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.

James Joyce is the most acclaimed of all the world-famous Irish writers. He is also, perhaps, the most resolutely Irish writer who has ever lived. Meet this brilliant, eccentric writer and examine the relationship between his biography and the story of Ireland. Encounter the places he immortalized in his great work.

While Northern Ireland retains evidence of sectarian strife, it also is home to some of the most stunning and beautiful landscapes on the island, as well as places of great historic and cultural interest. Learn about Carrickfergus Castle, traverse the Giant's Causeway, check out the Bushmills Distillery, and reflect on the town of Derry.

Music, pubs, and poetry might be the first aspects of Irish culture that you think about, but films also embody the spirit of Ireland. See how The Quiet Man, Ryan's Daughter, and others led to a star-studded native film industry. Your great tour concludes with a look at Irish sports, and the way Gaelic football, hurling, and golf are important to Irish culture today.

A native of Sligo, the poet W. B. Yeats captured the spirit of Ireland like none other. Visiting some of the locations he wrote about (including the inspiration for "The Lake Isle of Innisfree" and the mountain Ben Bulben) gives you a new appreciation for both the country and the poet, as well as an understanding of Yeats's role in the Irish Revival.

County Cork is the southernmost county in Ireland, and the city of Cork is the third-most populous city of the island. Investigate Cork's place in Irish history, and then take a tour of the city, from the quays along the river to the art gallery and the Custom House. Round out your visit with a study of St. Fin Barre's Cathedral and Blarney Castle.

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.

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.

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.

Traditional Irish music is deeply rooted in Ireland's past, intrinsically connected to the countryside, and known the world over. Experience Ireland's pub life, have a drink, and encounter the music, ambience, and hospitality you can't find anywhere else. Your pub crawl includes Dublin's Brazen Head, O'Connor's in the rural west, and others. Cheers!