Program Dates: May 14 - 29, 2024

Location: Our community partner is the Irish Heritage School, an award winning organization that has worked within Irish Heritage Towns for years to help maximize the benefits of heritage for the local community. The location is Birr in County Offaly. Students will stay with local host families.

 Service Activities: We will be working with the community on the rehabilitation of John's Hall and the surrounding grounds. John's Hall is a historic building of architectural interest that will be used as an educational and cultural space. The work that we complete will be featured in a community-wide event that we organize for the local residents. This multi-facetted program will not only expose you to the extremely rewarding environment of Service Learning within an extremely closely-knit community, but also immerses you in the uniquely rich culture of Ireland – in a less visited location, which will give you a sense of ‘Real Ireland'

About Birr: Birr is a quintessentially classic, small, friendly, and safe Irish town located in the center of the country. The community dates to the 6th century when Saint Brendan of Birr founded a monastery. Birr Castle is 400 years old and has been home to the same family for 14 generations. Birr is a designated Irish Heritage Town due to the abundance of Georgian architecture and is home to many shops, pubs, and restaurants.

 Excursions: Group excursions include visits to Clonmacnoise and other medieval sites and a trip to the Wild Atlantic Way in the Burren including the Cliffs of Moher.

Cost: $3000 (includes food, lodging, excursions and airfare).

 Trip Leaders: Dr. Linda Maule, Dean of the University College, Dr. Nancy Rogers, Vice President of University Engagement.

For more information: stefanie.knott@indstate.edu or contact 812-237-3767. We will contact you with dates for an informational meeting.