Expression International - Tour Information

Tour Information

Transitions
Real People in the Real Peace

A new idealism has taken hold in the New Northern Ireland. Living in tolerance and understanding of opposing traditions is no longer considered to be incompatible with pride in ones own identity.

The first in Expression International's new IN DEPTH tours of Northern Ireland visits the path towards peace.

The New Northern Ireland tour connects real people with real places in an exploration of the recent political achievements combined with an analysis of how they have changed the lives of people in the country on both sides of the border and in both communities.

We explore issues that are now current in the resolution of conflict: issues such as decommissioning, parades, prisoner releases, the rights of victims and new governmental structures.

"Many of those at the forefront of peace today were those at the forefront of
yesterday's violence. Experience teaches there is another way."
Catherine Bescond-Sands

One thing you learn is that very little remains the same in the New Northern Ireland, yet so little changes. If that sounds like an Irishism, it is. And it is true. The language, the cultural mores, the social structures are changing at breathtaking speed; yet the bedrock of society remains the same. We help you discover why.

IN DEPTH tours are designed to give each person an authentic and intense feeling for Northern Ireland. The flexibility built into each tour allows travellers to break away from time to time in order to discover the North on their own.

COMMON INTEREST

Tailor Made
Tours in Depth

IN DEPTH tours are not restricted to themes of peace and conflict resolution in the New Northern Ireland.

Groups may prefer a trip with an emphasis on history or art. There may be a keen interest in the monastic sites of Ireland, or the Archaeology, or the Christian tradition. Perhaps the traveller wishes to study the historical religio-political Systems that are at the base of northern society. Maybe the interest is in music and storytelling.

The oral storytelling tradition in Northern Ireland is one of the strongest in the developed world and IN DEPTH gives travellers first hand experience with skilled practitioners in this ancient art.

IN DEPTH tours are arranged around common interests. The only requirement is that six or more people share that interest. That is the minimum. We can accommodate up to 40 guests on the same tour.

IN DEPTH tours are for groups of between six and 40 people.

TAILOR MADE

Each IN DEPTH tour is tailor made to fit the desires and needs of the group. Expression International understands that some people prefer five star accommodations whilst others prefer to stay with local people. We arrange all accommodation according to the personal preferences of the people involved.

Expression International has become renowned throughout Europe for scheduling highly personal, almost intimate, tours of the North of Ireland. We try to ensure that all our visitors sample as much of the island as possible during their stay.

Christian heritage, Ancient Churches, Monastic sites, Celtic Crosses, Prehistoric sites, Art, Architecture, Archaeology, Languages, Celtic studies, Dance, Music, Hillwalking, Storytelling, Writing, Literature.

YOUR HOST

Madame Catherine Bescond-Sands has been organising tours to Ireland since 1986. A native of France and a language graduate of Caen University, she is a director in Expression International language school. She brings to the New Northern Ireland IN DEPTH not just tremendous local knowledge, but a sense of what outsiders will find of interest. She has a way of opening doors that others find difficult. Her husband, Tommy Sands, is the well-known Irish folk singer.