La Canada HS - St Patrick’s Day Festival Trip

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, Wednesday March 15: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Thursday March 16: Dublin

Welcome to Ireland. Arrive at Dublin airport and meet your tour managers. Shake off that jetlage by diving straight into the Irish culture with an Irish Games Experience, where you'll try your hand at three quintessentially Irish sports: hurling, handball and Gaelic Football! Continue to your hotel to check in, freshen up, relax and have a welcome dinner together at the hotel this evening. (D)

Day 3, Friday March 17: Dublin

Today is St Patrick's Day and a major day of celebration in the Irish Republic. You'll play your part in the huge celebrations by performing as part of the main Dublin parade, and spending the day in the city soaking up the unique carnival atmosphere. A guided tour of the city is possible here, once parade traffic restrictions have been lifted. Return to your hotel after dinner (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday March 18: Dublin

Today after breakfast depart for the town of Kilkenny, where the St Patrick's day festivities continue: here you will participate in the town's own parade as performers, or alternatively perform a static performance in the city. Later enjoy a visit to the castle which dates back to the 12th Century (subject to capacity restrictions) , before returning to Dublin for dinner (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday March 19: Dublin

After breakfast this morning, our first visit today is to the Irish Museum of Emigration to uncover the story of Irish emigrants and how they shaped the world. You’ll realize that emigration is not about what people leave behind, but what they bring with them. The museum was founded on the belief that emigration is one of the most interesting ways to fully understand a country. Continue your exploration of Irish heritage with a visit to the iconic Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of the city. Later this afternoon, continue westwards for the city of Galway on the Galway Bay. Check in at your next hotel and have dinner together. (B,D)

Day 6, Monday March 20: Galway

This morning, enjoy a full day tour of the circuit of Connemara. Tour the loop of Connemara via Oughterard & Maam Cross. This landscape is a mixture of rivers, lakes, woodlands, rich meadowlands, rugged hills, dramatic mountains and as you near the coast you’ll stumble across a stunning unpolluted coastline of sandy beaches and blue waters. Visit Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, 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. Later experience Ireland's rural heritage as you witness a sheepdog demonstration on a traditional Irish farm and marvel how man and animal work together in harmony. Afterwards, return to Galway where you'll have dinner, followed by tonight's rehearsal and exchange performance with a local band! (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday March 21: Galway

After breakfast, depart Galway for the Burren, famous for its lunar-like Limestone landscape and its unique flora. About 20 species of Orchids grow wild here. Your next stop will be the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s favourite visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged west Clare coast. Walk the safe, paved pathways and view the incredible Cliffs that sit on Europe’s most westerly tip and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. Their natural beauty has inspired artists, musicians, and poets for generations, as well as absorbing scientists and geologists, drawn by the unique landscape in which they sit. Return to Galway for your dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 8, Wednesday March 22: Dublin

Check out of the hotel this morning and journey back to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. En route visit the ancient heritage site of Clonmacnoise which features buildings dating back to the 6th Century. There is some free time for shopping and time at leisure. Check into the hotel to freshen up and tonight, enjoy a special farewell diinner and Irish Show at The Merry Ploughboy Tavern. Widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin, you'll see a highly entertaining performance of live traditional Irish Music, Song and Irish Dancing with a traditional Irish dinner. (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday March 23: Departure

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