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.

These include The Guinness Storehouse where you can sample the internationally renowned brew, the stunning St Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedrals, The Book of Kells and Trinity College and the historic Dublin Castle. The magical River Liffey flows majestically through the city and traditional Irish music can be discovered at every turn! Not just home to traditional Irish music, the world premiere of Handel’s Messiah burst onto the stage of the Musick Hall in Dublin in 1742!

Beyond the lively city, there is much tranquility and beauty to be discovered. Heading south, the Wicklow Mountains National Park is one of Ireland’s most untouched regions. Observe the beautiful scenery and perhaps catch a glimpse of the native wildlife, before heading for the spectacular valley of Glendalough with its 6th century medieval monastic remains, one of the most picturesque corners of the whole country. The nearby picturesque town of Avoca, the filming location for ‘Ballykissangel’ is home to the Avoca Handweavers, the oldest working mill in Ireland and purveyor of beautiful goods.

Experience how the powerful and mighty Anglo-Normans may have lived at one of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions, Powerscourt House and Gardens. Wander 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.

In May 2020 we were due to tour the Stirling area in Scotland and due to the current coronavirus pandemic we took the difficult decision to call off the tour. I’d like to give our thanks and praise to Jo and her team for all the planning and preparation she had done to put the itinerary together – she was able to provide us with an excellent range of stunning concert venues, plus some great suggestions for our leisure time, and we look forward to working with her again soon.

Sally ColesSecretary, Cantamici
Jo and her team came up with a fantastic itinerary for our choir and planned everything to the last detail. We always felt we were in safe hands and that they were on the end of a phone to help us with anything we needed. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Rosie SayersChairperson for Sing It Loud Community Choir
One of the best tours we have ever undertaken – musically, socially and geographically. Would heartily recommend Sound Escapes to any group considering a tour.
Carole Lindsay-DouglasAmici SingersWeston-Super-Mare 2023
You’ve been patient and kind all the way through this, Jo – especially with it being the first international tour I’ve done, and with all the unforeseen changes to the travel arrangements, so thank you to you and the team.
Sarah MonteithChoir DirectorResound ChoirParis 2023
Care and attention to detail of the highest degree. The planning with Jo Porter was detailed and meticulous, with nothing being missed, and although she was not involved in the accommodation arrangements, she nevertheless checked it out and acted as an intermediary.
Robin SpencerChoir Secretary, Phoenix Choir
Brilliant tour, expertly organised. Kindness and compassion. Nothing was too much trouble. Colin, our driver, was a complete gem and so knowledgeable about the isle. Lovely hotel staff where nothing was too much trouble
Felicity CourageChoir Director, Courage Choir
Sound Escapes did a fantastic job on arrangements for our tour . Would thoroughly recommend Jo to any choir looking to travel . All feedback has been positive from everyone who travelled . The extra care at meeting us at the coach and check in to ensure things ran smoothly went above and beyond .
Don OakleyMalmesbury ChoirOxford 2023
Fantastic tour in Bonnie Scotland, enjoyed by all who went, singing and non-singing. Brilliant organisation from Jo who really made it all look so easy.
Kate HymansTour organiser for Masterworks Chorale
From cathedrals and abbeys, churches and stately homes, all steeped in centuries of history, some in Roman Towns others in quintessential English ‘picture postcard’ villages, every choir and musical ensemble should spend a tour exploring the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whatever part of the country you to choose to visit, by working with a knowledgeable team of people who know the regions inside out from both a tourism and musical perspective, you will be guaranteed the richest of touring experiences
Tim KnightBritish composer and Choral Director
As a Chorister, and eventually Head Chorister in our local church choir for eleven years, Jo was talented, dedicated and could always be relied on to work to the utmost of her undoubted abilities. I would expect that she would apply the same attributes to her professional life
P BuckmasterChoral Director