Trip 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 July 13: Overnight Flight

After a rehearsal at the airport hotel you will prepare to depart from the United States.

Day 2, Tuesday July 14: Galway

Céad Míle Fáilte! Arrive in Shannon in the Emerald Isle this morning, and drive to Galway while taking in your first views of the majestic countryside. Upon arrival, discover Galway during a sightseeing walking tour. Check into your centrally located hotel and have dinner together. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday July 15: Galway

Today you will explore the Connemara region. A land of lakes and rivers, bogs and mountains, the Connemara is a region of small villages where Gaelic is still the spoken language, and little has changed since the beginning of time. Settling at Kylemore, the Benedictine Community opened a world-renowned boarding school for girls and began restoring the Abbey, Gothic Church, and Victorian Walled Garden to their former glory. You will have your first performance opportunity in the Abbey today (pending approval). This afternoon, return Galway where you will unwind in the lively atmosphere of the city. Enjoy dinner together at a local pub. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday July 16: Galway

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Atlantic to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Step back in time with a visit to Dun Aonghasa, a breathtaking prehistoric fort perched on the edge of dramatic cliffs. Spend time exploring the island’s rugged beauty and charming culture by mini-bus, taking in the traditional stone walls, native flora, and sweeping coastal views. In the afternoon, return by ferry to Galway and have dinner together at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday July 17: Galway

Today, travel to the Cliffs of Moher. Walk the safe, paved pathways to view the incredible Cliffs on Europe’s most westerly tip, and enjoy the spectacular Atlantic Ocean and Aran Islands vistas. Have an early dinner this evening in preparation for your second performance at a local venue, such as St. Nicholas Church, during the Galway Arts Festival. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday July 18: Waterford

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your coach and depart for Waterford with a stop en route in the medieval city of Kilkenny. Upon arrival, enjoy a self-guided visit of Kilkenny Castle (subject to availability), a historic landmark originally founded as a wooden tower by Strongbow in the 12th century and later rebuilt in stone by William the Earl Marshall in 1260. Then, continue your journey to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, where you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday July 19: Waterford

Today you'll visit the House of Waterford Crystal, located on a 1.5-acre site in the heart of Waterford City, just steps from the River Suir and nestled within the historic Viking Triangle. Here, witness skilled local craftsmen at work using traditional methods to produce over 40,000 pieces of exquisite crystal each year. Dinner is on your own tonight followed by a private evening of Irish music in Waterford! (B)

Day 8, Monday July 20: Tipperary

Travel to the Cashel Palace Hotel in Cashel, County Tipperary. Upon arrival, guests will have the opportunity to relax and settle into the luxurious Palace Hotel, one of Ireland’s highest-rated properties. This evening, perform an intimate third concert in Cashel at the elegant Ballroom of the Cashel Palace. This special performance will be open to hotel guests and members of the local musical community, with promotion and support from Coolmore, owners of the Cashel Palace. Dinner follows at Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen, a charming gastropub owned by the hotel and just a short walk away. Overnight accommodations are at the Cashel Palace Hotel, a beautifully restored 18th-century residence that offers refined elegance, historic charm, and stunning views of the Rock of Cashel. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday July 21: Dublin

The morning is yours to relax before departing for an exclusive visit to the Fethard Horse Country Experience and Coolmore Stud. The tour continues to Coolmore Stud, the world-renowned thoroughbred breeding farm situated in County Tipperary. Set across 7,000 acres of lush limestone land in the Golden Vale, Coolmore is considered the premier location for breeding champion racehorses. Continue to Dublin, where the evening is free to enjoy the city at leisure. Dinner will be on your own this evening. Overnight accommodation is provided at the Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham, centrally located on Dublin’s historic O’Connell Street. (B)

Day 10, Wednesday July 22: Dublin

After breakfast at the hotel, the group will board their private coach and meet a Local Step-On Guide for a panoramic sightseeing tour of Dublin. Highlights of the tour include O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, Leinster House, the iconic Ha’penny Bridge, and the city's famed Georgian architecture, complete with colorful Dublin Doors. The journey continues with a visit and tasting at the Guinness Storehouse, where guests will learn about Ireland’s most famous export. Housed in a striking building modeled around a giant pint glass, the tour concludes at the Gravity Bar, offering panoramic views of Dublin and a complimentary pint of Guinness. This afternoon will be your final perforamnce of your tour at Christ Church Cathedral (pending approval). After your performance, enjoy dinner together. (B,D)

Day 11, Thursday July 23: Departure

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