Michigan State University Education Abroad Trip 2022
Michigan State University students visiting Kylemore Abbey in Connemara
In May 2022, eighteen students from Michigan State University traveled to Ireland with Irish Oak Tours on an Education Abroad trip, to learn about the horse industry in Ireland. They spent fourteen days touring Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, staying in Armagh, Galway, Mitchelstown and Dublin.
The first day of the trip was spent on a short Boyne Valley tour, en route to the town of Armagh in Northern Ireland. The River Boyne runs through County Meath, an area rich in history. The students visited Mellifont Abbey, the ruins of a 12th century Cistercian abbey.
Mellifont Abbey
The tour also paid a quick visit to Monasterboice, an early Christian monastery dating from the 6th century, where fine examples of early Celtic high crosses can be seen, as well as a round tower, and some early church ruins.
The Michigan University students spent five nights in Northern Ireland, staying in Armagh. One of the highlights of their time in Northern Ireland was their experience of a large Irish agricultural show, the annual Balmoral Show, where as well as equestrian show events, there were many local traders exhibiting their wares, and all the atmosphere of the fair. The students also visited some local equestrian centres and stud farms.
They also spent some time touring Northern Ireland, visiting Belfast City, touring the murals of the nationalist and loyalist areas, signing the Peace Wall, and visiting Titanic Belfast. Another day was spent on the spectacular North Antrim coast, visiting the Giants Causeway and Dunluce Castle. One evening was spent dining at the Armagh Cidery.
Giants Causeway
Dunluce Castle
Titanic Belfast
Signing the Peace Wall at Belfast
St Patrick’s RC Cathedral Armagh
Climbing to Armagh Cathedral
Touring by luxury 48 seat coach
Fun at the Balmoral Show
Connemara Ponies at Armagh
Dining at the Armagh Cidery
After a very enjoyable time in Northern Ireland, the next stop was Galway in the west, where the group stayed for three nights. While in Galway, the students were able to go horse riding in Moycullen, visit a therapeutic riding centre in Cleggan, and explore Kylemore Abbey, Connemara and the Aran Islands. A great night was had at the medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle.
