Monmouth Civic 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 18: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States. (B)

Day 2, Saturday June 19: Galway

Welcome to Ireland! After arriving in Dublin, meet your Encore Tour Manager and begin your transfer to the west of the Emerald Isle. En route, stop off in the town of Athlone to visit the ancient monastery site of Clonmacnoise. Founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon, the site includes the ruin of a cathedral, 7 churches (10th to 13th century), 2 round towers, 3 high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graves in Western Europe. Continue to the city of Galway for your first hotel stop and a welcome dinner together (D)

Day 3, Sunday June 20: Galway

Enjoy a full Irish breakfast this morning, provided every morning of your trip, then join your licensed guide for a tour of Galway City. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure, before an early independent dinner. This evenign come together with a local choir such as the Salthill Church Choir or Cor na Saoirse and perform your first concert together, followed by an informal get together with your hosts (B)

Day 4, Monday June 21: Galway

Today after breakfast we'll take a tour of the loop of Connemara via Oughterard & Maam Cross. This landscape is a mixture of rivers, lakes, woodlands, rich meadowlands, rugged hills, dramatic mountains and as you near the coast you’ll stumble across a stunning unpolluted coastline of sandy beaches and blue waters. You'll also visit the Glengowla Sheep farm where you'll see a demonstration of how man and dog work together in harmony to manage the livestock. Later visit the gothic masterpiece of Kylemore Abbey and give an informal recital in the Abbey church (subject to approval). Dinner tonight is independent, back in Galway (B)

Day 5, Tuesday June 22: Galway

This morning take the short transfer to the tiny port of Rossaveal to board the ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. Take a tour of the island by minibus and discover the spectacular scenery, the Black Fort and the World Heritage site of Dun Aonghusa on the edge of 300ft cliffs, as well as the year-round seal colony, and learn about the different symbolic weaves of the Aran sweater. Return to the mainland in time for an independent dinner (B)

Day 6, Wednesday June 23: Dublin

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin your journey to Dublin. The first stop en route is the majestic Cliffs of Moher that sit high above the Atlantic Ocean looking out towards a distant North America. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top visitor attractions and are a designated UNESCO Geo Park. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. From the Cliffs on a clear day, one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains and Loop Head! Continue to Dublin arriving in time for dinner together (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday June 24: Dublin

After breakfast, join your licensed guide for a panoramic tour of the city of Dublin, including the famous O'Connell Street, Dublin's colorful doors, Phoenix Park and the Georgian House. At lunchtime perform a recital at the iconic Christchurch Cathedral, before spending some time exploring this reverent space at the heart of the Christian faith in Ireland. Tonight will culminate with an evening at the Merry Ploughboy, showcasing the best of Irish folk entertainment and cuisine. (B, D)

Day 8, Friday June 25: Galway

This morning you could either remain in Dublin to explore the sights of the city at your leisure, or take an excursion south of the city to the Wicklow Mountains and the Glendalough visitor center, an important pligrimage site since the founding of St Kevin's monastery here in the 6th Century. This afternoon prepare for your final concert, which could be in the Lark Theatre Ballbriggan (sister city of Belmar, Monmouth County), also home to the Irish Institute of Music and Song, subject to confirmation. Enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful tour! (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday June 26: Departure

After breakfsat check out and head to the airport for your return flight to the United States. (B)