • Dublin lodging (8/18-21): king bed in a 4-star hotel

  • 8 meals (6 breakfasts, 2 dinners)

  • Transportation between cities

  • 3 cultural heritage tours with local experts

  • Full day ferry tour of the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher

  • 3 museum visits (Trinity College/The Book of Kells; Kilmainham Gaol Museum [pending availability]; Jameson Distillery)

  • 2 nights of live music and theatre events

  • Night School Bar Curated Reader including history & politics, art & literature, a traditional music playlist and media guide.

  • Nightly facilitated discussions

Don’t worry; you’ll also have daily free time to explore on your own!

Flights are not included. To make your flight plans, please note that you will need to depart the US on Friday, August 14 to arrive in Ireland on August 15. For flights arriving in Dublin, we will arrange group transportation to Galway on the 15th, leaving from the Dublin Airport around noon. Hotel check-in time is 3 pm on August 15th (Galway), and check-out is 11 am on Friday, August 21 (Dublin). 

RATES:

Per person, single occupancy private room: $3650

Per person, double occupancy, one bed (one room, shared bed): $2950

Galway rooms have a UK double bed. If you are booking  for two people and need additional space, we can provide an additional room for Galway only. Supplement for an additional room in Galway: $500

 DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:

–For registration made before May 1, 2026, a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required at the time of registration. Half of the remaining balance is due by May 1, and the final installment is due June 1, 2026

–For registrations made on or after May 1, 2026, 50% of the total cost is required at the time of registration, and the remaining balance is due June 1, 2026.

–For registrations made on or after June 1, the full amount is due at the time of registration.

–The last day to register is June 30th, 2026.

To select double-occupancy, you must register both people in the same transaction (for registrations prior to May 1, the total deposit for both registrations will be $1000).

All purchases are final. Individual travel insurance is recommended  to cover any difficulties or cancellation needs that arise. Before travel, you will be required to sign a liability waiver releasing Night School from any risks and dangers associated with travel and activities abroad.

Aer Lingus has recently begun offering direct flights from RDU to Dublin. If you will be traveling from RDU, we recommend you take the outbound direct flight on Friday, August 14. At least one Night School Bar faculty member will travel with you on the flight and help you to our ground transportation to Galway. If you are traveling from elsewhere, we recommend booking a flight that will arrive before 10 AM in Ireland to join the group transport.