Alumnae Chorus 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, Monday June 16: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Tuesday June 17: Galway

Céad Míle Fáilte! Arrive in the Emerald Isle this morning, and drive to Galway while taking in your first views of the majestic countryside. En route, have some free time at Athlone. Check in to your centrally located hotel before enjoying a group welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 18: Galway

Today, you will depart for Knock where you will visit and have the opportunity to sing at Mass (pending approval). Since the apparition on the 21st of August 1879, pilgrims and visitors have been welcomed to Knock Shrine. Return to Galway where you'll have the afternoon to explore at your leisure and have dinner on your own. (B)

Day 4, Thursday June 19: Galway

Today will be a full-day tour of Connemara's circuit. Tour the loop of Connemara via Oughterard &Maam Cross. The landscape is a mixture of rivers, lakes, woodlands, rich meadowlands, rugged hills, and dramatic mountains, and as you near the coast, you'll stumble across a stunning coastline of sandy beaches and blue water. Travel further to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden for lunch. Kylemore is home to a community of nuns of the Benedictine Order who came here in 1920 after their abbey in Ypres, Belgium, was destroyed in World War I. It opened the world-renowned boarding school for girls and began restoring the Abbey, Gothic Church, and Victorian Walled Garden to their former Glory. Continue to the village of Cong, where a local guide will show you filming locations where "The Quiet Man" was filmed. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening in Galway. (B)

Day 5, Friday June 20: Killarney

After breakfast at the hotel, depart early for Killarney. En route, visit the Cliffs of Moher—the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged west Clare coast. Walk the safe, paved pathways and view the incredible Cliffs on Europe's most westerly tip. Enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. Board the Shannon Ferry for a journey across the estuary, linking the iconic tourist destinations of the Banner County of Clare to the Kingdom of Kerry. This is a lovely experience for visitors who want a short, relaxing break as they sail across the majestic Shannon Estuary. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the dolphins, which can sometimes swim so near the ferry in the summer, as if to entertain you. Check into your next hotel and have dinner together. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 21: Dublin

Today is yours to explore the charming town of Killarney at your own pace. Later this afternoon, board the coach and travel to Dublin. Have dinner together and enjoy Dublin at night. (B.D)

Day 7, Sunday June 22: Dublin

This morning, a local guide will give you a tour of Dublin, including visits to Christ Church Cathedral and a tasting at the Guinness Storehouse. This afternoon, rehearse and perform your final concert of the tour. Options include a joint concert with a local ensemble, such as the Newman Vocare Ensemble. Enjoy dinner together tonight. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 23: Dublin

Today is yours to explore Dublin at your own pace. Gather together for a farewell dinner with the Merry Ploughboy traditional music and dancing show this evening. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 24: Departure

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