(PHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 9, 2004) – This coming summer brings excitement and anticipation to Phoenix College students who will take part in the second annual Ireland Study Abroad program at Charleville Castle in Tullamore. Last year’s program proved to be a success and this coming summer will only be better. Several additions have been implemented to the program including an extra week for participants to travel the beautiful Ireland countryside.

Participants will spend a stimulating three weeks exploring some of Ireland’s most pristine wonders. Students will also attend scheduled art classes held onsite at Charleville Castle, a controversial piece of architecture which was designed and built by the famous Frank Johnstons.

Phoenix College art professor and program coordinator, Dale Doubleday, is eager to lead participants through a very educational and memorable experience.

“The Phoenix College Ireland Study Abroad program offers students a unique opportunity to study art at a historic gothic revival castle in central Ireland,” said Doubleday. “The castle is complete with a dungeon, ghosts, towers, and 2,000 acres of medieval oak forest, including a Druid grotto. This rich environment is the perfect place to help students unleash their creativity.”

While using the castle as their muse, students will participate in drawing and painting workshops, art history, digital storytelling and photography, gothic art and a variety of special projects. All of the classes will begin with three full days in Dublin that will focus on the best of Irish art, history and music. Participants will also visit Trinity College, the National Gallery and Christchurch Cathedral.

“My experience in Ireland is something that I will never forget,” said Phoenix College English Department Administrative Secretary, Julia Carrillo, who enrolled in the program last year. “The beauty of the landscape, the warmness of the people and the experience to be able to travel to the land of some of my ancestors was more moving than words can express. The Digital Storytelling class allowed me to learn how to take such an experience and express it in a way that my words cannot. By adding photo imagery, music and narration, I was able to put together a story of the Irish and their struggles and triumphs over the past 800 years in a six minute digital story. This is something that I can cherish forever.”

Whatever their passion, participants will find plenty of inspiration to create incredible artwork with this unique and amazing opportunity.

This is an affordable way to experience the real Ireland with knowledgeable guides, unique access to a cultural site and receive college credit. Here is what is in store for participants:

--22 days with round-trip air, accommodations, admissions and breakfast at your hotel daily;
--Day tour in Dublin;
--Visit to Trinity College with viewing the Book of Kells;
--Visit to Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin;
--Paid accommodations in Tullamore with three full days of personal exploration time;
--Complete access to a working castle - dungeons, Druid mound, 2,000 acres of forest;
--Classroom activities, expert instruction and guidance;
--Guest lectures and access to cultural and historical experts;
--Side excursions to historic and cultural sites (Clonmacnoise, bog lands and more);
--Four day excursion exploring counties, Offaly, Kerry Cork, including the "Ring of Kerry;"
--Project critiques and reviews while you earn college credit;
--Gala farewell dinner and celebration at Charleville Castle; and,
--Irish music, art and dance performances at Charleville Castle.

Charleville Castle is located on major rail lines, close to everything. Breakfast will be served at your hotel and lunches on class days are included and will be served at the castle. No meals will be served on travel days. See the proposed itinerary for more details. Itinerary is subject to change. Click here for pricing details.

Registration is now open and deposits are being accepted at the Phoenix College cashier’s office. A $200 deposit is due by January 30. For further information, please call (602) 285-7277 or visit www.pc.maricopa.edu/art/ireland.

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