The ICAA is pleased to partner with Classical Excursions to present this tour to the Republic of Ireland, which will feature a stay at elegant, world-renowned Ballyfin. This excursion will be led by Robert O'Byrne, one of Ireland's best-known writers on architecture and design as well as a Board Member of the Irish Georgian Society. During the course of the program, participants will experience private lunches and dinners at beautiful homes while enjoying the splendor of the Irish countryside.
To ensure the safety of our community, the ICAA is requiring that all participants of its travel programs receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot (aside from those eligible for a medical or religious accommodation).
This tour is arranged by Classical Excursions. Please note that a registration form and deposit must be submitted to Classical Excursions and a confirmation of receipt must be received from Classical Excursions in order to be considered registered for this program. Payment of the $500 donation to the ICAA prior to registration does not guarantee placement on the trip. To inquire about registration for this program, please contact Lani Summerville at [email protected] or 413-446-8728.
A fully tax-deductible donation of $500 per person is required to participate in this travel program. Please note that this donation is non-refundable except in the case that this travel program is cancelled by the organization. All travel program participants have the opportunity to receive a complimentary Individual level membership for one year to the ICAA.
Image: Ballyfin, wikimedia/Christina Keddie
Ballyfin
The tour will feature a stay with exclusive use at Ballyfin, now a five-star luxury country hotel. Ballyfin was originally built in the 1820s as a private estate by Richard Morrison and William Vitruvius Morrison. The house is considered highly important in the realm of 19th century Neoclassical architecture, famed for its elaborate Empire-style interiors.
Birr Castle
At Birr Castle, participants will have lunch with the Earl and Countess of Rosse. The castle has been home to the Parsons family for 400 years and contains much of the original furniture and paintings collected throughout generations.
Emo Court
The group will have lunch at Emo Court, a late 18th century Neoclassical masterpiece by James Gandon.
Doneraile Court
Participants will visit Doneraile Court, built in the 1720s and designed by Isaac Rothery for Arthur St. Leger.
Kilshannig
Included is a visit and lunch at Kilshannig, one of the finest Palladian houses in Ireland featuring magnificent plaster work by the Lafranchini brothers. Built in 1760, the home was designed by architect Davis Ducart.
Tourin House & Gardens
Home to the descendants of Sir Richard Musgrave who located here in the second half of the 18th century, Tourin was originally a house built on a 16th century tower. At the beginning of the 19th century, the family demolished part of this building and used the stone to construct a new classical residence.
Cappoquin House
Home to Sir Charles Keane and his wife Corrine, the Keane family has lived at Cappoquin since the 1770s, and today is surrounded by exquisite gardens.
Curraghmore Estate
At Curraghmore Estate, the group will enjoy a visit and lunch with the owners. It is considered one of the great houses of Ireland, and has been home to the same family for the past 800 years. Now, it is home to the 9th Marquess of Waterford and his wife, and features treasures as would be expected of a property occupied by successive generations for so long. At the core of the building is a medieval tower, and the first floor contains spectacular plasterwork created by the Lafranchini brothers in the 1740s.
Russborough House
The tour includes a visit of the incredible Palladian jewel Russborough House. Built in 1741 by Joseph Leeson, "No other Palladian house in Ireland equals it either for its architecture or its spectacular setting."
Doneraile Court (Mike Searle/Wikimedia Commons)
Emo Court (Mike Searle/Wikimedia Commons)
Birr Castle (Lori Strangjpeg/Wikimedia Commons)
If you would like to register, you may contact the travel operator organizing the program. Please note that a $500 donation per person to the ICAA is required in order to participate in each travel program.
Your $500 donation helps to further the ICAA’s goal of advancing the practice and appreciation of the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts by supporting its varied educational programs, including continuing education courses, college workshops, the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture, New Heights, and many more.
Yes, a donation of $500 to the ICAA is required for each travel program you register for. The donation is required for each person attending a tour.
You can make your $500 donation to the ICAA online, or you can download, complete, and mail this form to the ICAA. You can alternatively fax a copy to 212-730-9649. You may also call 212-730-9646 x109 or email [email protected] to make a donation. Donations must be made separately from the registration fee.
No, membership is not required to attend an ICAA travel program. However, complimentary Individual membership to the ICAA is included with your $500 required donation.
For full itinerary and more information, contact [email protected], 860-926-4895. Due to the exclusive nature of our tours, some private locations or visits may be omitted from the ICAA's website.
Over the past several years, the ICAA has travelled to destinations including Paris; Andalusia; Atlanta; Barbados; South Africa; Chicago; the Netherlands and Belgium; Scotland; the French Riviera; Morocco; the Italian Lake Region; Charlottesville; Naples; and New Delhi, among many other locations. The ICAA is always looking to diversify its travel offerings. If you have a suggestion or location you would like to see added, please email [email protected].