Welcome to the Republic of Ireland! A magnificent emerald of an island situated to the west of Great Britain.
Brimming in mystique and charm, Ireland truly is an enchanting place to visit, where legend and reality mingle effortlessly.
There is so much to see here, the vibrant capital city of Dublin contrasting with the peace and serenity of nearby ancient Wicklow, beautiful and untouched scenery steeped in Irish folklore where fairies, merrows and leprechauns, are commonplace! Beyond the bustling metropolis of Dublin and historic towns of Kilkenny and Cork, there is a wilder side to Ireland, with the stunning scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way and the glorious picture-postcard destinations of West Cork, Dingle, Galway, the Ring of Kerry -the list is endless.
From St. Patrick’s Day Festivals to the Cork Sailing Festival and the Galway Arts Festival, there are over 400 celebrations on tap each year. Music, food, literary, Celtic, film and comedy festivals keep the good craic rolling. Traditional Irish music is renowned the world over and never fails to lift the spirits and the list of world famous musicians who hail from Ireland is impressive. Welcoming and known to love a good party, the Irish people are a particularly happy and lively nation who are just waiting to welcome you to the Emerald Isle so you too can revel in the Irish ‘craic’! In the famous words of Irish novelist George Moore, ‘A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it’ and once you’ve visited Ireland, it is guaranteed you’ll never what to leave!
*official star rating *official star rating *official star rating *official star ratingOur Tour Highlights
Dublin, Ireland’s Ancient East & ‘Garden’ County
The vibrant city of Dublin has so much to offer its visitors, the warmest of welcomes and an array of unique attractions. ...more
Kilkenny, Killarney & Killimer
Similar by name but contrasting in nature and location within the Emerald Isle and all well worth a visit. ...more
County Limerick
Founded by Vikings in the 9th century, Limerick is one of Ireland’s oldest cities, located where the majestic River Shannon meets with the wild Atlantic. ...more
The Wild Atlantic Way – Galway & Donegal
Spanning 9 counties in West Ireland and a distance of 2,500 km, the Wild Atlantic Way offers jaw-dropping scenery, dreamlike landscapes and an untamed spirit for adventure! ...morePerformance Venue Highlights
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
Located at the edge of Temple Bar with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, the Cathedral is at the heart of Dublin City. Almost 1000 years old and originally a Viking Church, the history of Christ Church Cathedral reflects the history, both religious and political, of Ireland. Music forms a very important part of cathedral life with the long-established Cathedral Choir founded in 1493.
St Stephen’s Green, Dublin
An oasis of green calm amid the hustle and bustle of Dublin, St Stephen’s Green Park is a historical park and garden, located in the centre of Dublin city. Its four centuries of history are eventful and complex, involving such important figures in Irish history and the name derives from a 13th century St Stephen’s church no longer in existence. The park is home to many species of birds and plants, several historic monuments and bandstand.
St Audoen’s Church, Dublin
Located in the heart of the walled medieval city, St Audoen's Church is the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin and dates back to the 12th Century. A very beautiful and intimate setting, the acoustic and setting is much admired by all who sing there. Its historical and architectural legacy is exhibited in the nearby Visitors Centre which is also well worth a visit.
St Enda’s Park, Rathfarnham
Located in the suburbs of Dublin City, St Enda’s Park is one of the most charming and atmospheric parks, with its riverside walks, unique follies, waterfall and walled garden. Situated in the grounds is the Pearse Museum, formerly a school and now named after Patrick Pearse, a teacher and one of the leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916. The beautiful setting makes it a popular place for a weekend visit.
Church of Assumption, Howth
Situated on the scenic coastline to the north of Dublin Bay and a popular tourist spot, the Howth Peninsula is a beautiful place to visit with its rocky cliffs and pretty village. Built at the end of 19th century the Church of the Assumption church in the village centre is a welcoming and pretty church combining the architectural characteristics of the Hiberno-Romanseque period with the Gothic Revival of the late 19th century.
Powerscourt House and Gardens, County Wicklow
Experience how the powerful and mighty Anglo-Normans may have lived at one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions, Powerscourt House and Gardens. Sing within the magnificent Italianate Gardens, abundant in exotic plants, trees and shrubs with a magnificent blend of sweeping terraces, ornamental lakes and secret hollows surrounded by the breathtaking views of nearby Sugarloaf, Wicklow’s most distinctive peak.
St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway
The largest remaining medieval church in Ireland with an active congregation welcomes musicians from all over the world.St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, is a welcoming and inclusive church. Dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, patron saint of children and seafarers, in recognition of Galway’s status as a port town. The church has paid host to famous visitors over the centuries including Christopher Columbus in 1477 and the less welcomed Cromwellian troops in 1652 after the siege of Galway.
Choral Festivals in Limerick, County Limerick
Limerick plays host to two highly-esteemed annual weekend choral events that invite both national and international choirs to participate in a wonderful weekend of singing. The internationally renowned Limerick Choral Festival offers choirs a competitive event in the springtime and the Limerick Sings International Choral Festival, a non-competitive choral festival every June. Across the two individual events, performances take place in spectacular venues including the Redemptorist Church, St Mary’s Cathedral, University Concert Hall and Holy Trinity Abbey Church Adare.
Castletown House and Gardens
Built in the early 18th century for the speaker of the Irish House of Commons, Castletown is the largest and most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland set amongst beautiful 18th century parklands of Celbridge, Co.Kildare. Offering a variety of performance venue options within the house and grounds including the Pleasure Gardens, the Courtyard and Hunting Room in the East Wing, there are also numerous events throughout the year during which your ensemble may perform.
Where To Stay
Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel, Adare, County Limerick
Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Aspect Park West, Dublin
Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Oranmore, County Galway
Sample Itinerary
Morning Afternoon Evening Day 1 Travel to Dublin by air or by ferry from the UK to arrive mid-morning/lunchtime At leisure to enjoy the sights of Dublin Welcome refreshments followed by your evening meal at the hotel, then time to socialise! Day 2 Day excursion in Dublin with time to enjoy the sights Afternoon concert/recital in a church, Christchurch Cathedral or bandstand in Dublin Evening meal and overnight in Dublin area Day 3 Day excursion in Dublin with time to enjoy the sights Optional additional concert in Dublin Evening meal and overnight in Dublin area Day 4 Morning visit to the Powerscourt Estate and spectacular gardens with potential informal concert in the gardens or cafe Afternoon excursion to Glendalough Visitor Centre and the pretty weavers village of Avoca Evening meal and overnight in Dublin area Day 5 Excursion to Castletown House and Gardens with concert in either the house or gardens Late afternoon departure for hotel in Portlaoise Evening meal and overnight in Portlaoise Day 6 Full day excursion in the heart of Kilkenny, Ireland’s most historic and compact city. Afternoon or evening concert/recital in a church, park, arts centre or Cathedral within Kilkenny Evening meal and overnight in Portlaoise Day 7 Onwards to County Limerick with morning excursion to Foynes Flying Boat Museum and Irish Coffee making tuition Board the Shannon ferry and take the scenic coastal drive to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher & Visitor Experience, a UNESCO Geo Park Evening meal and overnight in County Limerick Day 8 Spend the day exploring the lively and very musical town of Limerick Afternoon or evening concert at St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick Evening meal and overnight in County Limerick Day 9 Morning excursion travelling through Connemara National Park, one of the wildest and most beautiful regions in the whole of Ireland. Afternoon arrival in Westport, one of Ireland’s most photogenic towns Evening meal and overnight in County Galway Day 10 Full day excursion exploring the colourful, medieval city of Galway Final concert at St Nicholas Collegiate Church, Galway Farewell meal and overnight in County Galway