About the Program
Length: July - Two weeks
We invite you to consider our program of Irish culture and heritage through music, song, and dance in the West of Ireland. In addition to cultural visits to the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, Ailwee Caves, and the historic Burren landscape—as well as city tours in Galway and Limerick—students will have the opportunity to participate in Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, a week-long summer school celebrating traditional Irish music, song, and set dance, held annually in Co. Clare. The school explores the cultural and intellectual aspects of traditional Irish music through daily workshops on singing and its traditions, afternoon lectures, and evening recitals and concerts. A variety of sessions accompany these organized musical activities, with nightly set dances and céilís complementing a routine of morning classes led by top players on the uilleann pipes, flute, tin whistle, concertina, fiddle, button accordion, and set dancing. Additional classes are available for harp, banjo, and harmonica. Absolute beginners can explore the uilleann pipes or participate in the Dúchas an Cheoil (Scope of Irish Music) workshop, Traditional Singing Workshops, or Dancing Classes.
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee the availability of all housing, excursions, cultural events, guest lecturers or tours.
Academics
Academic Program includes:
- One School Faculty taught course (content TBD by the University, not transcripted through IES Abroad Registrar). Content: Students will attend sessions each morning on the heritage of Irish Traditional Music and attend evening academic programming. The morning classes will take the form of lectures, group discussions, class participation, and demonstrations. Evening events include guest lectures by world-class traditional Irish musicians, concerts, and optional group ceili dance events