Peabody Children's Chorus - Ireland

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday June 25: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday June 26: Galway

Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Arrive into Ireland this morning, meet your Encore tour manager and transfer to your hotel in the famous city of Galway, renowned for its culture and musical heritage. On Route to your hotel visit Clonmacnoise depending on refurbishment works. Founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century, Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s most important monastic sites, set along the eastern bank of the River Shannon. Your visit will include time to explore the ruins of the cathedral, seven historic churches (dating from the 10th–13th centuries), two round towers, and three remarkable high crosses. The site also contains the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe After, check in to the hotel, freshen up and relax. Enjoy a welcome dinner together in the hotel this evening. (D)

Day 3, Sunday June 27: Galway

Today you will explore the Connemara region. A land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains, the Connemara is a region of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language and where little has changed since the beginning of time. It is without a doubt the wildest and most romantic part of Ireland. Next see Kylemore Abbey, the oldest of the Irish Benedictine Abbeys with a community of nuns who have resided there since 1920; it boasts beautiful Victorian walled gardens. This afternoon rehearse and perform your debut concert performance! Enjoy dinner together tonight at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday June 28: Killarney

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Killarney. First, visit the Burren, famous for its Lunar-like limestone landscape and its unique flora. The travel to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher that tower over the rugged west Clare coast and offer spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. Today a packed lunch will be included to enjoy amongst these scenic views. We will then travel south to meet the ferry that will take us from Kilmer to Tarbert on a 20 minute journey across the Shannon Estuary linking the Banner County of Clare with the Kingdom of Kerry. On arrival in the town of Killarney, check in and enjoy dinner together at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 29: Killarney

After breakfast, set out for a full-day exploration of the world-famous Ring of Kerry, one of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenic routes. Travel through charming towns and villages such as Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, and Waterville, and take in the panoramic views from Coomakesta Pass overlooking Derrynane, home of Daniel O’Connell, “The Liberator.” Continue on through Sneem and Moll’s Gap, passing the stunning vistas of Ladies View, Killarney National Park, and the Lakes of Killarney. Enjoy packed lunch today as you take a guided walking tour of Derrynane Dunes and Beach, then return to Killarney in the late afternoon. This evening, enjoy an unforgettable concert performance at a local venue, such as St. Mary's Church of Ireland. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Wednesday June 30: Waterford

Check out of the hotel this morning and drive to the city of Waterford. En route, visit Blarney Castle, built in 1446 as a defensive fortress. The castle which stands today is in fact the keep of a much larger fortress. All visitors should kiss the famous Blarney Stone, high up on the Castle battlements. Tradition holds that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will be endowed with the gift of eloquence - “the gift of the gab” as the locals call it! After the castle, visit the Blarney Woolen Mills Store. Continue to visit the Cobh Heritage Centre. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday July 1: Waterford

This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Waterford, including a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, located on a 1.5 acre site on the Mall in the heart of Waterford city. The new manufacturing facility includes highly skilled local craftsmen and will produce 40,000 crystal pieces per year using traditional methods. This afternoon, rehearse and perform your next concert performance which may be in conjuction with a local ensemble. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday July 2: Dublin

Begin your day exploring the breathtaking Glendalough Valley, one of Ireland’s most beautiful natural and historic sites. Discover the ancient monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin and enjoy a walk among peaceful lakes, stone ruins, and towering hills that tell stories from centuries past. Afterward, head to a family-run farm set in the rolling hills of County Wicklow. Here, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch before meeting the friendly farm animals and learning what it’s like to grow up on a real Irish farm. Hear how the farm produces top-quality milk—used exclusively for the famous Baileys Irish Cream—and join in on some fun outdoor games and activities. Continue to Dublin where you will check into your next hotel and enjoy dinner together at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday July 3: Dublin

This morning, a local guide will meet you to give a panoramic sightseeing tour of Dublin, including O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, and Leinster House. Today you'll perform your final performance as a part of St Patrick's Cathedral's lunchtime concert series (pending approval). You'll then visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum where you'll uncover the story of Irish emigrants and how they shaped the world at this interactive museum. Tonight, celebrate your successful performance tour of Ireland with a night of Irish music, food and fun at Taylors Three Rock! (B,D)

Day 10, Sunday July 4: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)