Saratoga Springs Celtic Concert Tour of 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, Saturday April 3: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States

Day 2, Sunday April 4: Galway

Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Arrive in Ireland this morning, meet your Encore tour manager and board the bus for western Ireland with stops along the way. Travel through the unique terrain of The Burren and marvel at the towering Cliffs of Moher, a designated UNESCO Geopark. A possible impromptu performance opportunity at the Cliffs — make sure your instruments are ready, as any music performance opportunity could arise! Continue along the scenic coast to the charming seaside town of Galway. Check into your hotel and enjoy a group dinner

Day 3, Monday April 5: Galway

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a full-day coach tour of Connemara with your Driver-Guide. Travel the scenic loop via Oughterard and Maam Cross, taking in rivers, lakes, rugged hills, and unspoiled sandy beaches. Visit Glengowla Mines and Sheep Farm for a sheepdog demonstration, meet the Connemara ponies, and learn about the historic mine abandoned during the Irish Famine Era. Glengowla Mines. Next, explore Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, discovering its rich history and the Benedictine nuns’ legacy. Take time for lunch at the Kylemore Café. In the evening, head to Lackagh for a Cultural Youth Exchange with Lackagh Comhaltas ClareGalway at Coláiste Bhaile Chlair, where local students will exchange traditional Irish music with Saratoga's musicians (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday April 6: Cork

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning walking tour of Galway City. After the tour, depart for Cork, stopping at the iconic Blarney Castle, built in 1446 as a defensive fortress. Be sure to kiss the famous Blarney Stone atop the battlements to receive the gift of eloquence, or “the gift of the gab.” Explore the Blarney Woollen Mills Store before enjoying a traditional music session in the pub at Blarney Castle Hotel—an early evening experience to soak up local culture. Dinner and overnight stay at Blarney Castle Hotel or similar. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday April 7: Cork

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing by coach for Cobh. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre – The Queenstown Story, where you’ll explore Ireland’s rich emigration history, from the early coffin ships to the luxurious transatlantic liners, including the Titanic and Lusitania. Enjoy a stroll up to Cobh Cathedral before continuing on to Kinsale to tour the impressive Charles Fort. This evening, you’ll give your second performance with the Newstown Comhaltas. Overnight at Blarney Castle Hotel or a similar property. (B, D)

Day 6, Thursday April 8: Dublin

After breakfast at the hotel, depart to the medieval city of Kilkenny for lunch and a brief exploration of its charming streets and historic sites, including Kilkenny Castle and the Cathedral. A possible impromptu may occur at the castle. Continue to Dublin. Enjoy an evening on the Luas tram system and have dinner in Dublin, experiencing the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Day 7, Friday April 9: Dublin

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a morning lecture on the history and development of Irish music at the Irish Traditional Music Archive. Then, enjoy a self-guided visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, standing on Dublin’s oldest Christian site, where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts and where Ireland’s first university was founded in 1320. Spend some free time in Dublin before a private session with local musicians at The Merry Ploughboy Pub, followed by dinner and a lively traditional music show, featuring Irish song, dance, and the very best of fresh Irish cuisine. Overnight at Clayton Hotel Leopardstown or similar.

Day 8, Saturday April 10: Departure

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