PYPO 2023 Concert Tour to 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 July 14: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Saturday July 15: Belfast

Arrive in Ireland this morning and meet your Encore Tour Managers (Libby, Giulia, and Barnaby) at the airport. This morning you'll drive into Northern Ireland and head for Belfast, where a visit to the Titanic Exhibition Centre awaits. The RMS Titanic was built in Belfast's shipyards and the locals love to say about the ship, “She was fine when she left here.” Transfer to the Maldron Hotel Belfast City for check-in and enjoy a group dinner. (D)

Day 3, Sunday July 16: Belfast

Today's activities center on an excursion along the Antrim Coast. First, visit Dunluce Castle, with its magnificent ruins overlooking the Antrim Coast. Next, visit the Giant's Causeway, a natural wonder that features some 40,000 basalt columns created eons ago by a volcanic eruption, and the brooding ruins of Dunluce Castle, sitting atop a dramatic ocean-side cliff. Return to Belfast for an early dinner together, followed by rehearsal at 6:30 pm for tonight's debut concert performance at Elmwood Hall of Queen's University Belfast tonight at 8:00 pm. Your premier concert in Ireland will begin with a special presentation and cultural welcome! (B,D)

Day 4, Monday July 17: Galway

Leave Belfast and drive south west into Ireland for a visit at Strokestown Park house and gardens. Three hundred years of Irish history comes to life with a special focus on the impact of the Great Irish Famine. Continue to Galway to check in to your hotel in time for dinner. The Galway Arts Festival will be in full swing during your stay, featuring hundreds of musicians, artists, poets and performers across a multitude of events. A wonderful time to be in Galway! (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday July 18: Galway

Explore the beautiful Connemara region today, traveling up the spectacular Inagh Valley with the 12 Bens of Connemara on one side and the Maumturks on the other, passing breathtaking scenery en route to the coast and the town of Clifden. Later visit stunning Kylemore Abbey before returning to Galway for dinner. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday July 19: Galway

This morning visit one of Irelands most famous spots, the dramatic Cliffs of Moher at Europe's most westerly tip. Return to Galway to prepare for your second concert at a venue over 700 hundred years old, the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas. Your concert will take place at 8:00 pm this evening. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday July 20: Dublin

Drive east this morning stopping en route at a farm for a real slice of rural Irish life. This fun and interactive introduction to Irish culture includes activities such as a bog visit, a tour of a working farm, sheepdog demonstration, traditional bodhrán drum lesson, sugán rope making, turf cutting, learning the game of Hurling, and baking loaves of the quintessential Irish brown bread. After you work up an appetite, enjoy lunch on the farm. Dinner tonight at your hotel, the Clayton Hotel Leopardstown, just outside the city center. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday July 21: Dublin

Sightseeing this morning shows you the busy streets and tranquil Georgian squares of Dublin. Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, and learn the history of the Irish diaspora and emigration to other countries. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore Dublin at your leisure. Enjoy an early dinner at your hotel, then transfer to Christ Church Cathedral where you will rehearse at 6:30 for tonight's final concert performance which will take place at 8:00 pm. (B,D)

Day 9, Saturday July 22: Dublin

Today's excursion takes you through the countryside to Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains. A picnic lunch will be provided today. Return to Dublin later this evening where you will celebrate your successful performance tour abroad with an evening of Irish food, music and fun at Taylor's Three Rock Irish Night! (B,L,D)

Day 10, Sunday July 23: Departure

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