Bethel University Global Studies Group Returns From Historic Tour of…

McKENZIE — A multi-generational group of 19 travelers returned to Nashville on Saturday, March 14, concluding an immersive, eight-day Bethel University Global Studies trip through Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

The travel party, ranging in age from 18 to 70, embarked on March 7 to explore the rich cultures, complex histories, and iconic landscapes of Dublin, Belfast, and Edinburgh. The journey offered a unique comparative look at Ireland’s history within the European Union, juxtaposed with the roles of Northern Ireland and Scotland within the United Kingdom.

History and Heritage
The expedition was led by Professor Stacie Freeman, Director of Bethel University Global Studies, and Dr. Sarah Kidd, Professor of History at the McKenzie-based university.

Under their guidance, the group dug deep into the region’s defining historical events. The educational focus spanned centuries of local conflicts, the dark eras of historical plagues, and the devastating social and economic impacts of the potato famine.

Culture, Landscapes, and Sustainability
Traveling by plane, motorcoach, and ferry across the Irish Sea to Scotland, the travelers covered significant ground. Their arrival coincided with a festive atmosphere, as local communities were actively preparing for St. Patrick’s Day 2026.

Beyond the history, the group experienced the daily life and striking landscapes of the windy islands. Travelers dined on a traditional local menu of food and lodged in nice, spacious hotels throughout the journey. From the windows of their motorcoach, the group took in the region’s famous lush, green pastures and lawns dotted with grazing sheep. They also witnessed firsthand how the islands use solar and wind energy—including coastal windmills—to generate electricity.

Exploring Iconic Landmarks
The itinerary featured a diverse mix of historical landmarks and pop-culture phenomena, bringing the region’s vibrant past to life:

The Book of Kells and St. Patrick’s Cathedral: In Dublin, the group visited the awe-inspiring St. Patrick’s Cathedral and viewed the Book of Kells at Trinity College. The Book of Kells is a world-famous, intricately illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels dating back to the 9th century, renowned as one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures.

Dunluce Castle: In Northern Ireland, travelers explored the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle. Built around 1500, this crumbling medieval fortress is perched precariously on a sheer basalt cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean—a site so striking it is said to have inspired C.S. Lewis’s vision of Narnia.

Central Dublin, where the travelers took a motorcoach and walking tour through the city to see the historic sites of a city preparing for the March 17 St. Patrick’s Day.

The Giant’s Causeway is an area of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. It was one of the travelers’ favorite stopping points.

Edinburgh Castle: The group toured this massive, historic fortress that dominates the skyline of Scotland’s capital from its position high upon Castle Rock.

The birthing room of King James VI of Scotland in Edinburgh Castle. King James ascended as King James of England. He authorized the King James Edition of the Holy Bible. He brought together scholars to translate the Greek and Latin original writings into English, creating an official Bible.

Greyfriars Bobby: While in Edinburgh, they visited the famous life-sized bronze statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a legendary Skye Terrier known for his unwavering loyalty after reportedly guarding his owner’s grave for 14 years in the 19th century. Walt Disney once visited the site.

Cultural Touchstones
The travelers also soaked in the lively, cobbled streets of Dublin’s famous Temple Bar district and visited various local sites and winding streets known to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

A Diverse Travel Roster
The Bethel University trip brought together a broad cross-section of students, alumni, and local community members. The 2026 travel roster included:

Students: Dzum Artem, Azariah Busby, Cianna Haney, Kaylee Staten, and dual-enrollment student Grayson Thompson, a student at Hollow Rock-Bruceton High School. Students were eligible for three hours of college credit through Bethel University and scholarships were available through Global Citizen Adventure Corps.

Bethel Alumni: Joel and Teresa Washburn, Cholena Hopper, and Chris Edlin.

Community Members: Charleace Edlin, Anthony Hopper, Cindi Hall, Tami Hall, Jenny Wilson, Christa Rice, and Donna Taylor.

The travelers safely touched down in Nashville on Saturday, March 14, bringing home a wealth of firsthand historical knowledge and global experience.