(PHOENIX, Ariz., Sept. 17, 2004) - Nestled within 2,000 acres of lush, green Ireland landscape, Charleville Castle not only served as a classroom, but also as a muse to a group of 25 Phoenix College students this summer during a unique study abroad endeavor.

Although their mission was to create art, the participants quickly discovered a world quite different from their own. Their new discovery has now translated into a passion which focuses on treasuring and preserving the Charleville Castle.

The Charleville Castle has a rather controversial past. The castle, which was designed and built by the famous Frank Johnstons, was originally constructed as a British outpost to keep the Irish at bay. Regardless of its past, the Charleville Castle is a true example of Gothic Revival architecture in Ireland and its presence has captivated locals as well as tourists from abroad.

When restored, the Charleville Castle has the potential to support the town and its people through tourism. Long-term leaseholder, Dudley Stewart hopes to take this tourist destination one step further and make it an international educational base. Currently, Quest College, a chartered educational institution, is Stewart's vision for the future. Stewart hopes to bring people from all over the world into his castle, where they can study and learn from one another in a non-threatening environment. While at the Charleville Castle, students will also work on global issues that impact everyone.

In the meantime, while Stewart works to achieve his goal, students like those from Phoenix College will enjoy a unique setting while taking study abroad classes at the castle during the summer months.

Along with scheduled classes, students discover some of Ireland's most pristine wonders including: Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Heraldry Museum, Durrow Abby and the Book of Durrow, Shannon River, Bridget's Healing Well, Clonmacnoise, and the matchmaking town of Lisdoonvarna.

When the students were not traveling the countryside, they were creatively working at the castle.

From photography to digital storytelling, students embraced the castle's atmosphere to create amazing work. These internationally created pieces will be on display in the Phoenix College Art Gallery through Oct. 6. The exhibit, which will showcase pieces of art in different mediums, will uniquely reveal the heart and soul of this past study abroad adventure.

For more information on the next Ireland Study Abroad Tour, please call (602) 285-7281.

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Photos by: Trisha Brazda