Visit farms, mills, agricultural museums and historic sites to explore first-hand the inter-relationships of Irish history and culture with its landscape, agriculture and food. Investigate the impacts of historical food insecurity, such as the Great Famine, on Irish culture and agriculture while studying how landscape and land use have impacted Irish agriculture and how livestock and animal-based agriculture have impacted the Irish people.

Participants will travel to various locations throughout Ireland including Carlow, Dublin, Kilkenny, the Burren, and Achill Island. Enjoy visits to the Brownshill Dolmen, Irish National Stud and Gardens, Connemara National Park, the Rock of Cashel and the Cliffs of Moher. Experience the Kilcullen cattle mart, Tullamore National Livestock Show, and a sheep farm with working dogs, and take in a bit of local culture with lessons in Gaelic language and music, as well as Irish dance.

Location

Well-known for its beauty, splendor and lush green landscape, Ireland is the ideal location to get a glimpse of agrarian culture abroad. The Republic of Ireland occupies the majority of a large island in northwest Europe. With a mild, lush climate and long summer days, much of its economy relies upon agriculture and tourism. From its castles to its coasts, Ireland’s magical scenery and landscapes invite its visitors to explore its rich history, culture, and heritage. Participants will also have the opportunity to feel at home on the charming campus of Carlow College, which is located about one hour south of Dublin.

Accommodation and Meals

Students will be housed in a combination of independent hotels and hostels. Rooms will be shared, and the number of participants in a room will vary from a single roommate in one location, to two or more in another. All housing costs are included in the program fee.

Although a few dinners are included in the program fee, students will be responsible for most meal costs for the duration of the program. Carlow College will provide students with some recommendations regarding ‘eating out’ in Ireland. Though the individual spending habits of each student will vary, please see the budget information below for an estimate of the average out-of-pocket meal expenses.

Program Travel

International round-trip air travel will be arranged for the Ireland study abroad program. This arranged flight generally departs from and returns to Lambert International Airport in St. Louis. The faculty program leaders, Drs. Allison Meyer and Trista Strauch, travel with the group flight to facilitate airport check-in and transfers. Because of the fluctuation in airline prices, the airfare estimate is listed separately below; however, once group reservations are made and the flight is finalized, the ticket cost will be added to the program fee and billed to participants’ MU accounts.

All in-country program travel is organized by CAFNR and is included in the program fee. Some individual local transportation costs may be accrued by students wishing to explore Carlow, Dublin and the other program locations independently during their free time.

Academics

Students earn three credits of AFNR 2191: International Agriculture and Natural Resources (humanities; graded A/F) and should work with their advisors to determine how these credits will count toward their individual graduation plans.

Please be aware that there will be approximately eight mandatory orientation meetings prior to departure. These meetings will begin in March and continue until the study abroad takes place. Exact dates for the meetings will be available shortly after the confirmed program participant list is finalized, generally around mid-March. Participants will be notified of the meeting details via email.

Estimated Cost