TELEVISION

Great Tours: Ireland and Northern Ireland

Series: Great Tours: Ireland and Northern Ireland
4.4
(88)
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Episodes
24
Rating
TVPG
Year
2020
Language
English
Publisher
The Great Courses

About

The Great Tours: Ireland and Northern Ireland guides you through the enchanting history, people, and places that make up the Irish identity. Taught by Professor Marc C. Conner, president of Skidmore College, these 24 captivating episodes give you a sweeping tour of the Emerald Isle, from the Cliffs of Moher to the hallowed stage of the Abbey Theatre to the battle-scarred towns of Northern Ireland.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1. A Destination like No Other

30m

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Begin your journey with a look at two of Ireland's most iconic tourist spots, the Rock of Cashel and the Guinness Brewery. These sites represent a microcosm of the fascinating story of Ireland, as well as an introduction to the people and the landscape of the Emerald Isle. Get a preview of the grand tour before you.

2. Prehistoric and Celtic Ireland

30m

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Ireland is steeped in myth, its ancient history shrouded in mystery. Investigate the origins of civilization in Ireland by visiting several ancient sites, including Newgrange and the great Hill of Tara. See what the beautiful ruins can tell us about the Celtic people, their religion, and some of the marvelous myths of Irish history.

3. Early Christian and Medieval Ireland

30m

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St. Patrick is one of the greatest figures in Irish history, inextricably linked to the story of both the island and Christianity. Here, visit several important sites: Croagh Patrick in western Ireland, St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin town, and the Clonmacnoise monastery in the center of Ireland.

4. Ireland during the Protestant Ascendancy

30m

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Much of Irish history involves its entanglement with Great Britain. From the Norman castles to the battlefield of Aughrim to the Georgian architecture in Dublin, the Irish landscape is imbued with relics of British imperialism. Explore the British-Irish divide, which is also a Catholic-Protestant divide.

5. From the Easter Rising to the Present Day

31m

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Round out your survey of Irish history with an exploration of the 20th century. Stops on your tour include the general post office in Dublin, which played a critical role in the 1916 uprising; the town of Derry, home of the infamous Bloody Sunday tragedy; and a typical modern farmhouse in the Irish countryside.

6. Dublin's Fair City

30m

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Shift your attention to modern-day Dublin, the focus of the next several lessons. Here, you will consider the vestiges of the city's medieval roots, including the wood quay that marks the site of the Viking invasion and St. Audoen's Gate, a relic of the old walled city. Then, take a tour of Dublin Castle and Trinity College.

7. Dublin Today, South and North of the Liffey

31m

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Dublin today is one of the most dynamic, cosmopolitan, and exciting cities in all of Europe, and the beauty of Dublin is that it remains a walker's city. Join Professor Conner for a walking tour of Dublin, from St. Stephen's Green to the Liffey River and O'Connell Bridge to the Abby Theatre, and more.

8. The Churches of Dublin

31m

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One of the most distinctive characteristics of Irish culture is its rich and complex religious history. Since the churches of Dublin are particularly potent examples of this characteristic, embark on a tour of Christ Church, St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral, and a variety of smaller churches that are "hidden gems" of Dublin.

9. The Museums of Dublin

32m

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Dublin is blessed with some of the finest museums in the world, museums that purpose to specifically tell the Irish story (especially if you know what to look for). In this episode, Professor Conner guides you through the National Museum of Ireland for Archaeology, the Chester Beatty Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery, and more.

10. Day Trips from Dublin

31m

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If you have a week to spend in Dublin, your visit wouldn't be complete without a few excursions to the countryside. Learn about the attractive village of Slane, the astonishing monastic settlement of Monasterboice, and the mysterious Wicklow Mountains, home of the unforgettable site of Glendalough.

Extended Details

  • Closed CaptionsEnglish