Overview
Take your team to Ireland to grow their skills and experience its proud soccer tradition. They’ll learn from professionals in exclusive coaching clinics, compete against local teams, attend a professional soccer match, and get a private tour of Croke Park—Europe’s third-largest stadium. Explore the incredible cities of Dublin and Galway, visit the oldest university in Ireland, and learn the origins of Gaelic games that have been on the island for 2,000 years. Close out the trip with a breathtaking excursion to The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
Itinerary
Day 1
Start tour
Day 2
Arrive in Dublin
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Welcome meeting and orientation
Training session led by your own coaching staff
Participate in a training session at a local field in the area.
Dinner
Day 3
Dublin city walk
Get a friendly introduction to Dublin with your Tour Director. Cross the Ha’Penny Bridge, stroll through the lively Temple Bar district, and stop at the Molly Malone statue. Along the way, see Georgian squares, castles, and cathedrals that showcase the character of Ireland’s capital.
Trinity College & Book of Kells visit
Discover Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland. Trinity was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. The beautiful campus features cobbled squares, gardens, a picturesque quadrangle and buildings that date from the 17th to 20th centuries. Trinity College is also home to the Book of Kells, an 8th-century version of the four Gospels decorated with elaborate scripting and illumination. We will view this famous treasure and other early Christian manuscripts in the Colonnades, an exhibition area on the ground floor of the Old Library.
Friendly soccer match
Play an international friendly match against a local club or academy team. The team will meet and compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and have the opportunity to make friends for life.
Dinner
Day 4
Experience Gaelic Games
Actively participate and learn more about the Irish sports and its role in Irish society. The four Gaelic sports such as Gaelic football hurling, have been on the island for over two thousand years and the vast majority of Irish have a special place in your heart for just "their team."
Attend professional soccer match
Experience a professional soccer match like never before as you chant and cheer alongside passionate fans and watch world-famous, international players go cleat to cleat on the field.
Dinner
Day 5
Croke Park Stadium guided visit
Croke Park has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years. This magnificent stadium is actually the third largest in Europe. Its size is only part of its greatness, however, as you’ll discover on this eye-opening, access-all-areas tour. From quirky insights into why Croke Park’s grass is always greener to learning about defining moments in Irish history, the passionate Tour Guides will take you on an inspiring journey.
Friendly soccer match
Play an international friendly match against a local club or academy team. The team will meet and compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and have the opportunity to make friends for life.
Dinner
Day 6
Travel to Galway
Limerick city walk
Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Founded by Vikings, the city thrived due to its position on the River Shannon until the Cromwellian conquest. After years of neglect, the city is now experiencing a rebirth, and the historic districts of the city center offer plenty to see and do. Take a Walking Tour with your tour director of the historic city center, known as King John's Island, renowned for its fine Medieval architecture.
Training session led by your own coaching staff
Participate in a training session at a local field in the area.
Dinner
Day 7
Professional coaching clinic
Participate in this special clinic with a guest coach, player, or instructor. The clinic is designed exclusively for your team and to enhance your skills in the areas identified by your coaching staff.
Galway city walk
Meet Galway, the lively bayside city often compared to San Francisco, on a walking tour led by your Tour Director. Begin at the Spanish Arch, built to protect the docks where Spanish traders once moored their ships. Continue along Quay Street, lined with colorful shops, cafés, and pubs that capture the city’s Bohemian charm. Visit St. Nicholas’ Church, Ireland’s second-largest medieval parish church, crowned by its distinctive pyramid-shaped spire. Conclude in Eyre Square, the heart of Galway life, where locals gather amid green lawns, historic monuments, and fountains celebrating the city’s maritime heritage.
Galway Cathedral visit
Visit Galway Cathedral, one of the city’s largest and most impressive landmarks. Its architecture blends many styles, with a Renaissance-inspired dome and pillars, and rose windows and mosaics that reflect Christian art traditions. Standing 145 feet high, the cathedral’s dome is a defining feature of the city skyline.
Dinner
Day 8
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher excursion
The Burren, Cliffs of Moher visit
Friendly soccer match
Play an international friendly match against a local club or academy team. The team will meet and compete against athletes of similar ages and skill levels, and have the opportunity to make friends for life.
Dinner
Day 9
Travel to Shannon
Fly to Ireland
Please note that due to limited service to Shannon, a transfer from Dublin will likely be substituted.
End tour
Already Included
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Dedicated team practice time (details in itinerary)
Tickets to local games/matches (details in itinerary)
Scenes from Ireland
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.