The Irish Studies Department at Drew University, NJ, has two major events that will be of great interest to Irish-Americans, and those who are interested in the history and culture of Ireland.

Professor Christine Kinealy, one of the leading historians and authors in the field of Irish studies, is to lead a study trip to Ireland from Jan 5-15th. This trip, which will focus on the history and culture of Dublin, Northern Ireland, and the Northwest counties of Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim is open to all interested persons – students, scholars, and anyone who would relish an authentic and educational visit.

The trip begins in Dublin, and will be launched by Ireland Professor of Poetry, Paula Meehan.  Field trips will include the famous sites of Newgrange, Derry City and Yeats country, the famous Glencolmcille Gaeltacht, Donegal Castle, and many more. All participants will get the opportunity to attend excellent lectures by Professor Kinealy and other guest lectures, artists and experts. There will also be a superb program of cultural entertainment each evening, and the college's base in Donegal allows participants to enjoy an immersion in local culture.

The second event follows the first. Drew University presents an international conference on “Transatlantic Connections” in County Donegal, from January 15 to 18. This is an interdisciplinary conference which will explore the theme of transatlantic connections in the area of history, literature, food culture, film studies and surf culture. To submit a proposal for a paper at this conference, please email nhamill@drew.edu for the call for papers. Submissions for the conference will be accepted until November 15.

The conference will also feature a local history Hedge School, a lecture on the Gaelic language by Liam O’ Cuinneagain, performances by The Henry Girls, Johnny Gallagher, and Clannad’s Moya Brennan, exhibitions by local artists, keynote addresses by Professor Diane Negra, Dr. Easkey Britton, Professor Scott Laderman, a festival of local Irish food and beverages, screening of Irish movies and much more. Students and enthusiasts of Irish studies will be spoiled for choice when selecting from the conference schedule.

Participants are welcome to join the trip and stay on as delegates for the conference, and a conference discount is available to those who do. Undergraduate and graduate students can get credit from Drew University for the trip. The conference is also open to Irish students, scholars and guests.

The trip costs $2,300 plus airfare, and includes accommodation, most meals, all lectures, entrance fees, field trips and entertainments. The trip and conference costs $2,600 and includes accommodation and an all-access pass to the conference. The all-access pass for conference-only delegates is $450. Irish residents who wish to attend the conference should email nhamill@drew.edu for registration information.

For further information, please see the “Transatlantic Connections” website at depts.drew.edu/grad/transatlantic or email Niamh nhamill@drew.edu.