Samhain - A Study of Irish Mythology, Folklore & Tradition
November 19-30, 2025
(Depart U.S. Nov. 19 - Return Nov. 30)

Samhain (pronounced Sah-wan) is the Irish word for the month of November, and it is also the title of the festival celebrating the otherworld, the magic and the mythical. We invite you to celebrate this unique festival by joining us for a journey into the history, culture, folklore and literature of Irish mythology.

Our trip will include classes on the medieval texts and their interpretations, a study of traditional folklore, fairy folklore and its cultural importance. We will visit places associated with Irish myths and legends, including stone circles, passage graves and royal forts. We will explore folklore archives and museum artifacts from Ireland’s pre-history period.

Irish mythology, including the Book of Invasions, The Ulster Cycle & the Fenian Cycle

• Folklore and tradition including fairy folklore, healing, cures and curses
• ‘dinnseanchas’ - The Irish Language & place names
• Pagan to Christian, magic to miracle, healer to banshee and Goddess to Saint
• Creative interpretations in film, video & multi media
• Myth and meaning in the 21 century

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A Land of Magic and Mythology

Wander through the ancient landscapes of Ireland, and witness ancient stone circles, mysterious passage graves, and majestic royal forts steeped in myth and legend. Explore hidden folklore archives and museum artifacts from Ireland’s fascinating pre-history, as we tie together Ireland's past with the cultural impact it has on the country today.

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Traditions inspired by Folklore and Culture

We will look at modern interpretations of Irish myth in contemporary literature and film. Enjoy storytelling, healing rituals, and creative art workshops. There will be a specific focus on the stories of ‘The Táin’, the contest between Queen Maeve of Connacht and Ulster Warrior CúChulainn, The Book of Invasions, and the Pursuit of Diarmaid and Gráinne from the Fenian Cycle.

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Millennia Old Landmarks and Stories

Travel from the capital of Dublin through the heartlands to the Wild Atlantic Way, from the city to the rural coast, discovering thousand-year-old landmarks which document Ireland's history. Get a true authentic experience of the country, with evenings in fantastic Irish bars and restaurants - where Irish traditions centuries in the making have been lovingly preserved.

Trip Details

• 2 nights in Dublin City at a 4* hotel
  
• 8 nights in Donegal (Rural Ireland) on campus accommodation
  
• Round-trip transfer from Dublin to Donegal,  private coach 
• The Hill of Tara, Beltany Stone Circle, Rathcroghan Fort, The Cave of Cats, Holy Wells, Queen Maeve’s Mountain (Knock Na Rí), Dunluce Castle & Giant’s Causeway, Game of Thrones & Star Wars locations, The Book of Kells exhibition, the Irish folklore archive ,
• Workshops & Cultural activities - Celtic Art, Ogham Design, Traditional Music and Storytelling, Forest Bathing, Sea Swimming / Surfing, Creative Writing
• A Samhain ‘Thanksgiving’ celebration- Thursday Nov 27
• Fee per person including all accommodation, breakfast & evening meals, all transfers, classes, workshops, cultural events and guided field trips

Deposit:  $99 

Total Price: $1990
  Inquiries please contact [email protected]

Feeling Legendary? Get in touch for more info

If you are looking to book onto our Samhain trip but have a few questions first, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will work with you and your group to organizing transfers, give you information about accommodation, and help with anything else we can. We look forward to hearing from you.