Richard Pena cordially invites you to join him on the customized and unique journey to Ireland. Visit Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and marvel at the beauty of the Emerald Isle and warm welcome of its people.    

Richard writes "I hope you will consider coming with us on this unforgettable delegation to Ireland. Our 2023 delegation was a huge success, so much so that we are returning to further explore the Rule of Law in Ireland.

The mission of this program is to explore the role of law, music and culture in the multiple internal conflicts experienced by the Irish people and how music emerged as an agent for social change. We will also be meeting with local lawyers and others involved in the legal system and will explore and observe the commonalities and differences of the Northern Ireland (UK) system and that of the Republic of Ireland. Emphasis will be placed on the future of Ireland (One Ireland) as we witness the beautiful Emerald Isle. Topics may include the Good Friday Agreement, Brexit, Conflict Resolution and Mediation or other topics of particular interest to the group as well as how music has been used to assist social change

Professional Connections & Peer Engagement:

✓ The program will be eligible for MCLE accreditation.

✓ Program will explore the role law and music played in Ireland’s conflicts.

✓ Meaningful interaction and collaboration between program participants and law professionals in Ireland will include meetings local solicitors like former senior counsel and mediator Turlough O’Donnell, SC to share the history, successes, failures, and current modern-day challenges that face the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Topics will be further defined around the interests of the group. He has an expertise in mediation and extensive practice in the Superior Courts focused on civil litigation.

✓ Meet with faculty at local university like University College Cork and/or University of Galway.

✓ Talk with Cal McCarthy, a local historian and expert on Michael Collins and Irish patriot and revolutionary hero about his involvement in the 1916 rebellion, War of Independence, Treaty talks and Civil War.

✓ Visit with nuns Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly a former barrister and reporter involved in the Peace Talks

✓ Accompanying guest program – guests will enjoy privately guided cultural activities.

Cultural Immersion & Music Traditions:

✓ Take part in a panel session with loyalist and republic music communities including a former internee turned Republic councilor who is also a traditional musician. See a demonstration of marching band music with discussion about Loyalist music traditions at the Ulster Scots Center.

✓ Meet with Christy and Sheila at the Doolin Music House for a fun music and storytelling session.

✓ Explore the beautiful landscapes of Ireland including iconic locations like the Cliffs of Moher, the Book of Kells at Trinity College, and the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum.

✓ Learn about the souths of history during a visit to the Brú Ború Heritage Center.

✓ Enjoy a walking tour of Drogheda with a guide from the local homeless community of Galway.

Please come an join me in Ireland to experience the journey of a lifetime where you are sure to make new friends, broaden your professional network, and have stories to tell forever more". 

Richard Pena

"It's all about customer service. Tapping the knowledge, expertise and communication capability of a Nanda Journeys means our group gets expert advice, customized to our interests, knows what to expect each step of the way, gets answers and help on all those impossible exceptions that crop up, and returns from the adventure having an experience that lasts a lifetime…and craving even more.”  G. Crispin - Business Owner

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Depart from a New York area airport today and fly to Dublin. The Emerald Isle is spectacularly beautiful, with green rolling hills, majestic coastlines, and picturesque country lanes. But what you will take home with you, are the stories of the Irish people, their warmth, and their beautiful hospitality. 

The mission of this program is to explore the role of law, music and culture in the multiple internal conflicts experienced by the Irish people and how music emerged as an agent for social change. We will also be meeting with local lawyers and others involved in the legal system and will explore and observe the commonalities and differences of the Northern Ireland (UK) system and that of the Republic of Ireland. Emphasis will be placed on the future of Ireland (One Ireland) as we witness the beautiful Emerald Isle. Topics may include the Good Friday Agreement, Brexit, Conflict Resolution and Mediation or other topics of particular interest to the group as well as how music has been used to assist social change both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland.

Professional Participants - As this Nanda Journey is focused primarily on professional development, costs associated with your participation on the program may be tax deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. Consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility.  

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change based on availability of hotels, flights and hosting organizations at the time of finalization of booking. Comparable meetings and activities will be arranged should an itinerary change be necessary. 30 days before departure, a finalized itinerary will be available and reflect final details.

After clearing Immigration and Customs procedures, the group will be met by your national guide and driver. In route to a local lunch enjoy a panoramic driving tour of Dublin. For those arriving separate to the group, Nanda Journeys with pre and post extensions and private transfers.  

Later today visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Trinity was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory and is the oldest university in Ireland.

Next make your way to explore the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum which showcases the history of Irish Rock music. This tour traces the evolution of Irish Rock, from the 1970s to today; you will discover anecdotes about many Irish and international artists such as The Pogue’s, The Frames, U2, Thin Lizzy and Sinead O'Connor. You will get to explore behind the scenes of the famous Button Factory, behind the Wall of Fame, and the recording studios where the Academy Award-winning film Once was filmed, and where Christy Moore, Rihanna, Will.I.Am and The Script recorded.

Check into the 4*Radisson Blu Royal Hotel with amazing views in the Irish capital. The hotel has onsite dining at Chancery Grill, a bar and lounge, fitness center, business center, spa and more. Guest rooms have free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, iron, safe and a kettle for tea or coffee. 

Dinner will be provided at the hotel. 

Overnight: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Lunch & Dinner

This morning, meet with your local colleagues including Turlough O'Donnell SC and other invited guests. Discussions will be customized to fit the interests of the professional members of the journey after enrollment.

The mission of this program is to explore the role of law, music and culture in the multiple internal conflicts experienced by the Irish people and how music emerged as an agent for social change. We will also be meeting with local lawyers and others involved in the legal system and will explore and observe the commonalities and differences of the Northern Ireland (UK) system and that of the Republic of Ireland. Emphasis will be placed on the future of Ireland (One Ireland) as we witness the beautiful Emerald Isle. Topics may include the Good Friday Agreement, Brexit, Conflict Resolution and Mediation or other topics of particular interest to the group as well as how music has been used to assist social change both in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland.

Lunch will be provided this afternoon.

Accompanying guests: This morning guests will explore Malahide Castle and time at leisure in Howth today. Malahide Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles. The 100-hectare estate was founded in the 12th century by the Anglo-Norman Talbot family and was occupied by this family until 1976. The castle contains much of its original 16th Century furnishings, a minstrel’s gallery, and a unique collection of Irish historical portraits. Guests may dine in Howth today if timing doesn’t work to get you back for lunch with the others.

The group will have some free time later this afternoon with dinner by individual arrangement (own expense). 

Overnight: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Check out of your hotel and make your way to Cork today, in route stop to visit Brú Ború Heritage Center (translated as “The Palace of Boru”). This national heritage center at the foot of the Rock of Cashel, is a cultural and interpretative village designed around a village green and home to the study and celebration of Irish music, song, dance, storytelling, theatre, and Celtic studies. They are an affiliate of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the Irish cultural movement which has over 400 branches worldwide.

Lunch is by individual arrangement before heading onward to Cork.

This afternoon, professionals will visit University College Cork or similar. UCC Law is ranked as one of the top 100 law schools in the world. They are an award-winning institution with a history of independent thinking stretching back over 170 years. UCC is proud to be ranked in the top 1.1% of universities in the world. Their beautiful university opened its gates to just 115 students in 1849. They now have a student population of over 24,000. Chat about topics of mutual interest including Brehon Law. 

Accompanying guests: Guests will enjoy a panoramic tour of Cork starting in the city center. Sights you will see along the way include St. Finbarr Cathedral, the Butter Museum, the Town Hall, and the Cork City Jail. You will have a chance to stop to visit St. Finnbar’s Cathedral, an ornate building, with three huge spires in the early French Gothic tradition. It features an organ of 3,000 pipes and the interior is highlighted by unique and stunning mosaics.

Check in at the Kingsley Hotel is a luxury 4* hotel in Cork and just minutes’ walk from Cork City center. The hotel has onsite dining, health club, spa, meeting rooms and more. 

Dinner will be provided this evening at the hotel.

Overnight: Kingsley Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning, the group will enjoy a private guided tour of the Michael Collins House with Cal McCarthy, a resident historian, and a revered local author. He is the museum curator as well as general manager and has graciously agreed to share his knowledge with our delegation. He will give the group a private tour of the museum and speak more about Michael Collins and his significant role in Irish history. Collins is an Irish patriot and revolutionary hero, and his life story is entwined with the history of the fight for Irish Independence.

A seafood lunch will be provided in Kinsale. 

Enjoy some free time to explore and shop this afternoon in Kinsale. There are some quaint local shops in the area and much to explore. 

Dinner is on your own this evening. 

Overnight: Kingsley Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch 

Head out today for explorations outside of town. First stop is at the Doolin Music House late this morning which will include a light lunch of smoked salmon, brown bread, Irish cheeses, and a glass of wine or soft drink. Christy Barry and his partner Sheila have entertained friends and musicians at their home for many years, sitting around the fire playing music and telling stories. Although the pub sessions are extremely popular, they realized that many of their visitors preferred to listen to traditional music in the intimate environment of their home. As a result, they open their lovely home to visitors so they can experience local Irish music in the relaxed surroundings of their home. Christy talks and discusses the history of traditional Irish music and plays great tunes together with his friend James Devitt. You will enjoy the experience of visiting a local home, enjoying local company, and listening to a good traditional music session around the fire.

Following explore the Burren region to visit the Cliffs of Moher. One of Ireland's most spectacular sights, it stands 230 meters above the ground at their highest point and 8 km long. The Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.

Head onward to Galway to check into your hotel. 

Dinner is on your own this evening. 

Overnight: Clybaun Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

This morning professionals will continue your discussions with a visit to an academic institution like the University of Galway. A visit will be requested with the Irish Centre for Human Rights, one of the world's premier academic human rights institutions, dedicated to the study of human rights, peace and conflict, international criminal law and humanitarian law, international refugee and migration law, gender and human rights and climate justice. 

Accompanying Guests: Enjoy a walking tour of Galway city with a local guide this morning. Mainly a pedestrian only area, the city center is a great place to explore. Start in Eyre Square and finish at the Claddagh. You will pass by Lynch Castle, Saint Nicholas Church, the famous Spanish Arch and more. 

Lunch is by individual arrangement back at the hotel before the group gathers for your afternoon activity.  

This afternoon the group will visit Micil Distillery for a tasting. Located in Salthill, Galway City along the Wild Atlantic Way, Micil is the only operating distillery in the county and city. One of the most highly rated food and drink experiences in Galway, they host engaging and fun tours and tastings year-round. 

Enjoy some free time before dinner at a local restaurant or pub this evening. 

Overnight: Clybaun Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast check out for your transfer to County Down. In route stop for a walking tour of Drogheda with a guide from the local homeless community. My Streets empowers people who are homeless to become paid walking tour guides and breathes new life into places through the art of storytelling. The program was established in 2014, has trained 51 people who are homeless and delivered tours to 11,000 customers to date. Experience 1,000 years of history distilled down to one hour with harmonica and the odd bad joke thrown in and you have Cyril and Martin's tour of Drogheda! Beginning outside St. Peter's church on Anglo Norman West Street the tour takes you through the trials and tribulations of the past 1000 years and gives an idea of how the modern Drogheda came to be. With a jig and a reel thrown in what else could you want.

Lunch will be provided this afternoon before you head to Newcastle to check into your local hotel.

Burrendale Hotel is a leading 4* hotel nestled beneath the Mountains of Mourne, just 45 minutes from Belfast or Newry. They offer an extensive range of restaurants, bars, conference facilities. Event space, a spa and more. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, use of the country club facilities and delightful views.

Dinner is by individual arrangement. 

Overnight: Burrendale Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today head to Belfast to meet with representatives from the Ulster Scots Society (Agency) for demonstration of marching band music and discussion about Loyalist music tradition with refreshments. The term Ulster-Scots (Scotch Irish) refers to the people who migrated from the Lowlands of Scotland and the communities they established across Ireland. Their rich heritage and cultural traditions contributed greatly to industry, language, music, religion, sports and more. At this venue there will be discussions with members of the local Loyalist music community about how music fits into their community and history. The group will also get a demonstration of traditional instruments such as the pipe and Lambeg drum.

After a local lunch a meeting will be requested today with a local lawyer like Trevor Ringland, an international rugby player appointed in 2021 as the UK's first special envoy to the United States on Northern Ireland. Trevor is responsible for promoting Northern Ireland interests across the US - in the Administration, Congress and within the Irish American community seeking to foster greater dialogue with key US stakeholders on causes of importance to NI and its people. 

Accompanying Guests: Explore a drive along the Mourne coastal area with a stop at a beach like Tyrella or Ballhornan and stop to explore Dundrum Castle before meeting up with the group at Saint Patrick’s Center. Believed to have been built in or around 1177, Dundrum Castle was built by John De Courcy as part of his coastal defense after he invaded Ulster. Explore from Portaferry via Strangford to Newcastle, runs along the coast of County Down, through an area known as Lecale. This is Saint Patrick’s Country, where Ireland’s patron saint established his first church and began his Christian mission. 

In route back to Newcastle enjoy a stop for a visit with nuns Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly at the Saint Patrick Center. Learn about their unique story and how a former barrister and reporter involved in the Peace Talks turned to the religious order. Chat about The Troubles, road to peace and Good Friday Agreement and their involvement in that along with other topics of interest.

Dinner is on your own this evening. 

Overnight: Burrendale Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

This morning, attend a panel discussion session including members from the loyalist and republican music scene who will talk about how history politics and culture have affected their music, and vice versa. Attendees may include a former independent republican councilor active in the local government for 30 years who was interned during the Sixties and is a traditional musician, guitarist, and a fine singer. We will also invite a singer songwriter from a prominent loyalist family who can touch on the commonality as well as the differences within the two musical traditions. 

Accompanying Guests: This morning guests will set out for a visit to Nearynogs Stoneground Chocolate for a visit and tasting. Proudly operated by husband-and-wife team Shane and Dot, the business takes its name from stories written and told by Shanes’ Dad Johnnie Neary, entitled NearyNógs. Guests are welcome to attend the panel session as an alternative if they prefer. 

Lunch is by individual arrangement. 

This afternoon the group will enjoy a scenic drive in the Mourne Mountains. Explore the highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland. Beloved by hikers, hillwalkers, and cyclists the Mournes have also long inspired songwriters and storytellers, and influenced C.S. Lewis to write ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.’ It's a landmark of international importance, its 12 peaks have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and with miles of footpaths to explore, there's plenty to see and do.

Say goodbye as you reflect and share memories over a farewell dinner filled with music, food, and entertainment (a bit of Céilí and craic as it’s called locally). 

Overnight: Burrendale Hotel (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Drive to the Dublin International Airport for check in for your flight home. Depending on the flight time, lunch is by individual arrangement.

Included meals: Breakfast

Program Leader: Richard Pena, Law Office of Richard Pena P.C., Austin, Texas 

We are excited to have Richard Pena leading this legal delegation. Richard is a veteran delegation leader, having led 19 legal delegations to countries throughout the world, including one to Ireland. He has received the Eisenhower Achievement Award for being an outstanding legal delegation leader and is a national leader in the legal field. 

Richard has served as the President of the State Bar of Texas , President of the American Bar Foundation,  Past President of the Austin Bar Association, is a former Chair of the Texas Bar Foundation, and former Chair of the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. Richard has received three Presidential Citations from the State Bar of Texas for is meritorious service to the profession. He has received the Distinguished Lawyer Award presented by the Austin Bar Association as well as the Difference Maker Award by the ABA General Practice , Solo and Small Firm Division.  He has also received the Spirit of Excellence Award in the ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession. The Texas Bar Journal recognized him as a  legal “trailblazer” in its February 2014 issue. Richard has the highest rating in the legal profession based on his AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. 

He is a Vietnam Veteran and is co-author of the book Last Plane Out of Vietnam. 

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