Get creative
Warm-up your dancing feet and your music makers. Watch Riverdance, then join the show by playing the bodhran or by learning a “1-2-3” with this Irish dance tutorial.
Need more inspiration? Rock out to some U2 or color some Celtic knots.
Pick a film
Watch a movie that relates to your destination. Some ideas for Ireland include:
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (don’t miss the sighting of Lemon Rock and the Cliffs of Moher)
- P.S. I Love You (be on the lookout for scenes in Dublin and the Wicklow Mountains)
- Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens and Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (keep your eyes peeled for Skellig Michael)
Study some history
Dive deep into the history of specific sites you’ll visit on tour. Study the Irish war of Independence, the Irish Civil War, or The Troubles that followed between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Then, take a virtual tour of these ten Irish museums!
Choose a book
Read and discuss a book that takes place in your destination or describes the local culture. Pick from titles like:
- Dubliners by James Joyce
- A Star Called Henry by Roddy Doyle
- The Sea by John Banville
Fill up your plate
Arrange a potluck and encourage your friends to bring a traditional dish from your destination. Know a chef? Hold a virtual cooking class with your travel group, or support a local restaurant that offers delivery/take-out of your destination’s cuisine. Try Irish stew, a full Irish breakfast with a cup o’ tea, or a boxty.
Learn the language
Call up a friend or set up a group video chat and practice your language skills. It helps to make flashcards with common sayings to use on the phone or throughout your travels (think about ordering at restaurants, buying souvenirs, and chatting with locals).
Did you know?
Irish Gaelic is the first official language of the country. However, English is the recognized second language and is more commonly used throughout Ireland.
Meet Your Partner in Travel
Irene has been an Irish dancer her whole life and has traveled to Ireland four times to compete. Her favorite parts about the Emerald Isle are the live music, the kind locals, the Irish breakfast, and the small colorful towns.