University of Tampa Chamber Singers - 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, Sunday March 21: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Monday March 22: Galway

Arrive in Ireland this morning and meet your Encore Tour Manager at the airport. This morning you'll dive straight into Irish culture with an Irish Games experience: try your hand at Gaelic Football, Hurling, or Handball, and learn how sport is just as much a part of Irish culture as music and dance! Later continue to the tiny city of Galway for dinner and your overnight stay (D)

Day 3, Tuesday March 23: 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 first concert, which could be a joint concert with the University of Galway Choir at a local venue such as the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, a venue over 700 hundred years old! (B,D)

Day 4, Wednesday March 24: Galway

Explore the beautiful Connemara region today, traveling up the spectacular Inagh Valley and including Oughterarder and Mamm Cross passing breathtaking scenery en route to the coast and the town of Clifden. You'll also visit the Glengowla mine and farm today, where you'll experience traditional rural farming life in the form of a spectacular sheepdog demonstration. Today sees the possibility (subject to approval) of a recital in the historic Kylemore Abbey, before a return to Galway for dinner together (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday March 25: Dublin

Drive east this morning arriving back in the capital city Dublin in time to spend the afternoon exploring the city with your tour manager. Dinner tonight is in your hotel (B,D)

Day 6, Friday March 26: Dublin

On this Good Friday public holiday, spend this morning sightseeing with a licensed guide 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 your concert venue for another shared performance opportunity with the chance to socialise with your new musical friends over dinner and drinks! (B,D)

Day 7, Saturday March 27: Dublin

Today pay a visit to the center of the Catholic faith in Ireland, the historic St Patrick's Cathedral, the site of which has housed a church since the 5th Century AD. This afternoon visit a 'shrine' of a different kind as you tour the Guinness Storehouse, learn all about the production of the unique black 'stout' beer, and taste the finished article. Return to the city this evening to celebrate your successful performance tour with an evening of Irish food, music and fun at The Merry Ploughboy (B,D)

Day 8, Sunday March 28: Departure

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